the fire and the exit. Approach the fire keeping low
The document describes basic onboard activities associated with fire drills, including identifying crew responsibilities, activating emergency signals, and exercising fire equipment. It outlines key actions in the event of a fire or explosion, such as sounding alarms, mustering personnel, deploying damage control teams, communicating with shore personnel, and recording drills. The document also covers fire prevention methods, firefighting equipment including the fire main and CO2/halon systems, and techniques for fighting different classes of fire using water, foam, dry powder, or CO2.
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Emergency response
1. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
Describe the basic onboard activities associated
with the fire drill
-
identify crew members responsibilities on the
muster list
Every ship must have displayed muster lists on
accommodation bulkheads. The muster list must be
legible at all times & indicate the muster station &
special duty & responsibility of all personnel on board
the ship at the time.
-
activate the appropriate emergency signal
The emergency alarm will have many points scattered
around the ship. The main points will be on the
bridge, the engine control room & in the cargo control
room, but other points are equally effective.
They are found on every level of the accommodation
(usually 2 on each deck for a cargo ship) & in the
main working spaces such as storeroom areas, pump
rooms & forecastle space. The problem with alarm
activation from a point other than one where a
watchkeeper is present is that the emergency cannot
be defined. It must be followed up, in any case, by
communication with the bridge from where all
emergencies are managed.
An effective way to raise the alarm without activating
it personally is to telephone or radio one of the control
centres where the alarm can be activated &
accompanied by a tannoy or public address
announcement.
In general, ships use a continuous sounding of the
alarm bells to indicate a general emergency or fire,
seven or more short blasts on the alarm & whistle
followed by one long to indicate boat or abandon ship
stations. For man overboard the whistle is used to
sound three long blasts (O in Morse = overboard)
which also serves the purpose of re-assuring the man
in the water that the bridge knows he has gone over.
-
Exercise equipment as necessary e,g,
pressurising the fire main, deploying fire
hoses, foam test, demonstrating self
contained breathing apparatus, simulation of
a fire at a specific location
In order that the crew become familiar with the
equipment & in working together as an emergency
team the ship will conduct exercises & drills which
make use of the equipment in simulated situations. It
is possible to select an appropriate space & use
smoke generators to simulate fire conditions; allowing
those duties to lead hose parties wearing breathing
apparatus to become familiar with its limitations. It is
possible to run out hoses, pressurise & use the fire
main, & if sufficient spares are available, practice with
foam compound & branch pipes.
Only the
imagination & willingness of the crew to become
involved in an effective programme of emergency
response training exercises limit the diversity of
simulations.
Communicate with shore personnel as necessary
In a real emergency it is important that the
appropriate personnel ashore are informed. These
will be listed in the emergency response plan or
safety manual & should be well known to senior
officers. They usually include key people in the owner
/ operator / charterers office & the coast guard &
authorities for the location of the ship.
When
conducting a drill or exercise where smoke will be
simulated & alarms sounded any persons who will be
affected or may confuse the drill for the real thing
must be informed.
The ISM Code requires the identification of a person
ashore as the โDesignated Personโ. This person is
directly responsible for all matters relating to the
safety & pollution prevention & must have direct
access to senior management. He/she will be the key
contact point ashore.
-
Record drills in the log book
Emergency drills are recorded in the deck & engine
log books, by the OOW, & in the ships official log by
the Master.
Most progressive organisations will also have some
form of onboard safety training records which comply
with the safety training policy of the company as
specified in the safety training manual. Some form of
record of such matters is a requirement of the ISM
Code.
2. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
Describe the possible action steps involving fire /
explosion
-
Describe possible action steps involving fire /
explosion
Fire is the major cause of serious casualties to ships
& lives lost at sea. The majority of recorded incidents
of fire at sea may not have resulted in serious
consequences, had proper precautions been taken. It
is the responsibility of every person on board to
exercise due care & vigilance to comply with relevant
regulations.
If there is the least doubt whether the shipโs damage
control team may control the fire, the Master will
inform coastguards or shore radio stations
immediately. Rapid response for containment is
critical & should be followed up as quickly as possible
with appropriate measures to extinguish.
