Mars Report 2012 – Experience Feedback
The Nautical Institute has issued Mars Report No. 60 regarding temporary cabin light fitting started fire as follows:
On the evening before departing from a marina, the Skipper and mate of a charter yacht (certified for a maximum of 60 passengers for day trips close to shore) accompanied some of the guests ashore for a meal. Just as they were returning to the vessel, the fire alarm activated.
After ensuring that all the guests mustered at a safe location, the mate entered the crew messroom to view the fire detector panel. It indicated that there was a fire in the zone forward of the collision bulkhead, where his cabin was also located. When he entered the zone, he saw smoke coming from within his own cabin. He found an electric light fixture lying on the bunk with the incandescent bulb still burning. The patch of mattress in contact with the hot lamp was smouldering. He isolated the power supply, and removed the fitting clear of the bunk and smothered the localised fire, leaving only a slightly scorched mattress.
Result of investigation
1 The cabin was originally provided with a proper bedside reading lamp, but as the switch could not be reached from the bunk, and because there was no spare to replace the fused bulb, a previous occupant had jury-rigged a non-approved light fitting by clamping it to the defective light fixture on the bulkhead;
2 The mate had neglected to turn off the portable light before going ashore. During his absence, the clamp had loosened and the light had fallen on to the bunk, heating the mattress spot in contact with the lamp to beyond its self-ignition temperature;
3 Due to the nature and size of the vessel, the fire detector and alarm system had only limited functions and there was no fixed fire extinguishing system serving the living spaces;
4 The vessel was provided with no fireman’s outfit / SCBA set, only two fire hoses, one nozzle and a hydrant key. These accessories were inappropriately stored inside the paint room;
5 No remote starting arrangement was provided for starting the fire pump.
Corrective action
The temporary light was removed and the original light fixture was restored and fitted with new electrical wiring incorporating a dimmer / switch combination secured within easy reach of the bunk.
To view relevant photos click at Mars Report No. 60 – Temporary cabin light fitting started fire
Source: Mars/Nautical Institute
