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Merchant Navy Firefighting Refresher Course

The document outlines the curriculum for Advance Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Refresher training at the Merchant Navy Training Institute, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competency standards as per the STCW Convention. It includes theoretical and practical training on firefighting techniques, emergency response, and preparation of contingency plans for various fire scenarios, particularly involving dangerous goods. Additionally, it highlights the need for 100% attendance, medical fitness, and adherence to safety guidelines during practical drills.

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
16 views17 pages

Merchant Navy Firefighting Refresher Course

The document outlines the curriculum for Advance Fire Fighting and Fire Prevention and Fire Fighting Refresher training at the Merchant Navy Training Institute, emphasizing the importance of maintaining competency standards as per the STCW Convention. It includes theoretical and practical training on firefighting techniques, emergency response, and preparation of contingency plans for various fire scenarios, particularly involving dangerous goods. Additionally, it highlights the need for 100% attendance, medical fitness, and adherence to safety guidelines during practical drills.

Uploaded by

sid sax
Copyright
© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

M.N.T.I.

MERCHANT NAVY TRAINING INSTITUTE

Hand Out
Advance Fire Fighting &Fire
prevention and Fire Fighting(FPFF)
--Refresher

1
TOPICS
LECTURE/THEORY
11. Firefighting involving dangerous goods
12. Preparation of contingency plans
13. Composition and allocation of personnel to fire parties
14. Strategies and tactics for control of fires in various parts of ship

PRACTICAL
1. Use various types of portable fire extinguishers
2. Extinguish smaller fires e.g. electrical fires, oil fires, propane fires.
3. Extinguish fires with water, using jet and spray nozzles
4. Extinguish fires with foam, powder or any other suitable chemical agent.
5. Enter and pass through, with lifeline but without breathing apparatus, a compartment into
which high expansion foam has been injected.
6. Fight fire in smoke filled enclosed spaces wearing SCBA
7. Extinguish fire with water or any other suitable fire fighting agent in an accommodation or
simulated engine room with fire and heavy smoke.
8. Extinguish oil fire with fog applicator and spray nozzles, dry chemical powder or foam
applicator
9. Effect rescue in a smoke-filled space wearing breathing apparatus
10. Use of water for fire extinguishing, the effect on ship’s stability, precautions and corrective
measures
15. Fire detection system, fixed fire extinguishing systems, portable and mobile fire
extinguishing equipment, including appliances, pumps and rescue, salvage, life support,
personal protective and communication equipment.
16. Requirements for statutory and classification surveys(practical exercises using approved
equipment and systems in a realistic training environment)
17. Assessment of cases of incidents involving fire (practical exercises in a realistic training
environment)

2
AIM:
As the shipping Industry and the seafarers are well aware, the 2010 Manila Amendments to the
STCW Convention are scheduled to enter into force on 1st January 2012, through the Tacit
Amendment Procedure as laid down in the STCW Convention.
These amendments have reaffirmed the need to provide evidence of having maintained the required
standards of competency to undertake the tasks, duties and responsibilities in column 1 of table A-
VI/1-1, A-VI/1-2, AVI/2-1, and A-VI/3 of the STCW Code every five years.

OBJECTIVE:
Seafarers in possession of FPFF & AFF Certificates issued more than five years ago are required to
undertake Refresher Training and demonstration of competence to ensure continued maintenance of
standards of competence.

ENTRY STANDARD
[Link] Fitness Declaration
[Link] REFRESHER STCW 2010 (If Applicable)
[Link] FPFF Certificate
[Link]
[Link] – 6 months Sea time pages

REQUIRED ATTENDENCE
100% attendance is required for successful completion of the course.

DURATION OF COYRSE
7 hrs

SAFETY GUIDE LINES:


The adherence to safety rules especially during practical drills are to be followed implicitly. First Aid
supplies will be available, close at hand, when carrying out practical drills
Before each practical drill, the instructor will explain each safety practice in detail.
These are to be strictly adhered to and put into practice during the drill.

