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Fires in watercraft occur regularly in California and we are often called in to investigate the origin and cause. Much of the state is on the coast, and those areas that are not are near bodies of water. Those areas that are not by the ocean or the lakes are inhabited by people with watercraft ready to get to the water.
The investigation of watercraft fires presents interesting issues not seen in vehicles or structures and a basic understanding of the construction and operating systems within a watercraft can be helpful during the investigation.
Watercraft fall into three categories; boats, ships, and yachts and the terminology for the boat/ship/yacht is different than any other property. A general knowledge of boating terms will assist in making the narrative of the origin and cause report more accurate and professional and allow a better understanding when interviewing a watercraft owner. Although there are many more, these are the basic nautical terms referring to watercraft;
BOW - The forward part of a boat.
STERN - The after part of the boat.
FORWARD - Toward the bow of the boat.
AFT - Toward the stern of the boat.
PORT - The left side of a boat looking forward.
STARBOARD - The right side of a boat when looking forward.
INBOARD - More toward the center of a vessel; inside.
OUTBOARD - Toward or beyond the boat's sides.
MIDSHIP - Approximately in the location equally distant from the bow and stern.
AMIDSHIPS - In or toward the center of the boat.
BULKHEAD - A vertical partition separating compartments.
HULL - The main body of a vessel.
GUNWALE - The upper edge of a boat's sides.
BOAT - A fairly indefinite term. A waterborne vehicle smaller than a ship.
SHIP - A larger vessel usually thought of as being used for ocean travel.
YACHT - A pleasure vessel, a pleasure boat.
CABIN - A compartment for passengers or crew.
COCKPIT - An opening in the deck from which the boat is handled.
BRIDGE - The location from which a vessel is steered and its speed controlled.
LAZARETTE - A storage space in a boat's stern area.
GALLEY - The kitchen area of a boat.
CUDDY - A small shelter cabin in a boat.
Boats, ships, and yachts are constructed primarily of wood and fiberglass with the predominant exterior finished surfaces being fiberglass. The interior surfaces can also be fiberglass, but are many times upholstered and padded synthetic materials over wood or fiberglass. Decks can be wood or fiberglass, sometimes covered with carpet and pad. Materials used are primarily synthetic because of moisture customary to watercraft.
Falling somewhere between a vehicle and a dwelling, boats have relatively small compartments with a comparatively high and volatile fire load. Fire extension, drop down, and radiant heat issues in watercraft present differently than dwellings, primarily because of compartment size and finishes. There is also comparatively more ventilation potential in most portions of a watercraft, although below deck, the opposite can be true.
A study conducted by BoatUS and published in Seaworthy magazine reported the following statistics on vessel fires, comprising a review of fire claims over a two-year period:
• 55% AC and DC wiring and appliances
• 24% Engine and transmission overheating
• 8% Fuel leaks
• 7% Miscellaneous
• 5% Unknown
• 1% Stoves
Electrical fires are responsible for over half of the fires evaluated. Issues to consider with respect to electrical wiring on watercraft include corrosion due to water and/or salt water, which can create a current flow, even in circuits not otherwise flowing electricity, and vibrations and movement, which can loosen connections and cause resistance heating.
We will complete our discussion of boat fires in next month’s column.
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