​Gas Supply and Installations

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There are a few standard rules which have applied to boats since 1977 regarding gas installations.

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• Gas cylinders must be stored in a dedicated locker ( No other items)
• Gas cylinders must be fastened tightly to prevent movement.
• Only 1m(max) of high-pressure orange hose is allowed within the locker between the cylinder and inlet pipe only ( No Orange High-pressure hoses to the appliances)
• The locker must be vapour-tight to the boat's integrity and be 30 minutes fireproof.
• A 19mm drain hole must be fitted at the lowest point of the locker.
• The locker must be labelled as a gas locker.
• Copper pipe to be used as the supply pipe to appliances and protected by sleeving where necessary.
• Isolation taps are to be fitted as close as possible to appliances, but must be accessible without leaning over the cooker.
• A gimballed cooker has to have an armoured flexi-hose, not an orange hose.
• All new cookers must have flame supervision devices.
• Only room-sealed hot water and heating appliances can be fitted.
• Gas Fridges and Open-flued hot water heaters are not permitted on boats.
• Cookers fitted within larger vessels that are remote from the gas locker, i.e., access is via a steep ladder out of the boat in older vessels, or are not within easy reach of the exit hatch, will require a gas-detecting solenoid system with a remote on-off switch and detection.

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In the gas locker, the only high-pressure orange hose allowed is the one connecting the regulator to the inlet fitting. The inlet fitting exiting the locker must be a bulkhead fitting to maintain the locker's gas integrity.

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A top-opening lid is preferred, sealed with a neoprene gasket and locked down with a fastener. A locker within a locker is permitted, as long as it complies with these rules.

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Thirty minutes of fireproofing of the locker is from the outside inwards, towards the cylinders. 5mm GRP fibreglass lockers or 15mm plywood painted with bilge paint both provide adequate fireproofing. If the locker does not have the correct materials or thickness, this can be achieved by using aluminium or steel plates on all sides, the bottom, and the lid. If a side-opening locker is the only acceptable solution, particular attention should be given to any gas escape in the event of a blocked drain, i.e., venting gas into another locker or into the bilges. If a locker opens in an enclosed cockpit, increased drainage may be necessary, and any cockpit hatches that open should be sealed to prevent gas from escaping.

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Remember, LPG Gas is heavier than air but lighter than water; it can sit in pockets within the boat area, sink to a lower point and not be detected again until you walk about and kick the gas up again from the pocket.

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As an LPG Boat Engineer, I recommend that all boats with an LPG gas system be checked annually and that any alterations to the gas system be first inspected to ensure compliance with current regulations. Due to the numerous designs and configurations, each boat is dealt with on an individual basis.

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Rules regarding MCA-coded boats for gas installations are covered.