What should be done first if a fire occurs on a boat?

The best course of action when a fire occurs on a boat is to aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the fire. This is important because fires need fuel, heat, and oxygen to burn, and targeting the base helps disrupt the fire's access to its fuel source. Directing the extinguisher towards the base is critical to effectively extinguishing the flames rather than just dispersing them or letting them spread.

Using a fire extinguisher properly is a fundamental response in emergency situations on a vessel, especially since early intervention can prevent a small fire from escalating into a larger, uncontrollable blaze. It is also crucial to ensure that the right type of extinguisher is used for the specific fire, as different fires (e.g., electrical vs. flammable liquid) require different methods of suppression.

In context, while calling for help, activating the fire suppression system, or evacuating passengers are important responses to a fire emergency, these actions may not be the immediate first step. For instance, if the fire is manageable and can be contained with a fire extinguisher, taking action to extinguish it first is the correct approach. Therefore, using the fire extinguisher on the base of the fire directly addresses the problem at hand