Although it is very early in the Alabama marina fire investigation process, the boating industry needs to take a good hard look at marine requirements for early warning detection and safe egress. Optimum egress can not always be insured in a boat but the requirement for early warning detection should be enhanced to improve ASET (Available Safe Egress Time). The Conception Dive Boat disaster did not have working smoke of fire detection in the area of origin egress time was denied those who perished. It is not rocket science. Today’s vessels are equipped with sonar, radar, GPS, AIS, autopilot, etc., but not smoke detection. Those who insure recreational vessels and Subchapter T vessels (like the Conception) should put some emphasis on this +50 year old fire safety technology that marine industry regulators have ignored for too long.
Horrific tragedy.
Although it is very early in the Alabama marina fire investigation process, the boating industry needs to take a good hard look at marine requirements for early warning detection and safe egress. Optimum egress can not always be insured in a boat but the requirement for early warning detection should be enhanced to improve ASET (Available Safe Egress Time). The Conception Dive Boat disaster did not have working smoke of fire detection in the area of origin egress time was denied those who perished. It is not rocket science. Today’s vessels are equipped with sonar, radar, GPS, AIS, autopilot, etc., but not smoke detection. Those who insure recreational vessels and Subchapter T vessels (like the Conception) should put some emphasis on this +50 year old fire safety technology that marine industry regulators have ignored for too long.
John McDevitt
jmcdevittcaptain@aol.com
610-220-5619
NFPA 302 Watercraft – Chairman
Accredited Marine Surveyor – SAMS
USCG Licensed – 100 Tons – Since 1992