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Emergency Contingency Procedures ECP 05-01 Fire |
Doc No.: ECP 05-01
Revision: 01 Date: 15 Oct 2024 Issued by: DPA Approved by: MD |
5.1 FIRE
5.1.1 Fire in General
(a) Initial Action
Fire fighting starts from the moment a person detects fire and raises the alarm. "First" or “Initial” action can be taken after raising alarm, such as use of portable extinguisher, etc., but such action should not aggravate the situation. Suffocation is the most likely cause of fatalities in fire.
(i) “Initial Action” by the person who observes the Fire first
| Shout and pass the word “Fire, (place)” to a nearby person.e.g. “Fire in the galley” etc. and takes initial action like fighting the fire with portable extinguisher, if practical. |
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| Nearest person informs the Duty Officer on bridge or in CCR / Cargo office in case vessel is in port. |
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| if possible, Activate nearest Fire alarm for a period of at least 10 seconds and Announce the above emergency word. |
(ii) Action by the navigational/ duty officer of the watch
| Activate Fire alarm for a period of at least 10 seconds and Call the Master. |
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| Announce Fire with location if already known |
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| Inform Engine room In every case of fire, the duty engineer on hearing alarm should start the fire pump and ensure that there is sufficient pressure on the fire lines. He should also ensure enough power for machineries or start the second generator and prepare engines for maneuvering / stopping. |
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| SVHF on ch16 or emergency channel of Port (in case vessel is in port) |
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| Have ship’s position available, at sea. |
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| Record the facts in the bell book, as much as possible |
(b) Fire Fighting
| Sr. No | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Start organized Fire Fighting activities immediately. | Master | |
| 2 | Evacuation of the area | Master | |
| 3 | Take Head Count. | Commander On Scene / Master | |
| 4 | In case a crewmember is believed to be trapped, action to allow him to escape should be taken urgently. | Master / Commander On Scene | |
| 5 | Report the Extent of fire to the bridge continuously. | Commander On Scene | |
| 6 | Ventilation and power supplies of the affected area to be cut off immediately. | Commander On Scene | |
| 7 | Ventilators, doors or portholes to a compartment on fire should not be opened till a fire-fighting team is available. | Master / Commander On Scene | |
| 8 | Appropriate medium such as foam, water, etc., and the equipment necessary must be brought in action as soon as possible. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 9 | Remove the combustibles and explosives stored near fire affected area soonest consider the possibility of throwing them into the sea as situation demands. | Commander On Scene/ Master | |
| 10 | Boundary cooling by Fire Hose to be undertaken from outside and from above and below deck as applicable. | Fire Fighting Team / Backup Team | |
| 11 | In order to prevent the fire from spreading, alter the ship’s course to put the fire to leeward and reduce her speed, if so required. | Master | |
| 12 | Decide early if outside assistance required. | Master | |
| 13 | Consider the requirement of keeping lifeboats in readiness | Master / Backup Team | |
| 14 | Once the fire is extinguished, sufficient time is necessary before opening the closed up spaces and only after ensuring that temperature inside has come down drastically. | Commander On Scene | |
| 15 | Maintain continuous communication with company and /or shore authorities for further assistance and keeping them informed of the situations, if possible. | Master / Emergency Communication Officer |
All Fire dampers and vents should be identified with numbers and stenciled. This shall be recorded on a plan which should be posted at fire stations and any useful locations.
(c) Additional Measures when fire in Port for All Ships
- 1. Inform Port authorities including Port Fire Department as required.
- 2. Activate the ESD (for Gas carrier).
- 3. Ensure at least one loading valve is open, after manifold valves are shut.
- 4. Gas Engineer/where applicable to stay in CCR and Liaise with shore authorities and monitor tank pressure.
- 5. Inform Local agent.
- 6. Keep International Shore Connection & Fire Plan ready.
- 7. Take head count of ship’s crew, guest, and stevedores to ensure no one is trapped in fire affected area.