During the emergency, the following are the key
priorities that must be addressed:
Sound appropriate alarm & muster personnel
at designated stations
Should a fire or explosion occur on board, the
immediate action would be to sound the fire alarm &
muster everyone on board.
Crewmembers are
usually assigned to damage control teams under the
leadership of the Chief Officer. The first priority is to
determine the extent of damage in order to initiate the
necessary steps to bring the situation under control.
Such steps include:
Rescue those in direct danger
-
Safety of all on board
-
Limitation of damage to ship & cargo
-
-
-
Prevention of damage to the environment
Should a fire / explosion occur when the ship is in
port, the following actions need to be undertaken:
-
Give immediate notification to the local
authority & fire brigade.
-
Determine where the fire/explosion has
taken place (experience has shown that a
fire is not necessarily at the location where
smoke in visible)
-
Find out the extent of damage & if anyone
has been injured or killed
Ensuring the fire message contains the following
information:
-
Deploy members of the shipโs damage
control team to the positions deemed best
for fighting the fire. Consideration must be
given to possible threat to the team in the
deployment
-
Name & nationality of ship
-
Name & number of pier, berth or other
positive identification of the shipโs location
-
A description of the situation
-
Whether injuries have been sustained
-
Control fire using appropriate equipment &
personnel
Use should be made of all available means to fight
the fire. The position & nature of the fire will
determine which methods & media are used.
Available on board ship are:
On board activities:
CO2 (extinguishers or fixed installation)
-
Contain & prevent the spread of fire
-
Consider boundary cooling or flooding
Close all accessible openings & hatches to
prevent fire spreading
Determine threat to vessel as a direct result
of fire / explosion. If there is danger of
emission of poisonous gas or further
explosion,
consider
part
or
total
abandonment
Dry powder (extinguishers both portable &
larger trolley type)
-
Consider the possibility for search & rescue
in the fire area
Foam (portable & fixed high expansion)
-
-
-
-
Determine if anyone is missing
-
Water jet / spray / fog (extinguisher or fire
main, hose & nozzle)
Continue crew deployment to fight fire
-
-
3. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
-
Ensure damage control team maintains
optimum position to fight fire, with due regard
for personal risks
this case, a distress message & request for
assistance should be sent & an attempt made to
search the area.
On arrival of the fire brigade, the senior brigade officer
will need to know:
If anyone is seriously injured, request assistance from
nearest rescue centre via distress message.
-
If anyone is trapped or missing & possible
location
If the accident has caused pollution, or there is a
danger of pollution, implement on-board counter
measures & notify the nearest authorities.
-
What is burning
-
Where the fire is
-
Any conditions that may constitute a hazard
during the fire fighting
The fire brigade must be afforded maximum
assistance in bringing the fire under control.
Information includes the ship drawings, cargo plans &
ships stability data should be provided.
If the harbour authorities decide to move the ship,
assistance must be provided in the execution of the
move & any further information about the ship that
may be of importance, such as stability, trim,
provided.
Fire / explosion in open sea poses a potential hazard
to personnel & the ship, greater than an equivalent
incident in port. To mitigate the consequence of the
incident, it is important to address the following:
-
-
based on the initial status report, consider
possible development of the fire & the
likelihood of getting it under control
Manoeuvre ship to have the wind take flame
& vapours away from ship
If possible, turn the ship on a course that will bring the
location of the fire to leeward to limit fire ventilation &
facilitate fire fighting from the windward side. In all
cases โURGENCYโ messages should be sent with
information about the situation & intended actions.
If a distress or urgency message has been sent & the
situation has been brought under control, the
messages must be cancelled on the same frequency
as they were transmitted.
If the fire can be controlled until the ship can reach
the nearest harbour, the harbour authorities should be
made aware of the type & extent of fire, the cargo
details, any potential hazards which might exist & how
the fire is being controlled.
-
In fighting the fire, it may be necessary to transfer
liquids. It must be appreciated that such an operation
will have an impact on the shipโs overall stress &
stability. Under extreme situations, internal transfer
may have an adverse affect on the shipโs survivability.
