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Small Risks, Big Consequences: The Hidden Fire Hazard on Your Vessel

Writer's picture: Hannah MHannah M
Feb 272 min read

This photo shows a charging port packed with electrical devices—a common sight on many vessels. But have you considered setting a clear procedure for your passengers and crew on how many devices can be plugged in at once?
This photo shows a charging port packed with electrical devices—a common sight on many vessels. But have you considered setting a clear procedure for your passengers and crew on how many devices can be plugged in at once? Is this a smart safety measure - or a step too far?

The other day, I was onboard a vessel and noticed something that made me stop—a charging port overloaded with devices. Phones, cameras, radios, tablets—all plugged into the same outlet.

I didn’t think much of it at first. After all, we’re all guilty of this at some point, right? But later, as I was reviewing a marketing email, I paused on a photo that looked eerily familiar.

It was a similar setup—a tangled mess of chargers drawing power from one source—but the context was far more serious. The image was from a report about the MV Conception disaster, a devastating fire that engulfed a 23-meter commercial dive boat, taking 34 lives.

The cause? While the official investigation pointed to multiple factors, some reports linked it to overloaded electrical systems, possibly from charging devices overnight.

The Fire Risk Hiding in Plain Sight

It got me thinking… how many times do we take safety for granted?

  • We check the big things—fire extinguishers, drills, emergency exits.

  • But what about the small things? A frayed cable, a loose outlet, an overloaded circuit—these are the hazards that sneak up on us.

Fire safety isn’t just about reacting when something goes wrong—it’s about preventing problems before they start.

How to Prevent Electrical Fires on Your Vessel

  • Spread out your charging stations – Avoid plugging too many devices into one outlet.

  • Inspect electrical outlets and cables regularly – Look for signs of wear, damage, or overheating.

  • Use certified chargers and power strips – Cheap, knockoff versions can be a fire risk.

  • Unplug devices when not in use – Don’t leave batteries charging overnight without supervision.

  • Keep maintenance logs up to date – If it’s not recorded, it’s not done.

Make Safety Routine with SeaLogs

We often say, “If it’s not recorded, it’s not done.” And when it comes to routine safety checks, that couldn’t be more true.

With SeaLogs, you can: Track and log routine inspections - Schedule equipment maintenance - Stay ahead of compliance and safety regulations

A simple habit—checking and logging your electrical systems regularly—could be the difference between smooth sailing and disaster. Is your vessel prepared? Head to SeaLogs.com

 
 
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