3
11. Firefighting involving dangerous goods

Firefighting involving dangerous goods on ships is a high-stakes scenario that requires specialized
training and equipment. Here's an outline of how such incidents are typically managed:
1. Identification and Assessment: The first step is to identify the type of dangerous goods
involved in the fire. This information is crucial for determining the appropriate firefighting
strategy and for ensuring the safety of responders.
2. Isolation and Containment: If possible, the area around the fire should be isolated to prevent
the spread of flames and toxic fumes. Containment measures may include closing off
ventilation systems and sealing doors and hatches.
3. Emergency Response Team Activation: Ships typically have designated emergency
response teams trained to handle situations involving dangerous goods. These teams may
include specially trained firefighters, chemical experts, and other crew members with relevant
expertise.
4. Fire Suppression: Depending on the nature of the dangerous goods and the extent of the fire,
different firefighting techniques may be employed. This could include using foam, water spray,
or dry chemicals to extinguish the flames while minimizing the risk of chemical reactions or
further spread.
Assessment of Fire and Hazardous Material: Before deciding on a firefighting strategy,
responders need to assess the nature of the fire and the hazardous materials involved. This
involves identifying the class and properties of the dangerous goods, such as flammability,
reactivity, and toxicity. Understanding these factors helps in determining the most effective
approach to suppress the fire while minimizing risks.
Specialized Firefighting Agents: Different types of dangerous goods may require specific
firefighting agents. For example:
• Water: Water is a common firefighting agent, but it may not be suitable for all types of fires
involving dangerous goods. In some cases, such as fires fueled by flammable liquids or
reactive chemicals, using water could exacerbate the situation by spreading the fire or
triggering chemical reactions.
• Foam: Foam is often used to suppress fires involving flammable liquids, such as oil, gasoline,
or alcohol. Foam forms a blanket over the fuel surface, smothering the fire and preventing
reignition.
• Dry Chemicals: Dry chemical agents, such as dry powder or dry sand, can be effective for
suppressing fires involving certain types of chemicals, including metal fires or fires fueled by
reactive substances.
Application Techniques: Applying firefighting agents effectively is crucial for successful fire
suppression. Techniques vary depending on the type of agent and the configuration of the fire.
For example:

4
• Spray Systems: Water spray systems installed on ships can be used to cool surfaces and
extinguish fires in confined spaces.
• Foam Discharge: Foam can be applied using foam monitors, handlines, or fixed firefighting
systems. The foam should be applied gently to avoid disturbing the burning material and to
ensure proper coverage.
• Powder Distribution: Dry chemical powders are typically discharged from portable
extinguishers or firefighting systems. Care must be taken to apply the powder evenly and to
maintain a safe distance from the fire due to the risk of chemical reactions or explosions.
Risk Management and Monitoring: Throughout the firefighting operation, responders must
continuously assess risks and monitor conditions to ensure the safety of personnel and the
effectiveness of suppression efforts. This includes monitoring for potential chemical reactions,
changes in fire behavior, and the presence of hazardous fumes or by-products.
Adaptability and Coordination: Fire suppression efforts may need to be adapted based on
evolving conditions and challenges encountered during the operation. Effective coordination
among firefighting teams, ship's crew, and external support resources is essential for
optimizing response strategies and achieving successful outcomes.
In summary, the "Fire Suppression" stage of firefighting involving dangerous goods on ships
requires a thorough understanding of the fire dynamics, hazardous materials involved, and the
selection and application of appropriate firefighting agents and techniques to safely and
effectively extinguish the fire while minimizing risks to personnel, property, and the
environment.

