​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.
• Isolation taps are to be fitted as close as possible or near to appliances, but must be accessed 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 out of the boat via a steep ladder in older vessels, or those that are not within easy reach from 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 connection between the regulator and inlet fitting. The inlet fitting exiting the locker must be a bulkhead fitting to maintain the gas integrity of the locker.

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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 within an enclosed cockpit, increased drainage may be necessary, and any opening hatches within the cockpit 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 any LPG gas system be checked annually and that any alterations to the gas systems be first inspected to meet current regulations. Due to the many 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.