-
If the fire may cause danger of explosion, consider if
the route of retreat is threatened. If there is an
imminent danger of explosion, consider immediate
abandonment & if the ship is to be abandoned, secure
for possibility of re-embarkation, should the situation
develop favourably.
If a personnel check shows that personnel are
missing, consider if they may have jumped, fallen or
been thrown overboard during the explosion/fire. In
Assess structural
extinguished
damage,
when
fire
When a fire has been extinguished, it is important to
carry out a thorough inspection of the fire location &
the immediate vicinity to assess for structural
damage. Severe damage could impair seaworthiness
& pose a hazard to personnel &/or the ship. The
Master should ensure checks are carried out & full
reports made. The Master should carry out an
evaluation of reports to determine whether further
actions are necessary to counter any potential threat
to seaworthiness.
-
If there are substances within the vicinity or in the
vicinity of the fire location that may emit toxic fumes,
direct the damage control party to a safe place &
organise fire fighting with full partition from a safe
area.
Transfer liquids, as necessary, giving
consideration to stability & stress limits
Proceed to the nearest port or port of refuge
or request assistance from other ships in the
area depending on the circumstances
(damage or seaworthiness)
Fire/explosion damage may render the ship in
possible danger from the elements or potential
structural failure. In this case, he Master should
proceed to the nearest harbour or port of refuge.
Dependant upon the level of damage, the Master may
request assistance in implementing temporary or
permanent repairs to the ship.
4. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
Types of Fire
The Chemistry of Fire
Fires are classified into 4 types:
The Fire Triangle
1)
The modern fire triangle includes a fourth element -
Class A- Fires involving solid carboniferous
materials such as wood, paper, plastics etc
Chemical Reaction, Fuel, Heat and Oxygen.
2)
Class B- Fires involving liquids or solids
Fuel, Heat and Oxygen have all got to be present for
which are easily liquefied such as petrol, oil,
a fire to exist and removing any one of the elements
paint, grease, fats
would extinguish the fire.
3)
Class C- Fires involving gases
Chemical reaction has been added because modern
4)
Class D- Fires involving burning metals such
fire fighting media such as Novec 1230 and dry
as aluminium, magnesium etc
5)
powder (halon redundant since 2004)work by
Electrical
interfering with the chemical reactions of the
combustion process, and by inhibiting the chemical
Modern extinguishers are marked with symbols
reaction, the fire can be extinguished.
showing what type of fire they can be used on.
Fuel can be solid, liquid or gas which gives off
Water โ Class A (RED handle)
flammable vapours when heated. Examples of fuel
Foam โ Class A, B (Yellow/ cream handle) (Best for
would be:
class B fires)
Solid โ Paper, wood, plastics, fabric
Powder - Class A, B, C and Live electrical
Liquid - Oil, paint, petrol
fires(Blue handle)
Gas - propane, acetylene
CO2 โ Class B, C and live electrical fires (Black
handle)
Heat
Sufficient heat must be applied for the fuel to give off
Fire Prevention
the flammable vapours and for ignition to occur. The
The principle of fire prevention is to keep the 3 main
heat required to ignite a solid is usually more than is
elements of the fire triangle from combining to form a
required to ignite a liquid or gas.
fire.
Example of heat sources would be:
Good housekeeping and good shipboard practise are
Electrical equipment, smoking materials,
engine exhaust pipes
essential to control the supply of fuel to potential fire.
Good Housekeeping
1.
Keep wastebaskets empty
Oxygen
2.
Clean up oil spills
Oxygen is normally available in the air in sufficient
3.
Store garbage in metal containers
quantities to sustain a fire. Oxygen may also be
4.
Keep paint and solvents in dedicated paint
available from other sources such as medical and
locker
welding gasses and in chemicals such as oxidising
5.
Keep tank tops free from oil
agents and explosives.
6.
Keep clothes away from heaters
An oxygen enriched atmosphere may cause some
fuels such as oils and grease to spontaneously
ignite.
Good Shipboard Practise
1.
Close valves on fuel tanks and fuel pumps
when not in use
5. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
2.
Keep fuel tank sounding pipe self closing
5.
