Pleasure boat owners are being urged to take advantage of free safety visits by community fire officers.

They will check vessels and provide advice on the use of smoke detectors and fire extinguishers, as well as the safe storage of batteries, fuel and gas cylinders.

Officers will also highlight any risks posed by potential fire hazards, although the Fire Service is stressing it wants to pass on knowledge that could help save lives, rather than be unduly critical.

Officers say a smoke detector is essential as it's easy to be distracted at sea and fires can spread extremely quickly, especially on fibreglass vessels.

A minimum of one fire extinguisher and one fire blanket should be kept on board, stored near the cabin exit and readily available for use.

Furnishings should be fire retardant, wiring properly insulated and batteries properly ventilated, while fuel should be kept in approved containers with quantities kept to a minimum.

A free safety visit can be arranged by contacting the Community Safety Team on 647300 or via iomfire.com

(Picture: Leading Firefighter Danny Dooley carries out a free boat safety visit).