TRAVEL SMARTER
When boarding a liveaboard dive vessel, your focus is likely not on fire safety. Yet fire is one of the most serious emergencies a vessel can face at sea. Stack the odds in your favor by understanding the fire suppression systems commonly found on liveaboards. Know what they look like and how to use them if a fire emergency occurs.
Liveaboards typically rely on a layered approach to fire safety: using built-in suppression systems for engine spaces and galley areas paired with portable equipment for cabins and common spaces.
Engine rooms often have fixed fire suppression systems in the form of carbon dioxide or clean-agent systems that flood the compartment to smother flames. These systems are activated from outside the engine room and are clearly labeled, often with red pull handles and warning signage. Divers should never enter an engine space after such a system has discharged, as oxygen levels can be dangerously low.
Galleys may also have automatic hood suppression systems designed to extinguish grease fires above stoves and fryers. While passengers aren’t expected to operate these systems, it’s helpful to recognize the signage and understand that alarms or engine shutdowns may accompany activation.
Most divers are familiar with standard fire extinguishers. Liveaboards will typically have ABC dry chemical extinguishers, which can handle ordinary combustibles, flammable liquids, and electrical fires. They are usually wall-mounted in hallways, near exits, in the galley, and sometimes inside cabins.
Look for red canisters with pressure gauges and clear instruction labels. Knowing the PASS method — pull, aim, squeeze, sweep — can make a critical difference in
an emergency.
Fire blankets are another common and often overlooked tool. Usually stored in flat red pouches near galleys or common areas, fire blankets are ideal for smothering small galley fires or wrapping around a person whose clothing has ignited. They’re simple, effective, and require no technical knowledge. Just pull down, cover the flames, and protect yourself as you do so.
Some modern liveaboards also carry supplemental fire suppression balls. These small, lightweight spheres activate automatically when exposed to flame and disperse a fire-suppressing powder. They may be mounted in high-risk areas or kept as a backup tool that can be tossed into a small fire from a safe distance. While not a replacement for extinguishers, they can provide an extra layer of protection.
During your first safety briefing, take a few minutes to mentally map the locations of the fire extinguishers, blankets, and exits, especially the ones closest to your cabin. Notice emergency signage, and ask questions if something isn’t clear. Just as you check where your life jacket is stored, knowing where fire suppression tools are kept is part of being a responsible traveler.
Fire safety at sea is a shared responsibility. Crew training and onboard systems are critical, but personal awareness matters just as much. Being prepared, staying calm, and knowing what to do in a fire emergency saves lives.
Stay aware of your surroundings, respect safety protocols, and do your part to ensure that every dive trip ends with great stories, not close calls.
© Alert Diver – Q1 2026