Dive Boat Fire

retrofitted with fwd escape hatches by a shipwright friend of mine. I was going to cold call the new owners and see if they want a consultant.

It sure would be interesting to see what has been done to improve safety. The previous escape point was problematic to begin with. I would hope that there are a number of other upgrades, including emergency lighting to escape points, drills, and smoke heat detectors all thru points of potential fire thru out the boat.

Also hopefully the issue of a charging station would be addressed.

Do you know if the sale was court approved? I have not heard much about the progress of the various law suits against Truth Aquatics.

Who are the new owners? I could not find anything about the sale on the internet...

Thanks.
 
Phil and Conrad, thank you. A most interesting web site. Their expeditions (Dive, Kayak and Muti-sport) should give a respectful life experience on the Channel Islands which was only open to a few people who had private vessels in the past. I don't know how many others on the C Dory site who have been to or even seen all of the Channel Islands, Each one has their own special features, and is unique. I have only been on the beach at San Clemente once and anchored at Pyramid Cove several times and Wilson Cove once. San Nicholas Island I have only sailed around a few times. There have been a lot of changes on all of the Islands during my lifetime.

I wish this group well--it appears as if the vessels now have a forward deck evacuation route, there are thermal fire detection systems and alarms, and the Vision has a fireproof locker for charging batteries. There seems to be emphasis on the safety aboard the vessels. The web site emphasizes the safety issues. They are advertising for: Captain - 100 Ton Masters License Licensed First Mate, Certified Dive Masters, Deckhands, Kayak Guides and Galley Crew. It appears that they are up and running with restrictions for COVID 19. It is. great opportunity for folks to get out safely to see the Islands during this restricted time period (and after).
 
I suspect most electricians could advise on how to safely charge 20-40 devices. They may say don't do it on a small boat where many people are sleeping. Devices, chargers, and outlets for that many people are inherently dangerous, perhaps possibly is a better word. I prefer dangerous. I venture to guess that there were a number of power strips, extension cords etc.
 
It appears that the Denios Store Safe cabinet is fitted aboard:

90-minute-flammable-storage-cabinet-3-shelves-lockable-hinged-doors-integrated-air-ducts-15e6.jpg


The one pictured has ventilation and I would hope that the one they use is well ventilated if using multiple chargers with power strips inside.
 
Here is a link to the article in the Federal Register if you want to read the entire document and details in the Federal Register.

There is a requirement that the watch keeper has a feedback so that their wakefulness is assured (we hope).. The document does not seem to describe best practices in dealing with charging of Li ion batteries. Perhaps that will be developed, but a good point is made that a hodgepodge of various extension cords and 50 devices is a dangerous nightmare.

Interesting that this "goes into Effect March 28, but comment period is open until the end of June 2022.

Hopefully this will save lives. There are some very good points made about charging multiple devices. Unfortunately all of this depends on the crew of the boat to respond--to stand watch, and to aways be mindful of safety risks. Man is not perfect--and we hope that all rules will be followed and be adequate.
 
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