If I partitioned the front for a bedroom, would that cause bss fire escape problems? Or will the side hatch in the living area cover that?
Yes the side hatch into bathroom is a botch but nothing's perfect.
The paint is worse in reality with lots of rusty spots on the roof etc etc. Something to keep son busy and earn his keep so not bothered really.
It's advice not mandatory.
Emergency escape
The examination will include advice on your boat’s escape routes.
Your safety, that of your crew and that of visitors to the boat is in
your hands, but we will offer you some information and advice to
help you with that responsibility. To that end we bring to your
attention the risks of having only one escape route from your boat.
One escape route can easily be blocked by fire with the potential
to trap someone within a burning boat.
Is the vessel provided with adequate means of escape?
Check each accommodation space for the means to escape.
Measure the minimum dimensions of clear openings used as a means
of escape such as hatches, windows or ports.
If a fixed window or port is designated an escape route, check that a
means of ‘breaking-out’ is present.
Each accommodation space is recommended to have at least two
means of escape.
The recognised minimum clear opening for a means to escape is 0.18m2
(279 in2
) and all openings must accommodate a 380mm (15 in)
diameter circle.
A means of ‘breaking out’ any fixed window or port designated as an
escape route can only be recognised if it is stored adjacent to it.
Notes – At the time of examination, if two means of escape meeting the
minimum recommendations cannot be identified; the examiner will record
what was found and alert you so that you are aware of this important
safety issue that may affect yourself and your crew.
Best practice b
If a window or hatch is the secondary means of escape, we
recommend using a suitable proprietary fire or emergency exit
label to identify it. It may help people not familiar with your boat
to escape in an emergency.
i Information
If the introduction of a second means of escape involves cutting
or removing structural members, e.g. deck beams, frames or
stiffeners, owners are advised to seek professional advice from
the boat builder, supplier or a professional marine surveyor
before commencing work.
Best practice b
With regard to polystyrene thermal insulation, soft furnishings,
fabrics and foam filling materials, we recommend checking with
your supplier or the manufacturers’ statements that any such
material meets the latest national or international standards for
fire-resistance, and for release of smoke and toxic gases in fires.
Lot's of people cut nasty hatches into their boats on the false advice it was mandatory to do so.