Essential PPE for Superyacht Crews: Lithium Battery Safety in Daily Operations

Lithium-ion batteries have become indispensable onboard modern superyachts. From e-bikes and underwater scooters to crew tablets and tools, these batteries are now everywhere—especially in crew cabins and daily operations. However, the convenience they bring is matched by critical fire risks: thermal runaway, toxic hydrofluoric gas (HF), and intense fires that are notoriously hard to extinguish.

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

Understanding the Risks: Lithium-Ion Batteries on Superyachts

Lithium-ion batteries can fail without warning, especially in confined environments like crew cabins or storage lockers. Improper charging, physical damage, or faulty battery management can trigger:

• Thermal Runaway: A chain reaction causing temperatures to rise rapidly above 1000°C, often leading to explosion or fire.

• HF Gas Emission: 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 extinguishers.

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

The PPE Every Superyacht Crew Member Needs

Liiontek’s approach to crew safety is built around practical, fast-access Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) tailored to lithium fire scenarios.

✅ LIFM (Lithium-Ion Fire Management) Kit

Our LIFM 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 from hydrofluoric gas.

• Chemical- and heat-resistant gloves, allowing crew to safely handle compromised or burning batteries.

• A portable gel fire extinguisher (more on that below).

• Quick-reference emergency procedure card, waterproof and crew-ready.

✅ Gel-Based Fire Extinguishers – NTA 8133 & MED Approved

Standard extinguishers are ineffective against lithium-ion battery fires. That’s why Liiontek now supplies gel-based fire extinguishers, purpose-built for lithium risks.

• MED certified for use on marine vessels

• Passed NTA 8133 tests for lithium-ion battery fire suppression

• Cools the battery, stops thermal runaway, and encapsulates the fire to prevent reignition

• Safe for use in enclosed spaces such as cabins, bridge, or crew quarters

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

Real-World Safety: Daily Lithium Risks for Superyacht Crews

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

• E-scooters and foldable 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 spaces with little ventilation.

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

What Liiontek Is Doing to Protect Crew

As a leader in lithium fire safety, Liiontek provides integrated safety systems designed specifically for the maritime 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 fast, effective first response

• Remote consultation and risk audits for yacht managers and shipyards

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

Why It Matters

In a lithium fire emergency, response time matters. The ability to act within seconds—to protect yourself, suppress the fire, and prevent escalation—can mean the difference between containment and catastrophe.

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

Ready to Upgrade Your Onboard Lithium Safety?

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

📞 Contact us via www.liiontek.com
📦 Explore our MED-approved gel extinguishers and LIFM PPE kits
🛥 Protect your crew, your yacht, and your reputation—with Liiontek.