5. Protective Measures: Responders must wear appropriate personal protective equipment


(PPE) to shield themselves from exposure to hazardous substances. This may include
chemical-resistant suits, self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), and eye/face protection.
6. Evacuation and Rescue: If the situation becomes too hazardous or if there's a risk of
escalation, evacuation procedures may be initiated. Rescue teams may need to assist injured
or incapacitated individuals to safety.
7. Decontamination: After the fire is extinguished and the situation is under control,
decontamination procedures may be necessary to remove any residual hazardous materials
from affected areas and equipment. This helps prevent secondary exposure to crew members
and responders.
8. Post-Incident Assessment and Reporting: Once the immediate threat has been mitigated,
it's essential to conduct a thorough post-incident assessment to evaluate what happened,
identify lessons learned, and make recommendations for improving future response efforts.
Additionally, relevant authorities must be notified and appropriate documentation provided.
Given the complexity and potential hazards involved in firefighting on ships carrying dangerous
goods, training, preparedness, and coordination among all involved parties are critical for a
successful outcome.

5
12. Preparation of contingency plans

Preparing contingency plans on board ships is vital for ensuring the safety of the vessel, its crew, and
the environment in the event of emergencies. Here's a breakdown of how contingency plans are
typically developed and implemented:
1. Risk Assessment: The first step in preparing contingency plans is to conduct a
comprehensive risk assessment. This involves identifying potential hazards and assessing
their likelihood and potential consequences. Hazards may include fires, collisions, groundings,
pollution incidents, medical emergencies, and security threats, among others.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Ships are subject to various international and national regulations
that require the development and implementation of contingency plans for specific types of
emergencies. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) mandates the
preparation of plans for oil pollution incidents (Oil Pollution Emergency Plans - OPEPs) and
shipboard marine pollution emergency plans (SMPEPs).
2.1 A Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan (SOPEP) is a crucial document required for
vessels, particularly those involved in transporting oil as cargo or fuel. Here's a detailed exploration of
what a SOPEP plan entails:
A. Purpose:
The primary purpose of a SOPEP plan is to provide shipboard personnel with clear guidance and
procedures for responding to oil pollution incidents. This includes spills or leaks of oil cargo, fuel oil,
lubricating oil, or other oily substances that could potentially harm the marine environment.
B. Regulatory Requirements:
SOPEP plans are mandated by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under Annex I of the
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). All oil tankers of 150
gross tonnage and above and all ships of 400 gross tonnage and above carrying oil as cargo must
have a SOPEP plan onboard.
C. Contents of a SOPEP Plan:
A comprehensive SOPEP plan typically includes the following key components:
• Introduction and Overview: Provides an overview of the purpose, scope, and objectives of
the plan, as well as references to relevant regulations and guidelines.
• Ship Particulars: Includes details of the vessel, such as its name, call sign, IMO number,
gross tonnage, flag state, and port of registry.
• Oil Pollution Prevention Measures: Describes the preventive measures and best practices
implemented on board to minimize the risk of oil pollution, including procedures for handling,
storing, and transferring oil cargoes.
• Oil Pollution Response Procedures: Outlines the steps to be taken in the event of an oil
pollution incident, including:
• Immediate actions to contain and minimize the spread of oil spills.

6
• Notification procedures for alerting relevant authorities, including the flag state, coastal
states, and port authorities.
• Deployment of oil spill response equipment and resources available on board, such as
oil booms, skimmers, dispersants, and absorbent materials.
• Coordination with shore-based response agencies and assistance providers.
• Reporting requirements for documenting the incident and response actions taken.
• Organization and Responsibilities: Specifies the roles and responsibilities of key personnel
involved in oil pollution response, including the master, officers, crew members, and
designated pollution response team members.
• Training and Drills: Details the training requirements for crew members involved in oil
pollution response and the schedule for conducting drills and exercises to test the
effectiveness of response procedures.
• Equipment Inventory and Maintenance: Provides an inventory of oil spill response
equipment and resources available on board, along with procedures for inspecting, testing,
and maintaining this equipment to ensure readiness for deployment in emergencies.
• Contact Information: Includes contact details for relevant authorities, response organizations,
and emergency assistance providers, both onboard and ashore.
D. Implementation and Maintenance:
Once developed, the SOPEP plan is implemented on board the vessel, and all relevant personnel are
trained on their roles and responsibilities outlined in the plan. Regular reviews and updates are
conducted to ensure that the plan remains current and effective, taking into account changes in
vessel operations, regulations, and lessons learned from past incidents or drills.
In summary, a SOPEP plan is a critical tool for ensuring the effective response to oil pollution
incidents at sea, protecting the marine environment, and complying with international regulations
aimed at preventing marine pollution from ships.