5.1.2. Accommodation Fire
The following should be taken into account:
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Activate Fire alarm & inform Bridge | Person sighting the fire first | |
| 2 | Try to extinguish the fire by a portable extinguisher or water sprays | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 3 | Report the Extent of fire to the bridge | Commander On Scene | |
| 4 | Ensure fire pump is running, use emergency fire pump if main fire pumps are inoperable | Engine Room team | |
| 5 | Take Head Count | Commander On Scene / Master | |
| 6 | Ventilation and power supplies of the affected area to be cut off immediately | Backup Team | |
| 7 | Ensure boundary cooling is commenced. Water spray should be used to cover large areas. Cooling of areas from outside, above and below decks to be undertaken | Backup Team | |
| 8 | Early use of SCBA should be considered to reach the seat of fire and prevent it from spreading | Commander On Scene/ Fire Fighting Team | |
| 9 | Once the fire is extinguished, sufficient time is necessary before opening the closed-up spaces and only after ensuring that temperature inside has come down drastically | Commander On Scene | |
| 10 | Having extinguished such a fire, a watch should be maintained and fire-fighting equipment and personnel kept in a state of immediate readiness | Commander On Scene | |
| 11 | Control ventilation to allow the smoke out of area, if required | Master |
5.1.3. Fire in Wheel House
(a) Only time wheel house remains unmanned is during port stay. Hence an efficient regular inspection most important as it is the command centre and has all communication instruments installed.
(b) Master should consider the following contingencies in such situation:
- Alternate command centre (such as CCR on tankers)
- Alternate source of communications with external parties.
5.1.4. Deck Store Fire
Fire in a deck store (located aft, amidships or at forecastle deck) could be caused by an electrical wiring failure, incendiary action by oily wastes or flying soot to the access deck in the direction of deck store. The following steps are suggested in case of such fires:
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Shut doors, air-pipes, access hatches to prevent ingress of fresh air to the seat of fire. | Person sighting the fire first or Backup Team | |
| 2 | Isolate electric power to the deck store. | Backup Team | |
| 3 | Take Head Count. | Commander On Scene / Master | |
| 4 | Ensure fire pump is running, use emergency fire pump if main fire pumps are inoperable. | Engine Room team | |
| 5 | Ensure boundary cooling is commenced. Water spray should be used to cover large areas. Cooling of areas from outside and from above and below decks is undertaken, if practical. | Backup Team | |
| 6 | Monitor bulkhead temperature. | Commander On Scene | |
| 7 | The source of ignition of the fire should be investigated by a responsible person, such as a Boatswain, plus an AB. | Commander On Scene | |
| 8 | Fight the fire on the spot using all available extinguishers. | Fire Fighting Team | |
| 9 | In case of paint store fire use fixed Water Sprinkler or CO2 system in case fire is not controlled by Portable extinguishers. | Commander On Scene | |
| 10 | Maintain a heading suitable to keep any open flame or hot spots downwind of the cargo spaces, with engine stopped as applicable. | Master | |
| 11 | Shut off all ventilation onboard, if required. | Master |
5.1.5. Fire on Deck - All Ships
The following points should be taken into account:
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On locating a fire raise the alarm / activate the fire alarm. | Commander On Scene | |
| 2 | All crew to muster in accordance with the Muster list. | Master/ Team Leaders | |
| 3 | Change to hand steering. | Master/OOW | |
| 5 | Alter course and / or speed to make smoke and gas clear away from the vessel. Ensure shutdown of ventilation systems and air conditioning if required. | Master | |
| 6 | Make PA-announcement with concise information. | Master | |
| 7 | Warn/advise other vessels in vicinity. | Master/OOW | |
| 8 | Coordinate emergency response teams and maintain the overview. Direct teams to the correct resources where necessary. | Master | |
| 9 | Alert MRCC where necessary. Inform Marine/ Technical PIC as soon as time permits. | Master | |
| 10 | Assess cargo information situation report from CCR and consider potential complications. | Master | |
| 11 | Prepare to send casualty message to the Company. | Master | |
| 12 | Consider and prepare to abandon ship. | Master | |
| 14 | Start Fire Pump(s). Initiate fire fighting, fixed systems and boundary cooling as appropriate. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 15 | Assess missing crew situation, details of when and where last seen. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 16 | Initiate search for missing persons, if any. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 18 | Isolate the fire and consider possibility of re-ignition prior to attempting to extinguish. | Commander On Scene | |
