Professional paper
An Analysis of Fires on Pleasure Boats in Primorje- Gorski Kotar County
Sanja Arko Kariolić
; Polytechnic of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
Astrid Zekić
orcid.org/0000-0002-6287-0760
; University of Zadar, Maritime Department, Zadar, Croatia
*
Renato Ivče
; University of Rijeka, Faculty of Maritime Studies, Rijeka, Croatia
Veljko Pevalek
; Polytechnic of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Fires on pleasure boats represent a serious safety threat due to confined spaces, the presence of
flammable materials, and the frequent lack of adequate or appropriate fire protection equipment. In
addition to the direct endangerment of human life and material property, such incidents also have a
significant adverse impact on the marine environment as a result of the potential release of fuel and
other hazardous substances.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the frequency, causes and consequences of fires on pleasure boats
in Primorje-Gorski Kotar County, as well as to identify the key factors influencing their occurrence.
The research results indicate that the most frequent cause of fires on pleasure boats was technical
failure (93%), primarily associated with electrical installations, while fires resulting from human actions
accounted for 7% of the recorded cases. Furthermore, fire incidents predominantly occurred during the
summer months, particularly in areas characterized by intensive nautical tourism, suggesting a clear
relationship between seasonality, increased utilization of pleasure boats, and an elevated risk of fire.
The authors’ contribution lies in the systematic analysis of available regional data on fires on pleasure
boats and in the identification of risk factors that can serve as a basis for improving preventive
measures, enhancing fire-protection, and increasing navigational safety.
Keywords
Fires on pleasure boats, safety, nautical tourism, Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
Hrčak ID:
346311
URI
Publication date:
14.4.2026.
Visits: 201 *