9.

0 Fire, Fire Prevention & Fire fighting Equipment

The following section outlines some strict fire prevention measures to be put into place.

9.1 General Theory and Principles

Every seafarer should be well aware of the following from his/her training and this section is
included to act as a reminder and reference.

9.1.1 Components of Fire

Fire requires the presence of three items:

 These three components create The Triangle Fire

 Fire cannot start or continue if one of the components is removed.

Componen Description
t

Can be:
Fuel
 Solid (Produces flammable vapours when heated)
 Liquid (Produces flammable vapours when heated)
 Gas
Heat
Transferred by:
 Radiation (e.g. from a heating appliance, flames, spark or explosion)
 Conduction (e.g. through steel bulkheads)
 Convection (e.g. via gases, liquids or hot air circulated through vent trunking)
Oxygen  Readily available in air.

The main sources of ignition most likely to occur on a ship are:

 Heat by radiation, conduction or convection.
  Electrical Spark (e.g. from faulty equipment or loose connections)
 A spark from impact (e.g. using a steel hammer in a dangerous area)
 Static Electricity (e.g. using nylon rope to sound oil tanks)
 Welding and other hot work
 Spontaneous Combustion (e.g. oil soaked rags or lagging)
 Funnel Sparks
 Smoking

9.1.2 Sire Classification

Class
United  Description
Europe/ Australia
States
Fires involving solid materials usually of an organic nature, e.g.
A A
wood, paper, cardboard, fabrics, bedding etc
B B Fires involving liquids or liquefiable solids, e.g. diesel, lub oils, etc.
C B Fires involving flammable gases, e.g. acetylene, gas cargoes etc
Fires involving metals. These are very rare but may be experienced
D D in boilers and funnel uptakes and due to high temperatures may
result in explosions.
Europe (Not
classed)/ Australia C Electrical Fires involving potentially energized electrical equipment.
-E
F K Cooking Oils and Fats.

9.1.3 Extinguishing Principles

Burning material is cooled below its ignition temperature, usually using
Cooling
water in spray form. (Generally Class A Fires)
Oxygen is excluded from the burning material usually by using foam, CO2
Smothering or Dry Powder. (Generally Class B fires or major machinery space and major
cargo space fires).
Physically turning-off the liquid fuel supply or removing the combustible
Removal of Fuel
material.
Disrupting the
Using extinguishing gases such as Halons, (BCF/BTM).
Chemical Reaction

9.2 Fire Prevention

9.2.1 General Precautions
 Good housekeeping is essential in all areas of the ship
 Observe smoking regulations

Warning!  
Do Not Smoke in Bed!
 Keep clothing and other flammable materials clear of heat sources
 Always lookout for signs of possible fire hazards. If fire hazards sighted or suspicious
smells noted report to the officer of the watch immediately
 Garbage must be collected and stored in non-combustible containers
Note: Usually metal construction with a secure and good fitting metal lid which must be kept in
place.
 Laundry Facilities
▶▶ See - Laundry Facilities

9.2.2 Electrical Precaution

 Private electrical equipment (radios, CD players, laptops) including transformers and
adapters must be type approved. Switch off and unplug equipment when not in use or
when leaving the cabin.
Note: If in doubt as to whether equipment is type approved seek advice from the ship’s Master.
 Small domestic type fridges, kettles or domestic electric water boilers, and hand irons
supplied to vessels should be made to EU standard or a similar recognised standard.
Preferably, of double insulated design.
▶▶ See - Quality Marks
 Do not overloaded electrical sockets in cabins and common areas

9.2.3 Working Precautions

 Return paints and painting materials to the paint store on completion of daily work.
 Stow flammable working materials such as chemicals and gases in accordance with the
manufacturers, and/or, Company’s instructions.
 Immediately clear up spillages of oil, paint, solvents or other flammable liquids
 All rags, especially wet or oily ones, are to be safely disposed of immediately after use
Caution: Used rags must never be left lying around.
 Switch off galley equipment when the galley is left unattended. Galley equipment is
only to be used by authorised catering colleagues.

9.2.4 Machinery Space Precautions

 Define high-risk areas where additional precautions are to be taken (e.g. purifier
rooms)
 Conduct frequent safety rounds of the engine room
 Follow correct maintenance procedures of machinery and all other equipment
 Insulate hot areas such as exhausts
 9.2.5 Barbecues (BBQs)

On dry cargo vessels, the Master may designate selected areas of open deck, abaft the
accommodation block, in order to permit controlled fires for cooking purposes. On such occasions,
suitable fire fighting precautions are to be placed in the vicinity ready for immediate use. On other
vessel types, BBQ's are prohibited unless specifically approved by the Management Office.

9.3 Smoking Regulations

Company requirements regarding smoking must be strictly observed by every member of the
ship’s company and all visitors to the ship.
Caution: Smoking regulations apply to e-cigarettes also.

Smoking in all cases is only permitted at the discretion of the Master

Prohibited Smoking Areas

On all vessels smoking is prohibited in the following areas:

 Any area outside the accommodation boundaries
 Alleyways and corridors
 In bed
 All galleys, stores and food preparation areas
 All storerooms including linen lockers and laundry rooms
 Machinery spaces and workshops
 Any additional areas as decided by the Master & Chief Engineer
Note: Smoking is allowed in the engine control room at the discretion of the Chief Engineer and
Master.
Smoking Regulations Process
The Master is responsible for this process.

1. Ensure company smoking regulations are known and observed by all onboard

2. Decide with Chief Engineer any additional areas where smoking is prohibited

3. Enforce any local terminal and port regulations concerning smoking

A. Display warning signs defining additional restrictions in force

4. If shore authorities impose smoking ban:

A. Ensure instructions are issued to all onboard

B. Ensure ban is strictly enforced

Smoking Safety Process
The Master is responsible for this process.

1. Display warning notices at all access points indicating smoking restrictions

2. Ensure receptacles are provided in all smoking areas for cigarette ends etc.

3. Ensure Self-extinguishing safety ashtrays are provided for:

A. Cabins

B. Smoking areas

4. Ensure only approved safety matches are used

Caution: Matches must not be taken out of the approved smoking areas.

Warning!  
Cigarette lighters are not permitted onboard.

5. Follow additional ship specific processes:

A. If Dry Cargo vessels

- Display or paint “NO SMOKING” notices

(i) 1. In cargo spaces

(ii) 2. Hold accesses

B. If Non DG vessels

-If available, identify safe area on poop deck for shore labour to smoke during rest periods

C. If DG vessels (when engaged in tank cleaning or gas freeing in port)

- Identify up to three designated smoking areas

Caution: Areas must not lead directly onto cargo deck and access doors must be kept closed

(i)