2.2 -A muster list on a ship is a vital document that outlines the specific roles and responsibilities of
crew members in the event of an emergency, such as fire, collision, or abandon ship situations.
Here's an overview of the requirements and contents of a muster list:
A. Regulatory Requirements:
The International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) sets out specific requirements for
muster lists under Chapter III - Life-saving Appliances and Arrangements. Regulation 37 of SOLAS
Chapter III states that every passenger ship and every cargo ship of 500 gross tonnage and above
must have a muster list.
B. Contents of a Muster List:
A comprehensive muster list typically includes the following key components:
• Ship Particulars: Details of the vessel, including its name, call sign, IMO number, gross
tonnage, flag state, and port of registry.

7
• Emergency Signals and Alarms: Description of the different emergency signals and alarms
used on board, along with instructions on how to respond to each signal.
• Muster Stations: Designation of specific muster stations or assembly points where crew
members and passengers must gather in the event of an emergency. Muster stations are
typically located in predetermined areas of the ship, such as lifeboat embarkation decks or
designated safe zones.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assignment of specific roles and responsibilities to crew
members during emergency situations. This may include duties such as operating life-saving
appliances, assisting passengers, communicating with the bridge, and accounting for
personnel.
• Accounting Procedures: Procedures for conducting muster drills and accounting for all
personnel on board. This includes methods for checking off names or using electronic systems
to ensure that everyone has been safely mustered at their designated stations.
• Communication Protocols: Instructions for communicating with the bridge, other crew
members, and shore-based authorities during emergency situations. This may include radio
frequencies, call signs, and other relevant communication channels.
• Training and Familiarization: Requirements for crew training and familiarization with the
contents of the muster list, emergency procedures, and the use of life-saving appliances.
C. Implementation and Maintenance:
Once developed, the muster list is implemented on board the vessel, and all crew members are
trained on their roles and responsibilities outlined in the list. Regular muster drills are conducted to
ensure that personnel are familiar with emergency procedures and can respond effectively in a real-
life situation.
The muster list should be kept up-to-date and reviewed regularly to reflect any changes in vessel
operations, crew composition, or emergency procedures. Amendments to the muster list should be
communicated to all relevant personnel, and training should be provided as necessary to ensure
compliance with the updated procedures.
In summary, a muster list is a critical component of a ship's safety management system, providing
clear guidance to crew members on their actions and responsibilities during emergencies. By
ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and maintaining an effective muster list, ship
operators can enhance the safety and security of their vessels and protect the lives of those on
board.

3. Contingency Plan Development: Based on the risk assessment and regulatory requirements,
contingency plans are developed to outline procedures for responding to emergencies
effectively. These plans typically include:
• Emergency Response Procedures: Clear and concise procedures for responding to
different types of emergencies, including communication protocols, emergency
shutdown procedures, and actions to mitigate risks.

8
• Resource Identification: Identification of resources available on board the ship to
support emergency response efforts, such as firefighting equipment, spill response kits,
medical supplies, and emergency communication devices.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Assigning specific roles and responsibilities to crew
members to ensure an organized and coordinated response. This may include
designating emergency response teams, incident commanders, and communication
liaisons.
• Training and Drills: Training crew members on their roles and responsibilities outlined in
the contingency plans and conducting regular emergency drills to test the effectiveness
of response procedures and improve crew readiness.
• Coordination with External Resources: Establishing procedures for coordinating with
external resources, such as shore-based authorities, emergency response
organizations, and neighboring vessels, to request assistance and support during
emergencies.
4. Implementation and Review: Once developed, contingency plans are implemented on board
the ship, and crew members are trained on their roles and responsibilities. Regular reviews
and updates are conducted to ensure that plans remain current and effective, taking into
account changes in vessel operations, regulations, and lessons learned from past incidents or
drills.
5. Continuous Improvement: Contingency planning is an ongoing process that requires
continuous improvement. Feedback from drills, exercises, and real-world incidents is used to
identify areas for improvement and update contingency plans accordingly. This iterative
process helps enhance the ship's preparedness and response capabilities over time.
By following these steps, ship operators can develop effective contingency plans that enable them to
respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, mitigating risks and minimizing the impact on
personnel, the environment, and property.