Actions being taken at the scene
cocks working freely and closed when not in
use.
Do not wedge open the spring loaded valves
contain the fire by shutting doors, vent flaps etc.
on fuel tank sight glasses
3.
The person discovering the fire should also try to
After the alarm has been raised successfully, the fire
may be tackled using first aid tools such as portable
Control of Heat
1.
Use Hot Work Permit System when welding
fire extinguishers, fire blankets etc, provided it is
considered safe to do so.
or grinding
2.
Use safety matches
Fixed Fire Fighting Systems
3.
Check electrical equipment for signs of
Fire Main
overheating.
The fire main provides seawater to all parts of the
Only smoke in dedicated areas and use
vessel. It is fed from electric or engine driven pumps
safety ash trays.
in the engine room, or from the emergency fire
5.
Do not smoke in bed
pump situated outside the engine room.
6.
Ensure ventillation openings on electrical
Relief Valve
equipment are not covered.
If the fire main can be pressurised from more than
Ensure lagging on engine exhaust pipes and
one pump, it may be fitted with a relief valve to control
other hot surfaces is in good condition
the maximum water pressure in the fire main.
4.
7.
Isolating Valve
Control of Oxygen
1.
At the point where the fire main leaves the engine
Close doors to stores and cabins when not in
room, there will be an isolating valve. If there is a fire
use
which detroys the fire main pipe work in the engine
2.
Keep fire doors closed at all times
room, the isolating valve can be closed to allow the
3.
Ensure fire flaps work freely and are clearly
remaining parts of the fire main to be pressurised
identified
using the emergency fire pump.
Ensure remote fan stops are working and
CO2 Systems
clearly identified
CO2 stored in cylinders which are connected to a
4.
The Fire Alarm
manifold. The manifold is connected to distribution
The person raising the alarm should use the most
pipework in the protected space. The cylinders have
appropriate method
valves on top which are either operated by pull wire,
1.
Voice โ Shout โFire, Fire, Fireโ
or by pilot gas pressure applied to the valves from a
2.
Use Break Glass Units
pilot cylinder.
3.
Telephone Bridge or other manned control
station.
Halon Systems in situ only .. no new system .due to
the ban on halon production which is damaging to the
When informing the bridge about a fire, give the
atmosphere.
following information:
1.
The location of the fire
2.
Size of the fire
Fire Fighting
3.
Type of fire
Water
4.
Number and type of casualties, if any
6. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
Keep yourself between the exit and the fire. Approach
If the fire is inside enclosed equipment, direct the
the fire keeping low and ditect the jet into the base of
CO2 through the ventilation grills.
the fire. Sweep the jet horizontally across the fire
Remember that CO2 will not be very effective if there
trying to wet all the surfaces of the burning material.
is a wind or strong draught that will dissipate the CO2.
When the fire appears to be out try to break up the
material and continue to wet the material to prevent
Dry Powder
re- ignition.
Keep yourself between the fire and the exit. Approach
Foam
the fire keeping low and direct the dry powder into the
Keep yourself between your exit and the fire.
base of the fire at the nearest point and drive the
Approach the fire keeping low to avoid the heat and
flames back to the furthest point. Rapidly sweep the
the smoke.
dry powder back and forward horizontally across the
If it is a liquid fire the foam must cover the surface of
fire trying to drive the flames off the surface of the
the liquid to form a blanket that excludes the air from
burning material.
the fire, and cools the surface of the liquid. This can
If it is a liquid fire, do not direct the powder at the
be achieved in 2 ways:
surface of the liquid as it will cause it to spread.
1)
Remember that although dry powder has a rapid
the fire so that the foam slides down the
knock down effect on the flames, it has no cooling
vertical surface and flows across the surface
effect and will not be very effective if the fire is deep-
of the liquid. OR:
2)
Direct the foam at a vertical surface behind
seated with a high reserve of heat. Be prepared for
Direct the foam jet up into the air above the
re- ignition.
fire so that it falls gently onto the fire and
forms a foam blanket over the surface.
