SHIP FIRE DETECTION

Fire detection on ships is a critical aspect of safety management, ensuring the protection of crew,
passengers, cargo, and the vessel itself. Detection systems onboard are governed by strict
international regulations, such as the SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) Convention, which
mandates fire detection and alarm systems in various ship zones.

Key Components of Ship Fire Detection Systems

1. Fire Detection Equipment:

o Smoke Detectors:
▪ Optical/Photoelectric: Detect smoke particles using light scattering.
▪ Ionization: Detect combustion particles using ionized air.
o Heat Detectors:
▪ Fixed Temperature: Trigger when a specific temperature is reached.
▪ Rate-of-Rise: Activate when a rapid temperature increase is detected.
o Flame Detectors:
▪ Infrared or Ultraviolet sensors for detecting flames directly.
2. Fire Alarm Panel:
o The central hub that monitors signals from detectors, identifies alarms, and
triggers notifications.
o Can be configured for manual or automatic operation.
3. Notification Devices:
o Audible Alarms: Bells, sirens, or horns.
o Visual Alarms: Flashing lights or indicator panels.
o Bridge Integration: Alerts are displayed on navigation systems for immediate
action.
4. Emergency Power:
o Fire detection systems must have a reliable power source and backup systems to
ensure operation in case of main power failure.

Zones of Coverage

1. Accommodation Areas:
o Smoke and heat detectors are typically installed in living spaces, corridors, and
public areas.
2. Machinery Spaces:
o High-risk zones require robust systems such as flame or heat detectors.
3. Cargo Areas:
o Specialized systems like CO₂ monitoring, particularly for spaces prone to
smoldering fires (e.g., bulk cargo holds).
4. Control and Service Spaces:
o Electrical panels and workshops are monitored for overheating or sparking.
Challenges in Marine Fire Detection

1. Environmental Factors:
o High humidity, vibration, and salt-laden air can affect the reliability of systems.
2. False Alarms:
o Cooking smoke or maintenance activities may trigger detectors, requiring
selective placement and sensitivity adjustment.
3. Access Restrictions:
o Some areas, like cargo holds, may require wireless or remote monitoring systems.

Best Practices

1. Regular Maintenance:
o Scheduled inspections, testing, and calibration of detectors and alarms.
2. Crew Training:
o Fire drills and training on the operation of detection and suppression systems.
3. Integration with Suppression Systems:
o Detectors should activate fire suppression systems like sprinklers, CO₂, or foam
systems as needed.

SHIP FIREFIGHTING ORGANIZATION

A ship's firefighting organization is a structured system designed to effectively combat fires at

sea. It involves a combination of crew roles, training, procedures, and equipment to ensure the
safety of the vessel, crew, passengers, and cargo. Here is an overview of how firefighting
organization is typically structured on a ship:

1. Firefighting Teams

Ships are generally divided into specialized firefighting teams based on the size of the vessel and
the number of crew members. Each team has specific responsibilities:

• Primary Attack Team: Responsible for directly combating the fire at its source.
• Support Team: Assists the primary attack team by providing backup, operating
boundary cooling, or ensuring the supply of firefighting media.
 • Emergency Team: Focused on other essential tasks, such as evacuation, first aid, or
assisting injured personnel.

2. Designated Roles

Each crew member is assigned a role in the firefighting organization, as outlined in the ship’s
muster list. Key roles include:

• Master: Overall in charge of the firefighting operation, making strategic decisions and
coordinating with external agencies if necessary.
• Chief Engineer: Responsible for ensuring the operation of firefighting systems and
equipment in the engine room and assisting with technical expertise.
• Chief Officer: Supervises deck firefighting operations and ensures that all firefighting
resources are utilized effectively.
• Fire Party Leader: Leads the attack team and ensures safety during firefighting.
• Hose Operators: Operate fire hoses and direct extinguishing media.
• Communicators: Maintain communication between teams and the bridge.
• Boundary Coolers: Prevent fire from spreading by cooling surrounding structures.

3. Muster List

The muster list is a mandatory document that outlines:

• Crew assignments for various emergencies, including firefighting.

• Locations of emergency stations.
• Instructions for donning fire gear and operating firefighting systems.

4. Equipment

Key firefighting equipment onboard includes:

• Fixed Firefighting Systems:

o CO₂ systems for engine rooms and cargo spaces.
o Sprinkler systems for accommodation spaces.
o Foam systems for flammable liquid fires.
• Portable Extinguishers: Different types for Class A, B, C, or D fires.
• Fire Hoses and Nozzles: Used with water, foam, or chemical extinguishing agents.
• Breathing Apparatus (BA): For crew members entering smoke-filled or toxic
environments.
 • Thermal Imaging Cameras (TIC): To locate hot spots and assist with firefighting in
low-visibility areas.

5. Training and Drills

Regular training and drills are essential for effective firefighting:

• Fire Drills: Conducted periodically to practice emergency response.

• BA Drills: To train crew on using breathing apparatus efficiently.
• Fire Prevention Training: Educates the crew on identifying hazards and maintaining
equipment.

6. Fire Control Plan

Every ship has a fire control plan that includes:

• Location of firefighting equipment.

• Access points and escape routes.
• Ventilation systems and how to seal off compartments to prevent fire spread.

7. Fire Prevention Measures

Preventive steps include:

• Regular maintenance of equipment and systems.

• Proper storage of flammable materials.
• Monitoring heat-generating activities, such as welding or cutting (hot work).