9
13. Composition and allocation of personnel to fire parties

10
11
The muster stations 'of the various teams should be selected after due consideration of the layout of a
particular vessel. The team leader or his deputy must take charge of the muster and report to the
Command Team.
The Command Team may normally choose the navigating bridge as its primary muster station. The
secondary muster station for this team should be chosen after closely considering the proximity of this
location to communication equipment. The Emergency Team may be allotted a muster station where
there is no difficulty to communicate with the Command Team. The secondary location should also be
similarly located. The Technical Team should muster in the Engine Control Room or at a convenient
location in the Engine Room. The secondary location should, be in a safe position outside the Engine
Room.
The Support Team should muster on the open desk, close to the [Link] choice of all muster
locations must be made a closely considering the positioning of emergency equipment andthe
accessibility to survival crafts.
TEAMS AND THEIR DUTIES
The advantages of the team concept are that small teams are more easily accounted for and
managed and can be rapidly deployed with equipment from a muster station. It is recommended that
no team should ever exceed eight people as this would make it a large and unwieldy unit. The
success of each team is dependent upon the varying skills and attributes of its members and the
degree of training. In selecting teams a blend of local knowledge and experience should be sought,
among the personnel assigned to a particular team. Each team leader must maintain discipline of his team
throughout the emergency. The team leader must ensure that individual team members do not act
Independently In tackling an emergency and that the teams keep together and follow instructions.
The Command Team is responsible for command and control of the emergency situation, and for ensuring that
an efficient musters of personnel. They will institute search for any person not accounted for. The Command
Team will establish Internal and external communication. They will maintain safe navigation of the vessel and
keep a detailed time-event record.

On hearing the alarm, the Command Team will muster at the muster location (Bridge), the Master will assess
the
situation from the reports received from team leaders. The Master will direct the Emergency Teams to provide
Information relating to the emergency. The information received and directions given by the Master must be
timed and recorded on the Bridge.
As the emergency situation progresses, the Command Team will build up an .overall picture of the total
situation onboard. To form an overall strategy to tackle the emergency, at hand the Master mast seeks answers
to the following
questions:
1. What is the emergency situation?
2. Are all persons accounted for and safe?
3. How severe is the damage?
4. What are the possible outcomes?
5. Can the situation be contained?
6. What are the boundaries?
7. What are the resources to use to mount an attack?
8. Is there any progress in limiting the emergency?
9. Is external assistance available / necessary? 10.1s best use being made of ships resources?
The Emergency Teams must first muster and report to Command Team. They should prepare equipment as
ordered
and report readiness. The emergency team is the spearhead of the attack on the emergency.
The Support Team should muster at a predetermined location and advise their readiness to the Command
Team.

12
They should provide support to the Emergency Team when ordered, for example.
1. Logistic support.
2. Prepare survival crafts.
3. B.A. support.
4. Provide additional fire-fighting equipment.
5. Maintain security patrol Boundary cooling.
6. Shut off ventilation.
The Technical Team must advise the In-Charge of the state of readiness of the engine room. This advice must
indicate the status of plant and emergency systems. The Technical Team should establish whether the
emergency has any adverse: effect on the operation of the plant, and determine any action to be taken to
reduce ill-effects. The team should maintain essential emergency services and attend to fixed fire fighting
appliances as necessary.
In fire emergencies invoking the engine room, Technical Team must ensure remote shutoffs and fuel-oil trips
are
operated when directed by the Command Team.