Fire Blanket
Suitable for contained fat fires, contained liquid fires
In both cases, do not direct the jet onto the surface of
and other small fires.
the burning liquid, because it will break up the foam
Turn off the source of heat. If the fire blanket does not
blanket and it will splash the burning liquid around
have protected hand holds or pockets, fold back the
making the fire spread.
top edge over the hands to protect them. Allow the
If it is a solid fire, then use the foam extinguisher as
blanket to afford protection by letting it hang down in
described above for water.
front of you. This is achieved by holding your hands
up and apart. Hold the blanket so as to keep the heat
CO2
and flame off your face and body but not to obscure
Keep yourself between the fire and the exit. Approach
your vision.
the fire keeping low and direct the CO2 into the base
Advance and lay the blanket over the fire. If it is a
of the fire at nearest point and drive the flames back
liquid fire make sure that the blanket is stretched so
to the furthest point. Rapidly sweep the CO2
that it does not dip into the liquid. Do not throw the
horizontally back and forward across the fire trying to
blanket down as this may drive air into the fire and
drive the flames off the surface of the burning
cause it to be more intense or cause a plume of
material.
flame.
If it is a liquid fire do not direct the CO2 at the
Once the fire has been extinguished, do not remove
surface because it will cause the burning liquid to
the blanket until the previously burning item has had
splash around causing the fire to spread.
time to cool. Removing the blanket too soon may
allow re- ignition.
7. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
A person with burning clothes should be laid on the
Jacket
floor and wrapped in a blanket bto smother the
Trousers
flames.
Belt
Do not leave them wrapped in the blanket once the
Boots
flames are out as this may trap heat and cause more
Gloves
severe injury.
Helmet
Flash Hood ( not required by SOLAS)
Foam Branch Pipe
The foam branch needs 2 people to operate it. One
Firemans Equipment
person to hold the branch pipe and one to control the
Fire Axe
hydrant and change over the foam concentrate
Electric Safety Lamp
drums.
Lifelin
Keep yourself between the fire and the exit.
Breathing Apparatus
Approach the fire keeping low to avoid the heat and
smoke.
Fire Plans (Fire Wallet)
When the water is first turned on, the branch pipe will
produce a jet of water which should be directed away
from burning liquid. Once the foam concentrate has
been drawn into the branch pipe, and foam starts to
be produced, the branch pipe can be directed towards
the fire.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Muster list and location of muster pt.
Crew list (no of crew).
General arrangement plan
Safety plan
Cargo plan
Trim stability booklet.
Details of fired fire fighting system.
Details of w/t doors and ventilation.
Direct the branch pipe as is done with the
portable foam extinguisher.
However, if the fuel has had a significant preburn or if
International Shore Connection
there are high winds, these methods might not be
The purpose is to provide a connection to the ships
effective, try
fire main that will allow shore side firefighters to
Direct the foam at the floor in front of the fire
sweeping it side to side and build up a
blanket of foam which is pushed across the
fire from front to back by the force of the jet.
pressurise the fire main using their own pumps. A
spanner of the correct size for the bolts should be
stored beside the shore connection.
Ships >500 tonnes should have at least one
connection capable of being fitted either side of the
Sand
ship.
Sand should be stored in a steel container, usually a
bucket or a box. A shovel or scoop should also be
provided. SOLAS requires a sand box to be provided
in boiler rooms or to be substituted by a portable
Breathing Apparatus
The wearer of the BA should follow these rules:
1)
content of the cylinder is less than 80% of its
extinguisher. Cover spilt oil with sand to prevent the
maximum working pressure.
fire spreading.
Firemans Outfit
The items that make up a firemans suit are defined in
SOLAS as:
A BA set should not normally be used if the
2)
The BA must be donned in fresh air, and the
mask adjusted to give a good seal on the
face.
8. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
3)
1 Pull
-
More air (if using bellows)
BA team
4)
There should be a minimum of 2 people in a
2 Pulls
-
Slack off the lifeline
If one team member must withdraw freom an
3 Pulls
-
Help me out immediately
incident, then all team members must
withdraw.
5)
Attendant to wearer
BA teams must report to the BA Controller
3 pulls
-
Come out immediately.
before entering the incident, and report back
to the controller when they are clear of the
incident.