A well-organized firefighting system onboard is critical for mitigating risks and ensuring safety
during fire emergencies.
FIXED FIRE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEMS
Fixed fire extinguishing systems are essential for the safety of marine installations, as they
provide an effective method to suppress fires in specific areas without requiring direct human
intervention. These systems are permanently installed and automatically or manually activated in
response to a fire. They are designed to protect equipment, machinery, and enclosed spaces such
as engine rooms or cargo holds.

Here are the common types of fixed fire extinguishing systems:

1. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) System

• Use: Commonly used in machinery spaces, engine rooms, and cargo holds.
• Mechanism: Releases CO₂ gas to displace oxygen, thereby smothering the fire.
• Advantages: Non-conductive, does not damage equipment.
• Disadvantages: Can be hazardous to personnel if deployed in occupied spaces, as it
reduces breathable oxygen.

2. Water-Based Systems

• Sprinkler Systems: Automatically discharge water over a fire. Often used in

accommodation spaces or storage areas.
• Deluge Systems: Release a large volume of water quickly, typically used for high-risk
areas like oil tanks or helidecks.
• Water Mist Systems: Use fine water droplets to suppress flames and cool the
environment. They are effective while using minimal water, reducing damage.

3. Foam Systems

• Use: Primarily for flammable liquid fires, such as oil storage tanks or fuel lines.
• Mechanism: Foam blankets the surface, cutting off oxygen and cooling the fire.
• Types: High-expansion and low-expansion foam systems are used depending on the area
and fire risk.

4. Inert Gas Systems

• Gases Used: Argon, nitrogen, or a combination to displace oxygen and suppress fire.
 • Applications: Computer rooms, control centers, and sensitive areas where water or foam
might cause damage.
• Advantages: Non-toxic and safe for sensitive equipment.

5. Dry Chemical Systems

• Use: Localized application for specific machinery or small confined spaces.

• Chemicals Used: Monoammonium phosphate, sodium bicarbonate, or potassium
bicarbonate.
• Advantages: Rapid fire suppression for flammable liquid or gas fires.
• Disadvantages: Residue may require cleanup and can harm sensitive equipment.

6. Halon and Halon Alternatives

• Halon: Historically used in fixed systems due to its efficiency and non-residue nature,
but phased out because of ozone depletion effects.
• Alternatives: Clean agents like FM-200 or Novec 1230, which are environmentally
friendly and effective.

7. Powder-Based Systems

• Used for specialized applications, such as extinguishing metal fires or fires in specific
industrial processes.

Components of Fixed Fire Systems

1. Detection Systems: Heat, smoke, or flame detectors to identify fire early.

2. Control Panels: Monitor detectors and activate the extinguishing system.
3. Distribution Network: Pipes and nozzles to deliver extinguishing agents.
4. Storage Containers: Cylinders or tanks to store the extinguishing agent.

Advantages of Fixed Systems

• Rapid response to fire outbreaks.

• Reduces risk to personnel.
• Protects critical assets and minimizes downtime.
 • Customizable for various fire hazards.

FIRE FIGHTING BASICS

Firefighting involves understanding fire dynamics, appropriate response techniques, and the use
of equipment and procedures to extinguish fires safely and efficiently. Below are the basics of
firefighting:

1. The Fire Triangle

A fire requires three elements to ignite and sustain:

• Heat: A source of ignition.

• Fuel: Combustible material (solid, liquid, or gas).
• Oxygen: Sustains combustion, typically at least 16%.

Removing one of these elements extinguishes the fire.

2. Classes of Fire

Fires are categorized based on the fuel type:

• Class A: Solid combustibles (wood, paper, cloth).

• Class B: Flammable liquids (oil, gasoline).
• Class C: Flammable gases (butane,acetylene).
• Class D: Combustible metals (magnesium, aluminum).
• Cass E: : Electrical fires (wiring, appliances).
• Class K: Cooking oils and fats (kitchen fires).

3. Fire Extinguishing Methods

• Cooling: Reducing temperature (e.g., water on Class A fires).

• Smothering: Removing oxygen (e.g., CO₂ extinguishers, fire blankets).
• Starvation: Removing the fuel source.
• Interrupting the Chemical Chain Reaction: Using specialized chemicals (e.g., dry
chemical extinguishers).
4. Fire Extinguishers

Common types of extinguishers and their uses:

• Water (Class A): For solids; not for electrical or liquid fires. (red color)
• CO₂ (Class B, C): For flammable liquids and electrical fires; leaves no residue. (black)
• Dry powder (Class A, B, C): Versatile; interrupts chemical reactions. (blue color)
• Foam (Class A, B): Smothers flammable liquids; forms a barrier. (cream)
• Wet Chemical (Class K): Specifically for kitchen fires. (yellow)

Operation: PASS

1. Pull the pin.

2. Aim at the base of the fire.
3. Squeeze the handle.
4. Sweep side to side.

5. Safety Precautions

• Ensure your safety first; don't fight large or uncontrollable fires.

• Use appropriate PPE (helmets, gloves, breathing apparatus).
• Be aware of toxic fumes and potential explosions.
• Maintain an escape route at all times.

6. Fire Detection and Prevention

• Smoke detectors: Detect smoke early; install and maintain them.

• Fire alarms: Warn occupants of fire.
• Sprinkler systems: Automatically suppress fire.
• Prevention: Store flammable materials safely, avoid electrical overloads, and maintain
fire safety protocols.

7. Emergency Response

• Alert others and call emergency services.

• Evacuate the area and account for all individuals.
• Attempt to fight the fire only if it is small and safe to do so.
• Know the location of firefighting equipment and exit routes