Fire Safety on the Water's Edge
Marinas, boatyards and waterside sites
A fire in a marina can spread quickly between closely moored boats, and pontoons can be long, narrow and difficult for the fire and rescue service to reach. Add fuel berths, gas cylinders, boatyard hot work and boats charging from shore power, and the risks are very different from a typical building.
The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to the premises a marina or boatyard operator controls, including offices, clubhouses, workshops, chandleries, boat storage areas and pontoons. Where fuel and other flammable substances are stored or dispensed, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) also apply.
We understand how marinas work, and give you practical recommendations that protect berth holders, staff and visitors without getting in the way of day-to-day operations.
Risks We Assess
Fire spread between boats
How quickly a fire could spread along a pontoon or between boats stored ashore, and what can be done to limit it.
Pontoon escape and access
Escape routes off long pontoons, access for the fire and rescue service, and the provision of fire points and firefighting equipment.
Fuel and gas
Fuel berths, fuel storage and LPG cylinders, assessed alongside DSEAR requirements.
Shore power and batteries
Shore power connections and the charging of lithium-ion batteries in boats, e-bikes and tools.
Boatyard work
Hot work, paints and solvents, workshop housekeeping and control of contractors and owners working on their own boats.
Liveaboards
People sleeping on board bring a sleeping risk, which needs to be reflected in warning and evacuation arrangements.
One Site, Many Users
Marinas often host other businesses, such as boat sales, engineers, restaurants and sailing schools, alongside hundreds of berth holders. Where there is more than one responsible person on a site, they must co-operate and share information about fire risks.
We can help you set out practical fire safety rules for berth holders and contractors, and make sure your emergency procedures are understood across the site.
Emergency Planning
- Raising the alarm across a large, open site
- Isolating fuel and shore power in an emergency
- Meeting and guiding the fire and rescue service
- Moving vessels away from a fire, where it is safe to do so
- Arrangements out of hours and when the site is unstaffed
Services for Marinas
Frequently Asked Questions
Does our marina need a fire risk assessment?
Yes. The Fire Safety Order applies to the premises you control, including buildings, boatyards and pontoons. Your fire risk assessment should also consider the risks moored and stored vessels bring to the site.
How many fire points do we need on our pontoons?
There is no single number. Your fire risk assessment should set out what is needed based on the length and layout of the pontoons, how people would escape, how the fire and rescue service would get access, and how quickly a fire could spread.
Do you cover fuel berths?
Yes. We assess fuel berths and fuel storage as part of the fire risk assessment, taking account of DSEAR. Where a separate specialist DSEAR assessment is needed, we will tell you.
Operate a marina or boatyard?
Talk to us about a fire risk assessment designed for waterside sites.
Talk to Us About Marina Fire Safety
Tell us a little about your building and what you need. A consultant will come back to you with a clear scope and quote.