BA Pre- use Checklist
1)
Check the cylinder is full โ With the
6)
When the whistle sounds, leave the incident
demand valve turned off, open the cylinder
7)
If your exit is blocked, remain calm to
valve slowly and check the gauge pressure
conserve air. Signal with lifeline. Bang on
against the maximum pressure stated on the
structure or use radio to alert people of your
cylinder.
location.
2)
Leak Test โ Close the cylinder valve again.
The gauge reading should not drop by more
BA Controller
than 10 bar/ min. If the pressure drop is
Is responsible for monitoring the activities of the BA
unsatisfactory, check for leaks.
team. The BA Controllers duties include the following:
3)
Check Whistle โ Operate the demand valve
Check the BA wearer and set before he
to reduce the pressure in thye system. The
enters the incident
whistle should sound when the pressure has
Record where the BA wearer is going and
dropped to between 60 and 40 bar.
what task he will perform
4)
Check Face Mask Leakage โ Put on
Record the BA wearers name and content
apparatus. Close the cylinder valve and
of his cylinder (control board)
breath normally until the air in the system is
Record the time the BA wearer enters the
exhausted and the mask is pulled onto the
incident
face. The mask should stay pulled onto the
Calculate and record the โTime to Whistleโ
face. If there is leakage, the mask will move
for each member of the BA team.
away from the face โcheck mask, seal edges
Raise the alarm if any BA wearer is
and adjust straps as required to minimise
overdue.
leakage.
5)
Recheck Cylinder Pressure- Turn on the
Time to Whistle Calculation
cylinder fully open and check the contents
A BA wearer is assumed to use 40 litres of air per
gauge.
minute. The whistle usually sounds 10 minutes before
the cylinder is empty.
Ventilation Control
Ventilation control is very important when fire occurs
Time to Whistle = ( Contents/ 40) โ 10 minutes
on board ship.
The air supply to the fire can be restricted by closing
fire flaps and shutting down ventilation fans.
Lifeline Code of Signals
This can starve the fire of oxygen and keep it under
Wearer to attendant
control. The spread of heat and smoke to adjacent
9. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
compartments can also be restricted by closing fire
will give time to assemble the fire party. Remove
flaps and dampers.
combustibles from adjacent spaces.
The fire flaps and dampers may also be opened in a
compartment to allow the escape of smoke and fumes
Fire Party
while firefighters are tackling the fire in that
Assemble the fire party outside the accommodation at
compartment to give them better visibility.
the access point nearest to the fire. The hose team
should be wearing BA and firemans suits. Enter the
Remote Fan Stops
accommodation with the hose nozzle set to give a
The accommodation should be able to be stopped
wide spray. This will protect the hose party from the
form a number of different locations.
heat and tend to push the smoke along the alleyway.
Engineroom and machinery space fans will have
(water curtain)
remote stops outside the room that they serve. The
At the door of the compartment where the fire is
remote stop panel will shut down fans, electric fuel
located, the hose team should crouch down before
pumps in the compartment.
opening the door. When the door is opened, a fresh
The fans will also shut down if the control cabinet is
supply of air will rush in causing the fire to flare up. A
opened for the fixed fire fighting (CO2 or Halon).
ball of burning gas will blow out of the compartment
A
above the heads of the hose team.
Raise Alarm (verbally, break glass, telephone
bridge)
The rest of the fire party outside the accommodation
F
should stand to the side of the access door so as not
Find out as much as you can about fire (tackle
fire yourself if small. No risks)
to get caught by the blast of burning gas.
I
Inform fire party when they arrive
The hose team should then set the nozzle to give a
R
Restrict fire as much as possible (doors, vents,
narrow spray and direct it at the seat of the fire.
combustibles from adjacent spaces)
All the burning material should be well soaked but the
E
use of excess water may cause problems with the
Extinguish when fire party arrives
stability of the vessel.
Fire Fighting Techniques
Accommodation Fires
Boundary Cooling
The fuel in the accommodation fire would include
Whilst the first team is tackling the seat of the fire,
wood, paper, plastics, fabrics and upholstery foam.
other fire teams should be deployed to provide
The plastics and foam would produce thick, black
boundary cooling.
smoke and toxic fumes, which could be fatal if not
The fire can spread in 6 directions from a
protected by BA.
compartment and the fire teams involved in boundary
cooling need to cover all the boundaries of the
compartment.
