Hydrocarbon detectors

foxdog · 03 December 2004, 11:33

Hi

I'm trying to code a 7.3m Rib with an underdeck fuel tank I have been informed that I need a Hydrocarbon detector. I am having trouble locating one. Can anyone help?

Jono · 03 December 2004, 11:35

... a match?

Matt · 03 December 2004, 11:54

All US petrol inboard boats are required by law to have one, many of the big US boating superstore websites sell them.

Alternatively, http://www.calormarineshop.co.uk/aca...Detectors.html
I know they're not generic hydrocarbon detectors as such, but I reckon they'd be able to point you in the right direction for sourcing one.

Scary Des · 03 December 2004, 12:37

The VETUS gas detector works with petrol fumes

but it might be too sensitive Des

Rogue Wave · 03 December 2004, 21:11

this'll do it

http://www.boatus-store.com/webapp/w...411&storeNum=8

foxdog · 03 December 2004, 23:31

That's great

Thank's for the help

mike · 25 January 2005, 19:12

Hi Foxdog,
did you buy that detector? if so can you fill me in on what you think of it please?

Thanks,
Mike

Paul Glatzel · 26 January 2005, 07:44

Foxdog

I remember the subject of detectors arising here a short while ago (perhaps it was you who raised it) as i'm also coding a petrol RIB it made me review the code and my recollection is (although i maybe wrong/misinterpreting) is that i didn't feel i needed it on my petrol RIB, i think it might have been linked to the possibility of fumes/spillage when filling entering a confned space - which of course is a function of your particular setup. So whilst such detectors were referred to my interpretation was that i would not need one. Just an observation.

....but perhaps i'm wrong!

Paul

David Hickman · 26 January 2005, 07:48

I had to have one fitted on the Ribcraft as requested by MECAL. And guess what... when turned on it continuously bleeps at me as there will always be some fumes in the hull by the fuel tank!!
It is a waste of money but was required to have one.
(I think one of the wires came off one day as well so it does not bleep all the time now!!!)

mike · 26 January 2005, 13:10

I think you are right Paul,
on the Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat code it says
"a suitable hydrocarbon gas detector should be fitted in any enclosed location where an accumulation of hydrocarbon vapours is likely to occur- eg under or adjacent to the fixed tank. the detector components in the vapour area should not be capable of causing ignition."

So as I read it my boats console tank needs ventilating additionally to the breather but that is all as the vapours will disperse via vents etc put in.
If this were not the case then surely evry rib with a tank in the locker/console would have difficulties with the various codes????
On my rib the spillage if any does not run into the bilges at all.

MIke

Paul F · 26 January 2005, 18:44

In the new codes for small craft art 7.3.2 refers to what you quoted Mike "In a location where vapours may accumilate a detector to be fitted.
Paul

foxdog · 27 January 2005, 12:00

We were told by our surveyor that we required a Hydrocarbon detector as the underfloor fuel tank was in a space that could accumulate fumes even with the Vent.We did not want to argue the point so fitted it . We had the survey carried out in December and have only just been informed we need Toe holds which we queried at the time as we deemed them to be a tripping hazard Anybody know if we can get ones that lay flat to the deck (Like Old suitcase handles ) which can be lifted to put toes under or do you use rope. Any Pictures Would help . Once we have done this we will be issued with our certificate

DGR · 02 February 2005, 18:53

If you can only code an 'open' boat to Cat 4, which limits weather/conditions, why does the surveyor want toe holds? The only reference I can find talks about 'as neccessary...':

22.2.6

In an inflatable boat or a rigid inflatable boat, handgrips, toeholds and handrails should be provided as necessary to ensure safety of all persons on board during transit and the worst weather conditions likely to be encountered in the intended area of operation.

What are you going to be doing!!

D...

Searider · 03 February 2005, 09:23

Saw this fitted to a Ribcraft recently. Looked like a very neat panel and quality unit.

http://www.bepmarine.com/showproduct.cfm?productid=822

Also heard that if fitted in a very new boat the products given off by the final cure of the resins can set HC detectors off.

foxdog · 03 February 2005, 16:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by DGR

If you can only code an 'open' boat to Cat 4, which limits weather/conditions, why does the surveyor want toe holds? The only reference I can find talks about 'as neccessary...':

22.2.6

In an inflatable boat or a rigid inflatable boat, handgrips, toeholds and handrails should be provided as necessary to ensure safety of all persons on board during transit and the worst weather conditions likely to be encountered in the intended area of operation.

What are you going to be doing!!

D...

I've tried argueing the point that we would not be venturing out in weather that would warrent Toe holds

It didnt work !

His arguement is that the weather can turn suddenly Which is fair enough

I see them as a tripping hazard as well as a potental danger if the worst happens and we get Capsized ever

But at the end of the day I want to get the boat coded not spend the rest of the coming season argueing about it

Pete7 · 03 February 2005, 20:03

Fit them and then take them off, you can always explain that they turned out to be a trip hazard following an "in house" safety inspection.

Thankfully I didn't have that problem when Duncan inspected Old Spice. He was very thorough and made several recommendations which I was only to happy to impliment

Pete

codprawn · 04 February 2005, 10:44

Just goes to show how all these stupid regs are open to different interpretations - very few Ribs are ever fitted with toe straps!!!