Which statement best describes the proper steps when a fire is encountered onboard?

Which statement best describes the proper steps when a fire is encountered onboard?

• A. Only call for help; ignore PFDs.
• B. Ignore the fire and continue the voyage.
• C. Wear PFDs immediately; minimize wind, head upwind, blow fire away from boat; call or radio for help and use VDS; if in engine compartment, immediately shut off engines, generators and ventilation systems to ensure fresh air won't be sucked into fire, more fuel won't pump into fire, and firefighting agents aren't vented into atmosphere before they are effective; keep compartment shut; if fire is out of control abandon boat, get clear of fire but stay in vicinity for rescuers.
• D. Shut off all power and sail away.

Answer: (C)

When a fire is found on board, the aim is to protect people while stopping the fire from getting worse. Start by ensuring everyone wears a PFD so you’re prepared if you end up in the water. Then minimize the fire’s spread by positioning the boat so the wind blows flames away from you and the vessel. At the same time, raise the alarm—call for help and use distress signaling devices so rescuers can locate you quickly. If the fire is in an engine compartment, shut off all engines, generators, and ventilation to stop both the fuel supply and the flow of air into the space, and keep the compartment closed so the fire can’t draw in fresh air or vent extinguishing agents prematurely. If the fire cannot be controlled, abandon ship but stay nearby so rescuers can reach you.

When a fire is found on board, the aim is to protect people while stopping the fire from getting worse. Start by ensuring everyone wears a PFD so you’re prepared if you end up in the water. Then minimize the fire’s spread by positioning the boat so the wind blows flames away from you and the vessel. At the same time, raise the alarm—call for help and use distress signaling devices so rescuers can locate you quickly. If the fire is in an engine compartment, shut off all engines, generators, and ventilation to stop both the fuel supply and the flow of air into the space, and keep the compartment closed so the fire can’t draw in fresh air or vent extinguishing agents prematurely. If the fire cannot be controlled, abandon ship but stay nearby so rescuers can reach you.