When it comes to fire suppression systems, marine applications require specialized knowledge and equipment. Understanding the nature of fire hazards in a marine environment is crucial for selecting the right system for your vessel.
The sea is a harsh environment for any machine, especially one that has as many moving parts as a boat or ship. The salt water that surrounds it can cause corrosion and rusting of metals, while the moisture in the air can create condensation within electrical systems.
When you combine those factors with other sources of ignition such as batteries, diesel engines, and flammable liquids, the potential for fire becomes very real.
Choosing a marine fire suppression system is not a decision to take lightly. There are many factors to consider, and different types of fire suppression systems available to meet specific needs. If you are in the market for a marine fire suppression system, here are some things to think about before making your final decision.
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How will you be using the boat?
The use of the boat is an important factor when it comes to choosing a marine fire suppression system. For example, if you plan on using your boat for commercial use, you need to make sure that your system meets the Coast Guard requirements for commercial vessels. The same goes if you plan on using your vessel for pleasure. The purpose of the vessel determines the regulations for the fire suppression system—and whether or not one is even required.
What type of fuel does your boat use?
The type of fuel used in your vessel also plays a role in determining what kind of marine fire suppression system you need. For example, gasoline-powered boats have different regulations than diesel-powered boats do for their fire suppression systems. It is crucial that you understand these regulations when choosing a system that best fits the needs of your vessel.
Automatic detection
Because a fire can break out at any time, it’s important for your system to automatically activate if it detects a rise in temperature or soot levels. If you’re sleeping when the fire starts, for instance, you shouldn’t have to rely on someone else waking up and detecting the problem so that he or she can manually turn on the system.
Fuel shutoff capabilities
Once the marine fire suppression system activates, it should shut down your fuel line so that the supply of fuel is cut off and the fire is no longer able to spread. This feature is particularly important for boats that are powered by gasoline because gasoline is highly flammable and can lead to a serious inferno if not contained quickly.