Recent boat explosions in Fort Lauderdale have highlighted the importance of detecting fuel vapors as a key fire prevention measure in boating. Authorities attribute these incidents to the accumulation of fuel vapors, which can lead to devastating explosions. Ted Sensenbrenner from BoatUS Foundation emphasizes that if boaters smell gasoline, they should investigate as it could indicate a serious problem. He recommends several safety practices for fueling, including shutting off engines, removing unnecessary passengers, and ensuring proper boat venting to mitigate explosion risks.
"It's usually the result of fuel vapors accumulating somewhere," said Ted Sensenbrenner, director of boating safety at the BoatUS Foundation, a national nonprofit based in Virginia.
"If you smell gasoline, there is probably a problem," Sensenbrenner said. "Any boater can do the sniff test."
"Shut off the engine as well as electronic devices, including appliances," Sensenbrenner said.
"Yachts should be vented," he added. "Batteries can have fumes that are a potential for danger as well. That can make you sick."
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