Essential PPE for superyacht crews: Lithium Battery Safety in day-to-day operations Essential PPE for superyacht crews: Lithium Battery Safety in day-to-day operations

At Liiontek, we understand the unique risks that lithium batteries pose at sea. That’s why we’ve developed specialized PPE solutions and fire suppression systems that prioritize crew safety, are fully compliant with MED standards, and have been tested under NTA 8133 protocols. Here’s what every superyacht crew needs to know about lithium battery hazards and how to stay safe.

Lithium-ion batteries can fail without warning, especially in confined spaces such as crew cabins or storage lockers. Improper charging, physical damage, or faulty battery management can cause:

• Thermal Runaway: a chain reaction that causes temperatures to rise rapidly above 1000°C, often leading to an explosion or fire.
• HF Gas Emissions: Hydrofluoric acid gas is released during thermal runaway. It is highly toxic, even in small amounts, and can be lethal without proper respiratory protection.
• Violent Fires: Lithium battery fires are intense, self-sustaining, and cannot be extinguished with water or standard ABC fire extinguishers.

The crew's proximity to batteries, charging stations, maintenance lockers, and even personal cabins, means that quick access to appropriate PPE is not optional. It’s essential.

Liiontek’s approach to crew safety is centered on practical, easily accessible Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tailored to lithium fire scenarios.

Our LIFM (Lithium-Ion Fire Management) Kit is designed for first responders on board, especially engineers, bosuns, and safety officers. Each kit includes:

• A high-grade gas mask with HF acid filters, providing immediate protection against hydrofluoric gas.
• Chemical- and heat-resistant gloves, allowing the crew to safely handle compromised or burning batteries.
• A portable gel fire extinguisher.
• Quick-reference emergency procedure card, waterproof and ready for the crew.

Standard fire extinguishers are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires. That’s why Liiontek now supplies gel-based fire extinguishers, designed specifically to address lithium-related risks.

• MED certified for use on marine vessels
• Passed NTA 8133 tests for lithium-ion battery fire suppression
• Cools the battery, prevents thermal runaway, and encapsulates the fire to prevent reignition
• Safe for use in enclosed spaces such as cabins, bridge, or crew quarters

These fire extinguishers are already being integrated into safety lockers and charging stations across several superyachts in the Mediterranean.

Let’s be clear: the The crew is on the front lines when it comes to lithium battery risks.

• E-scooters and folding bikes are often charged in crew quarters overnight.
• Crew phones, radios, and tablets are in near-constant use, charging in lockers or bunks.
• Tools and Power Banks are stored in engineering areas with little ventilation.

This combination of high energy density and limited escape routes makes robust PPE and suppression systems essential.

As a leader in lithium fire safety, Liiontek provides integrated safety systems designed specifically for the marine environment:

• Fireproof storage boxes with built-in detection and suppression
• Onboard Safety Training tailored to lithium risk management
• Custom PPE kits for all crew members, ensuring a quick and effective initial response
• Remote consultations and risk audits for yacht managers and shipyards

Our mission is to minimize the risk of lithium fires onboard and ensure that crews are empowered, not endangered, by the technology they rely on.

In the event of a lithium fire, Response time matters. The ability to act within seconds, to protect yourself, put out the fire, and prevent it from getting worse, can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe.

With Liiontek’s LIFM kits, gel fire extinguishers, and crew-focused training, we ensure that safety isn’t just a checklist item—it’s an operational standard.

Get in touch with Liiontek today for a free consultation on lithium fire risk management for your vessel.

• Contact Us
• Explore our MED-approved gel fire extinguishers and LIFM PPE Kits
• Protect your crew, your yacht, and your reputation with Liiontek.