Detection
Boundary Cooling should be accomplished by
The fire may be detected by an automatic system or
means of a water spray rather than a jet.
by a crew member in the vicinity.
Ventilation Control
Boundary Fuel Starvation
Restrict the supply of air to the compartment that is on
As well as boundary cooling, the other fire teams
fire by closing doors, ports and ventilation trunks. This
should be removing combustable material from the
will also restrict the spread of smoke and toxic fumes
boundaries of the compartment that is on fire.
to the rest of the accommodation. Ventilation control
10. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
Machinery Space Fires
Same Level Entry โ Assemble the Fire
Fuel Control
Party outside the engine room at the access
Try to isolate the supply of fuel to the fire by closing
point nearest to the fire. The hose team
valves, switching off pumps, isolating electrical
should be wearing BA and firemans suits.
circuits etc. if this can be done wthout putting anyone
At the door of the ER, the hose teams should
in danger.
crouch down before opening the door, and
The main engines should not be shut down without
keep behind it. When the door is opened, a
consultation with the watchkeeper on the bridge. The
fresh supply of air will rush in and the fire will
watchkeeper may need to manoeuvre the vessel to a
flare up. A ball of burning gas will blow out of
safe location before he loses power and steering.
the compartment above the heads of the
hose team.
Firefighting
The rest of the fire party should stand to the
side of the access door so as not to get
Portable extinguishers
If the fire is small, it should be tackled with portable
extinguishers as soon as possible.
If the fire is beyond the scope of portable
extinguishers, the engineer should leave the engine
room, closing the door behind him.
caught by the blast of the burning gas.
If possible, 2 nozzles should be employed,
one with its nozzle set to a wide spray
to form a water wall, the other used to send a
jet of water through the water wall
to the seat of the fire.
The hose teams should advance into the
engine room to approach the seat of the
Fixed Firefighting systems
fire, sheltering behind the water wall.
The decision to employ the fixed firefighting system
Vertical Entry โ Assemble the fire party on
should be taken by the Master, bearing in mind the
deck at the access point furthest from the
following:
fire. The hose team should be wearing BA
1)
It is a โone- shotโ system
and firemans outfits. Open the hatch cover
2)
Gas discharge systems provide no cooling
and crouch down behind the hatch lid. The
effect
fresh air entering the hatch will cause the fire
After use, it may be some time before the
to flare up, sending out a ball of burning gas.
atmosphere in the engine room can be
Lower one hose halfway down the ladder
cleared and made safe to enter and restart
to the lower deck, with the nozzle set to
machinery.
give a wide spray. Lower a second hose to
3)
the bottom of the ladder with the nozzle shut.
The first firefighter climbs down the ladder,
Fire Party
protected from the heat by the water wall
It may be decided to fight the fire using hose teams,
created by the hose. On reaching the
or after the use of the fixed equipment, it may be
bottom, he steps to one side holds the hose
necessary to send in hose teams to provide cooling.
to create a water wall protecting himself and
Access to the engine room may be horizontally on the
the ladder. The second firefighter then
same level or may be vertically down the emergency
descends the ladder and takes up the
escape hatch.
second hose. A jet of water can then be
11. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
directed at the seat of the fire through the
Vessel at Sea Fire in Hold
water wall. The 2 firefighters can then
1.
Batten down and seal off space
advance towards the fire.
2.
Close all vents, shut down fans
3.
Activate any fixed fire fighting equipment or
After any fire, beware of re ignition. Keep the
space battened down and wetted for at least 24
smothering systems (Masters decision)
4.
hours.
Commence boundary cooling. Remember
some cargoes may be dangerous when
wetted
Ventilation
5.
May be necessary to shut down adjacent
It may be possible to open vents at the end of the
holds and activate smothering equipment to
engine room opposite to where the hose team is
keep the fire from spreading.
entering. This will allow smoke to escape and give
6.
better visibility to the hose team.
