Jeff@JMYS.com
Onboard Firefighting: An Upcoming Must-Attend Webinar for Every Yacht Owner
Jeff Merrill
2 min read

Onboard Firefighting: An Upcoming Must-Attend Webinar for Every Yacht Owner

Fire remains one of the most serious hazards aboard any vessel. Whether you're cruising offshore, passagemaking, or spending weekends at the dock, understanding how to prevent, detect, and respond to a fire can make all the difference.

Earlier this year, respected marine consultant Steve D'Antonio of Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting (SDMC) presented a two-hour webinar on Fire Detection and Prevention. The presentation was inspired by a devastating February 2025 marina fire at Van Isle Marina in British Columbia, where three yachts were completely destroyed and several others sustained significant damage. The incident served as a reminder that fire preparedness is an essential part of responsible boat ownership.

The webinar generated significant interest throughout the recreational marine industry, and many attendees asked Steve to expand on the topic by focusing on the equipment and systems designed to extinguish fires once they occur.

His follow-up webinar, Onboard Firefighting, Fixed and Portable Fire Suppression Systems, explores the design, installation, operation, and inspection of onboard fire suppression equipment, with particular emphasis on fixed machinery space fire extinguishing systems, ABYC compliance requirements, and the proper selection, placement, and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers.

Whether you own a passagemaker, trawler, or cruising yacht, understanding these systems is invaluable. Many boat owners assume their fire suppression equipment is ready to perform when needed, but regular inspection, proper installation, and knowing how your systems operate are critical to protecting both your vessel and everyone aboard.

In addition to the live presentation and interactive Q&A session, registered attendees will receive:

  • A compiled collection of Steve's lecture-related technical articles for future reference.

  • Access to a recording of the webinar for 30 days following the live event, allowing you to revisit the material at your own pace.

  • The opportunity to submit questions throughout the presentation, with Steve answering as many as time permits during the session.

  • Two ABYC Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for those pursuing continuing education.

Several JMYS clients attended Steve's first webinar and came away with valuable knowledge and practical takeaways that can help make boating safer. We encourage all of our clients and readers to take advantage of this opportunity to learn from one of the marine industry's most respected technical experts.

To learn more about the upcoming webinar and register, visit:

Steve D'Antonio Marine Consulting Webinar Information

We hope you'll join Steve for what promises to be another outstanding educational program.