Fire Safety on Yachts: New UK Guidance Highlights the Importance of Lithium-Ion Fire Containment

Fire Isolator solutions support safer storage and fire containment of electric tenders, jet skis, e-foils and other battery-powered watercraft.

The growing popularity of electric tenders, jet skis, e-foils and other battery-powered watercraft is introducing new fire safety challenges for yacht owners, operators and crew.

Lithium-ion batteries can experience thermal runaway, potentially resulting in intense fires, extreme temperatures, toxic gases and the risk of re-ignition. In the confined spaces of a yacht, preventing fire from spreading to surrounding equipment and structures is particularly important.

Recognising these risks, the UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) has published updated guidance, MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1 – Fire Safety and Storage of Small Electric Powered Craft on Yachts, updated on 13 January 2026. GOV.UK

Fire Containment Blankets and Bags Specifically Addressed in Section 8.6

Of particular importance is Section 8.6, which explicitly addresses the use of battery fire suppression blankets and containment bags.

The guidance states:

„Battery fire suppression blanket(s) and/or containment bag(s) appropriate to the battery inventory should be carried.“

This is an important development for yacht owners and operators, as it highlights the role of specialised fire containment equipment in managing lithium-ion battery incidents onboard. GOV.UK

The guidance also emphasises the need to consider heat transfer to the deck beneath a fire blanket, as well as the potential accumulation of explosive and toxic gases underneath it.

Fire Isolator: Dedicated Solutions for Lithium-Ion Fire Containment

At Fire Isolator, we specialise in solutions designed to help contain lithium-ion battery fires and reduce the risk of fire spreading to surrounding equipment and structures.

Our range of fire containment blankets and covers provides yacht owners and operators with practical equipment that can be incorporated into their onboard fire safety strategy.

Depending on the type and size of battery-powered equipment carried onboard, appropriate containment solutions can help:

• Limit the spread of flames and heat to surrounding areas.
• Provide an additional layer of protection for nearby equipment.
• Support onboard emergency response procedures.
• Complement existing fire detection, cooling and firefighting systems.

Importantly, fire containment blankets are not intended to extinguish thermal runaway within a battery. Their primary purpose is to help contain the incident and limit fire spread. Appropriate cooling, ventilation, monitoring and trained emergency response remain essential.

Preparing Yachts for the Growing Use of Electric Watercraft

As electric propulsion becomes increasingly common in the yachting industry, dedicated lithium-ion fire safety measures are becoming an essential consideration.

The MCA guidance reinforces the importance of selecting appropriate fire containment equipment, alongside safe storage, charging procedures, fire detection and crew training.

Fire Isolator supports yacht owners, shipyards, yacht management companies and marine safety professionals in selecting suitable lithium-ion fire containment solutions for their vessels.

Contact Fire Isolator to discuss how our fire containment blankets and covers can contribute to your yacht’s fire safety strategy: fireisolator.com/contact

Reference: MCA – MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1, Section 8: Fire Suppression

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Safety on Yachts

1. What are the risks of lithium-ion battery fires onboard yachts?

Lithium-ion batteries used in electric tenders, SEABOBs, e-foils, jet skis and other battery-powered watercraft can experience thermal runaway, potentially resulting in intense fires, extreme heat, toxic gases and re-ignition.

On yachts, these incidents are particularly dangerous because battery-powered equipment is often stored and charged in enclosed garages or near other valuable equipment. A battery fire can quickly threaten surrounding watercraft, the yacht’s structure and the safety of passengers and crew.

Proper fire detection, safe charging procedures and dedicated lithium-ion fire containment solutions are therefore essential elements of onboard fire safety.

2. Are fire blankets recommended for electric watercraft on yachts?

Yes. The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) specifically addresses battery fire suppression blankets and containment bags in its guidance MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1 – Fire Safety and Storage of Small Electric Powered Craft on Yachts.

Section 8.6 recommends carrying battery fire suppression blankets and/or containment bags appropriate to the batteries onboard.

Specialised fire containment blankets, such as those offered by Fire Isolator, can help limit the spread of flames and heat to surrounding equipment and structures.

Fire blankets should be selected according to the size and type of watercraft and incorporated into the yacht’s overall fire safety procedures.

3. Can a fire blanket extinguish a lithium-ion battery fire?

Fire Isolator fire containment blankets are primarily designed to contain a fire and limit its spread, rather than extinguish thermal runaway inside a lithium-ion battery.

Unlike conventional fires, lithium-ion battery fires can continue generating heat and flammable gases internally, even when covered.

Fire Isolator blankets are designed to help contain flames and reduce fire spread, providing an additional layer of protection for nearby equipment and structures.

However, appropriate cooling, ventilation, monitoring and emergency response procedures remain essential. Blankets must also be used with consideration for heat transfer to the deck and the possible accumulation of hazardous gases.

4. What does MCA MGN 681 say about battery fire containment blankets?

The UK’s Maritime and Coastguard Agency published MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1 to provide guidance on the safe storage, charging and fire protection of small electric-powered craft carried onboard yachts.

Section 8.6 specifically addresses the use of battery fire suppression blankets and containment bags appropriate to the battery inventory.

The guidance also highlights important considerations, including potential heat transfer to the deck beneath a blanket and the accumulation of explosive or toxic gases.

This reinforces the importance of having suitable lithium-ion fire containment equipment available onboard, alongside appropriate detection, firefighting systems and crew training.

For yacht owners, captains and safety managers, the guidance provides a valuable reference when evaluating fire protection measures for electric watercraft.

Official reference: MCA MGN 681 (M) Amendment 1 – Fire Safety and Storage of Small Electric Powered Craft on Yachts