Head for nearest port. Do not open the fire
space until in port and fire department
standing by.
Fire in Port
7.
Send out urgency on Masters orders
1.
Ring fire brigade even for small fire.
8.
Prepare lifeboats
2.
Indicate ship position in harbour by using
9.
Radio ahead to port giving details and
searchlight etc
3.
request assistance from the fire brigade
Try to contain the fire until they arrive unless
10. Have fire wallet ready for fire brigade
it is small and you think it can be
11. On arrival at port, stand off, follow port
extinguished
4.
authority instructions
Send all non essential personnel ashore and
alert Port Authority.
Musters and Drills (MGN 71 and COSWP)
5.
Prepare for emergency sailing if required.
6.
Have Fire Wallet ready and put yourself and
signals, assigned survival craft and assigned
equipment at fire brigades disposal.
tasks.). Must be conspicuously posted. The
Information required by Fire Department :
Muster List should be supplemented by
7.
1.
Muster List details.( Muster point, emergency
Name of vessel
emergency instructions for each crew
Location
member i.e. posted in cabin.
Missing persons
2.
An Abandon Ship and Fire Drill must be held
Fire situation
so that each crew member participates in at
Hazardous cargo
least one of each per month.
Location of fire
3.
As soon as possible after joining, crew
Location of International Shore
members should familiarise themselves with
Connection.
their emergency duties, the various alarms
and the location of the lifeboat station and of
all FFE and LSA.
Initial Actions on Bridge on Fire Alarm
1.
Sound GE alarm
4.
Crew should muster wearing lifejackets
2.
Notify Fire Party of fire and location
5.
A head count should be conducted to identify
3.
Deck lighting on.
any missing persons
6.
A fire drill should be held simultaneously with
the first stage of the abandon ship drill
12. EMERGENCY RESPONSE AND FIRE
7.
Fire pumps main and emergency should be
5)
1 spare charge is to be carried for each
started to see that full pressure is put on the
extinguisher.
main by both. All crew should know how to
start the emergency fire pump.
8.
Fixed Installations
CO2
An adequate number of hoses should be
1)
if down 10% or more.
deployed and charged firstly by main fire
pump and then by emergency fire pump.
9.
2)
Remote controls for fans, fuel pumps and
fuel tank valves, the closing of openings and
3)
Check alignment of cylinders. Gang release
mechanism may not work if out of line.
4)
10. At each drill, one extinguisher should be let
off.
Distribution systems to be checked for leaks
using compressed air.
the isolation of electrical equipment should
be demonstrated.
Contents to be verified every 4 years. Refill
Check alarm system and ventilation shut
down
5)
11. BA gear should be worn by members of the
Bulk CO2 tanks to be checked internally
every 10 years.
fire party.
Foam
1)
Emergency Fire Pump
1.
Test distribution system and control gear
withfoam or water
Open sea suction and valve to fire main.
2)
After testing, wash pipes clear
Open hydrant on deck
3)
Test foam solution every 2 years.
2.
Open fuel to on
3.
Decompression lever open
4.
Crank engine and put compression on.
5.
Should kick in
Water Spray
1)
Test with fresh water monthly or compressed
air to ensure pipes clear and nozzles clear
Care and Maintenance of Firefighting Equipment
Pumps and Hoses
1)
To be rigged and tested to full pressure.
Nozzle to be fitted to hose and closed to
Firemans Outfits
1)
fully charge the hose to full pressure. Check
To be stowed (in pairs if 4 to be carried) as
far apart as possible.
no leaks.
2)
2)
Check no damage and lamps charged
Main and Emergency fire pumps to be
3)
Ensure lifelines are free from knots.
tested for 2 jets of water from adjacent
BA Gear
hydrants
Portable Fire Extinguishers
1)
All charges except CO2 to be checked for
1)
Service every 2 years
2)
Cylinders to be pressure tested every 5
condition annually
2)
To be pressure tested every 4 years and
date stamped.
3)
A proportion to be tested at fire drills
4)
CO2 need only be emptied if the weight of
gas is less than 90% of the rated
capacity
years
3)
Hoses and bellows to be checked for wear
and tear.