Reduce fire and electrical risks at marinas and related facilities with strategies in the 2016 NFPA 303.

Every year, marina fires and electric shock incidents cause numerous deaths and injuries, in addition to incurring millions of dollars in property loss along with environmental damage from hazardous materials spills. Most of these incidents, including the large number of fires and casualties directly related to electrical faults, could be prevented through compliance with NFPA 303: Fire Protection Standard for Marinas and Boatyards.

This important Standard establishes a minimum acceptable level of safety to life and property from fire and electrical hazards at marinas and related facilities, including boatyards, yacht clubs, boat condominiums, and docking facilities. Now referenced in NFPA 1: Fire Code, the requirements in NFPA 303 help minimize risks with the goal of eliminating them altogether.

Significant changes in the 2016 NFPA 303 target problem areas identified by recent events and reported data from the National Fire Incident Reporting System:

• New reference to NFPA 70®: National Electrical Code® (NEC®) for the installation of ground fault protection in marinas and boatyards, along with new regular testing, to address Electric Shock Drowning (ESD) deaths
• New provisions for maintaining firefighting equipment and electrical equipment, and protecting portable fire extinguishers, to help identify and mitigate the negative effects of harsh environmental exposures and conditions
• Revised requirements for inspection, testing, and maintenance of firefighting equipment incorporate references to all applicable NFPA® standards
• New requirement for facility pre-fire plans to be submitted to the AHJ annually for greater oversight
• New requirement for pre-fire plans to include a more detailed list of firefighting equipment within the facility, along with employee responsibilities during emergency situations
• New requirements for isolation valves in standpipe systems and clarification of the minimum flow rate for supply piping. Isolation valves are critical for maintaining water supply by closing off damaged sections of piping systems.
• New requirements prohibiting portable cooking equipment in berthing areas, and new requirements for portable electric heaters

The 2016 NFPA 303 is essential for anyone involved with, or responsible for safety in marinas and boatyards, including construction professionals, fire safety personnel, facility owners and maintainers, and insurance professionals.