Batteries on the water: Why Your Boat Might Be At Risk

Picture this: You’re miles from shore, after a perfect day on the water, when suddenly your engine sputters, your lights and navigation system flickers and shuts down.
Without a reliable marine battery, you could find yourself stranded, with no way to call for help or find your way back. It’s a scenario no boat owner wants to face—but it’s more common than you think. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the importance of IEC 62619-certified batteries and AS/NZS 3001 standards for small boats.

Why Certification Could Save Your Life

Choosing a non-certified battery could expose you to serious risks:

• Overheating and fires: Without IEC 62619 certification, you can’t be sure your battery has the safeguards needed to prevent thermal runaway.
• Battery failure in rough conditions: Can your current battery withstand constant vibrations and sudden impacts from waves?
• Electrical shorts: Non-compliant installations increase the risk of short circuits, which could leave you powerless at sea.

IEC 62619 certification ensures that your battery is built to handle extreme conditions, safeguarding against overheating, vibration, and electrical failure. These certified LiFePO4 batteries come with built-in Battery Management Systems (BMS), designed to keep you safe when conditions are at their worst.

Take this one step further, with a battery built specifically for use in the Marine environment. With additional features to ensure your system is compliant, these batteries take the guesswork out of buying a marine-based power system.  

AS/NZS 3001: Avoiding Disaster with Proper Installation

Even the best battery can fail if it’s not installed correctly. The AS/NZS 3001 standards ensure that your electrical system is set up safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of catastrophic failure. Without these standards, you might unknowingly install a system prone to short circuits or dangerous power surges.

And what happens if you integrate solar panels or other renewable energy sources? AS/NZS 3001.2 ensures you won’t overload your system, avoiding potential overcharging that could lead to electrical fires or complete battery failure.

The Critical Role of Battery Monitoring

Imagine you’re on the water, and your battery is about to fail—but you have no way of knowing. That’s where a Battery Alarm system comes in. This small device could be the difference between a minor inconvenience and a life-threatening emergency. It monitors your battery bank and triggers both audible and visual alarms if your battery levels drop dangerously low or spike beyond safe limits.

Why You Can’t Afford to Ignore LiFePO4

Still using outdated lead-acid batteries? You could be sitting on a ticking time bomb. LiFePO4 batteries offer:

• Fast charging: Spend less time worrying about your power supply and more time enjoying the water.
• Long lifespan: Unlike lead-acid batteries, which degrade quickly, LiFePO4 batteries provide thousands of charge cycles—with minimal risk of leaks or hazardous chemicals*
  • Lightweight: Free up valuable space and payload on your boat, while reducing stress on your engine and onboard systems, saving fuel (and your back).

Your Small Boat Is at Risk—Unless You Act Now

The reality is, small boats are more vulnerable than large vessels. With fewer redundancies and smaller electrical systems, even minor battery issues can escalate into serious problems. By choosing an IEC 62619-certified battery, complying with AS/NZS 3001, and monitoring your system with a Battery Alarm, you can dramatically reduce your risk whilst keeping your warranty and peace of mind happy.

Are you willing to gamble with your safety? Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Upgrade your battery system now—before it’s too late.

*These can still leak and expel hazardous gas if not handled or managed properly causing the vent to open, but are sealed under normal conditions and if the BMS (Battery Management System) is working properly. The biggest safety benefit is they don’t self-ignite like other lithium batteries.