Boat Safety Scheme - battery arrangements
part 4 - electrically propelled vessels
please select a sub-section here:
The BSS Guide
Introduction
Inboard engines
Electritcal installations
Electrically propelled vessels
Outboard and portable engines
Fire prevention and extinguishers
LPG installations
Appliances, flueing and ventilation
Pollution
Hire boats and safety features
Appendices

Hydrogen and air can be a very explosive mixture and especially towards the
end of a charging cycle when significant quantities of hydrogen can be given
off by the bank of batteries. To reduce the risk of a build-up of gas, leading to
an explosion, batteries must be properly stowed and adequately ventilated. It's
recommended that your battery stowage and ventilation arrangements comply
with the I.E.E. Regulations for the Electrical and Electronic Equipment of Ships,
where relevant. [4.2]

informationYou might think that the weight of a big bank of batteries would keep them in a secure position. Not so according to reports gathered from accidents. Batteries can shift around as a result of the boat tipping in a lock or at a mooring when the water level drops. It shouldn't be surprising either that unsecured batteries on your boat can move when negotiating a roundabout on the back of a trailer! [4.2]


electrical installation
propulsion motor