The provisions of this section of Part 6 in the 2002 BSS Standards are mandatory for non-private boats where applicable.
If there's only one escape route from your boat and this becomes blocked by fire, you and other occupants on the boat could suffer personal injuries, burns or suffocation.
This is why it's a very good idea for all boats to have two means of escape from accommodation areas. To give sufficient space for people to fit through, and escape from the fire, it's recommended that all escape routes on your boat have a minimum clear opening of 0.2m2 (310in2) and a minimum width of 380mm (15ins). [6.7]
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Have you considered how you would escape in the event of a cabin fire? An alternative to a purpose built hatch is a suitably-sized window, but remember, if the window is not capable of being opened, a safe means to break it must be kept nearby. Always consider your escape routes and plan for the worst, even if you may never need to use them. It's better to be safe than sorry! [6.7] |