TRAINING & DRILLS

On joining any ship, all personnel must know their Muster Station and determine their role In an ERR they
should make themselves familiar with the alarms system. They should familiarize themselves with the general
layout of the ship. They must become conversant with the expected initial response to an alarm.
REGULATION REQUIREMENTS REGARDING FIRE DRILLS, MUSTERS & ONBOARD TRAINING.
Fire drill should include:
1. Reporting to muster Stations and preparation for duties described In the muster list.
2. Starting a fire pump using at least two required jets of Water to show that the system is in proper working
order.
3. Checking the fireman's outfit and other personal rescue equipment.
4. Checking the relevant communication equipment.
5. Checking the operation of water tight doors, fire doors and fire dampers checking the necessary
arrangements for
subsequent abandonment of ship.

Fire drills should be planned in such a way that due consideration is given to regular practice in various
emergencies that may occur depending on the type of ship and its cargo.
The equipment used during drills should immediately be brought back to its fully operational condition and any
fault and defects discovered during the drills should be remedied as soon as possible.

Drills should as far as practicable be conducted as if there were an emergency.

On-board training and instructions in the use of the ship's fire-extinguishing appliances should be given as
soon as possible but not later than two weeks after a crew member joins the ship. Individual instructions may
cover different fire extinguishing appliances but all; fireextinguishing appliances should be covered within any
period of two months. Each member of the crew should be given Instructions which should include, but not
necessarily be limited to the operation and use of fire-extinguishing appliances. The date when the musters are
held, details of fire drills and onboard training should be recorded in the log, book. If a full muster, drill or
training session is not held at the appointed time an entry should be made in the log-book stating the
circumstances and the extent of the muster, drill or training session held.

Clear instructions to be followed In the event of an emergency should be provided person on board.
Muster lists complying with the requirements should be exhibited in conspicuous places Including the
navigating
bridge, engine room and crew accommodation spaces.
The muster list should specify details of the general alarm signal and also the action to be taken by the crew
and passengers when this alarm is sounded.

The muster list should show duties assigned to the different members of the crew including:

13
1. Closing of water-tight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers, side scuttles, skylights, portholes and similar
openings In
the ship.
2. Use of communication equipment.
3. Manning of fire parties.
4. Special duties assigned for use of fire-fighting equipment.
5. Preparation and launching of survival craft.
Muster list should specify which officers are assigned to ensure that fire appliances are maintained in good and
item
and ready for immediate use. Muster list should specify substitutes for key persons who may become disabled,
takinginto account that different emergencies may call for different action.
Muster list should be prepared before the vessel proceeds to sea and revised whenever any changes in crew
occur.

14.0 Strategies and tactics for control of fires in various parts of ship.

Controlling fires on a ship requires a combination of preventive measures, preparedness, and effective
response strategies. Here are some strategies and tactics for controlling fires in various parts of a ship:

1. Preventive Measures:
• Regular maintenance of electrical systems, machinery, and other potential sources of
ignition.
• Proper storage and handling of flammable materials.
• Implementation of fire safety protocols and drills for crew members.
• Installation and maintenance of fire detection and suppression systems such as smoke
detectors, heat sensors, and fire extinguishers.
• Ensuring compliance with international maritime regulations and standards for fire
safety.
2. Engine Room:
• Immediate shutdown of machinery or equipment in case of fire.
• Activation of fixed firefighting systems such as CO2 or FM-200 suppression systems.
• Use of portable fire extinguishers for small fires.
• Isolation of affected areas to prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
Strategies and tactics for controlling fires in the engine room of a ship:

• Immediate Shutdown Procedures:


• In the event of a fire, the first step is to shut down machinery and equipment in the
affected area to prevent fuel or electrical sources from feeding the fire. This may involve
activating emergency shutdown systems or manually shutting off engines, generators,
and other equipment.
• Fixed Fire Suppression Systems:

14
• Engine rooms are often equipped with fixed firefighting systems such as CO2 (carbon
dioxide) or FM-200 suppression systems. These systems are designed to quickly flood
the space with an extinguishing agent to smother the fire. Crew members should be
trained in the proper operation of these systems and know how to activate them safely.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers:
• Engine rooms should be equipped with a variety of portable fire extinguishers suitable
for different types of fires, such as CO2 extinguishers for electrical fires and foam or dry
chemical extinguishers for flammable liquid fires. Crew members should know the
locations of these extinguishers and how to use them effectively.
• Isolation and Containment:
• If a fire breaks out in the engine room, it's crucial to isolate the affected area to prevent
the spread of fire and smoke to other parts of the ship. This may involve closing fire
doors, dampers, and ventilation systems to contain the fire and limit its impact on critical
systems.
• Cooling Measures:
• Engine room fires can generate high temperatures, posing a risk to nearby machinery
and equipment. Cooling measures such as spraying water or applying foam to hot
surfaces can help prevent further damage and reduce the risk of reignition.
• Monitoring and Observation:
• Continuous monitoring of engine room conditions, including temperature, smoke, and
gas levels, is essential for early detection of fires. Crew members should be trained to
recognize signs of fire and know how to respond quickly and effectively.
• Communication and Coordination:
• Effective communication and coordination among crew members, including engineers,
deck officers, and firefighting teams, are critical during a fire emergency. Clear
communication channels should be established, and crew members should know their
roles and responsibilities in responding to a fire in the engine room.
• Training and Drills:
• Regular training drills and exercises should be conducted to ensure that crew members
are prepared to respond to engine room fires efficiently. This includes practicing
emergency shutdown procedures, deploying firefighting equipment, and conducting
simulated firefighting operations in realistic scenarios.
By following these detailed strategies and tactics, ships can enhance their ability to control fires in the
engine room and minimize the risk to personnel and critical equipment.

15
3. Galley/Kitchen:
• Regular cleaning of cooking equipment and exhaust systems to prevent grease buildup.
• Use of automatic fire suppression systems in cooking areas.
• Training crew members in safe cooking practices and immediate response to kitchen
fires.
• Proper storage of flammable liquids and gases away from heat sources.
4. Accommodation Areas:
• Installation of smoke detectors and fire alarms in sleeping quarters and common areas.
• Establishing clear evacuation routes and assembly points for passengers and crew.
• Conducting regular fire drills and training sessions for crew members on evacuation
procedures.
5. Cargo Holds:
• Inspection and monitoring of cargo for any signs of heat or combustion.
• Implementation of proper stowage procedures to prevent cargo shifting and friction.
• Use of water spray systems or foam monitors for cooling and extinguishing fires in
cargo holds.
• Immediate reporting and response to any indications of fire or smoke in cargo areas.
6. Open Deck Spaces:
• Implementation of hot work permits and fire watches during welding, cutting, or other
hot work activities.
• Adequate provision of firefighting equipment such as hoses, nozzles, and water
monitors.
• Monitoring of smoking restrictions and proper disposal of cigarette butts to prevent
accidental fires.
7. Emergency Response:
• Activation of the ship’s emergency response plan, including notifying relevant authorities
and nearby vessels.
• Mobilization of firefighting teams to contain and extinguish the fire.
• Coordination with shore-based firefighting services and rescue operations if necessary.
• Utilization of fire-resistant clothing and breathing apparatus for firefighting personnel.
8. Training and Preparedness:
• Regular training drills and exercises to enhance crew readiness and response
capabilities.

16
• Familiarization with the ship’s layout, firefighting equipment, and emergency
procedures.
• Continuous improvement through post-incident analysis and lessons learned sessions.
By implementing these strategies and tactics, ships can enhance their ability to prevent, detect, and
effectively control fires in various parts of the vessel, minimizing the risk to personnel, cargo, and the
environment.

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