| 19 | Where BA used appoint crew to supply new bottles and refill used bottles. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 23 | If in deckhouses, can fixed smothering systems be used | Commander On Scene | |
| 24 | Prepare resuscitation, rescue and first aid equipment for immediate use. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 25 | Make most efficient use of fire fighting teams with relief's ready. | Commander On Scene / Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 26 | Regular updates to the bridge team as incident is investigated and controlled. | Commander On Scene / Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 27 | Monitor fire pumps, assist in the control of ventilation, isolation of electrical or hydraulic equipment. | E/RM team | |
| 28 | Ensure more than sufficient power is available. | E/RM team | |
| 29 | Stand-by engine, monitor machinery and follow events to be ready to support. | E/RM team |
5.1.6. Fire on Deck – Additionally for Tankers
In addition to 5.1.5 following points should be taken into account:
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assess cargo information situation report from CCR and consider potential complications. | Master | |
| 2 | Activate the deck water spray. (If applicable) | Master/ Commander On Scene | |
| 3 | Monitor the Gas Detection System. | C/O / Gas Engr. (For LPG) | |
| 4 | If release of vapors from the tanks, identify gas danger areas and minimize risk to crew. | Commander On Scene / Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 5 | Cargo tank pressures should be monitored. | C/O / Gas Engr. (For LPG) | |
| 6 | Consider and prepare to abandon ship. | Master |
5.1.7. Pump-room Fire (Tankers only)
(a) Fires in the pump room may cause great danger not only to the crew & vessel. If the fire causes structural failure to pumps, piping and/or valve components, an uncontrolled cargo release and subsequent explosion can occur in the pump room. Therefore, in such situations, personnel must be immediately evacuated from pump room.
(b) In case of minor fire following response is suggested:
- i. Stop the cargo work, including all cargo pumps if running.
- ii. Stop ventilator fans for pump room and close all cargo valves inside.
- iii. Shut the Fire Flaps of pump room ventilators.
- iv. Ensure Inert Gas system is running and all cargo tanks inerted and pressurized with IG.
- v. Use portable fire extinguisher and water spray immediately.
- vi. If the fire cannot be brought under control, pump room should be evacuated, and head count taken once again to ensure no one inside before flooding pump room with fixed fire extinguishing system.
- vii. Ensure lifeboats are ready for abandoning the ship in case master decides that fire cannot be controlled.
5.1.8. Compressor Room Fire (Gas Carriers only)
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Raise Alarm. Operate ESD and inform shore authorities if vessel in the port. | Chief officer / Duty Person | |
| 2 | Start deck spray for Compressor Room. | Chief officer / Duty officer | |
| 3 | The fire dampers, which serve the air intake requirements of the Compressor Room and Motor Room must be closed prior to the initiation of the CO2 system. | Commander On Scene, Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 4 | Take a complete head count to confirm nobody is left inside. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 5 | Isolate compressor room cargo lines. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 6 | Ensure the area is vacated. | Commander On Scene | |
| 7 | Release CO2 into compressor room. 13 bottles are available for Compressor room. (When the CO2 system is activated, static electricity of sufficient potential to ignite a flammable mixture is produced at the discharge nozzles. For this reason, CO2 should never be used to reduce the risk of ignition in flammable mixture) | Master | |
| 8 | Consider releasing CO2 into motor room if required. | Master | |
| 9 | Confirm adjoining area is not getting heated. | Commander On Scene, Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 10 | Comply with general checklist for Fire as explained in 5.1.1. | Commander On Scene, Fire Fighting Teams |
5.1.9. Car Deck Fire (Applicable to Car Carriers / Ro-Ro Vessels)
The following should be taken into account:
- (a) The extent and location of fire when first reported / alarm sounded;
- (b) In case noticed during fire patrols, the crew detecting the fire shall not attempt to fight fire single-handed. He shall report the location and extent to the Bridge and await assistance from a safe location;
- (c) The time elapsed between first report and first major fire-fighting operation is launched;
- (d) Decide early whether an attempt should be made to tackle the fire locally or use the total flooding system, considering that target time to release the total flooding system efficiently is 14 minutes from the time fire alarm activated;
- (e) Fire fighting action using fire hoses and hydrants should be limited to the case where the fire may be certainly extinguished by fire hoses and hydrants such as a fire in the vicinity of the wheelhouse; a fire discovered by crew during fire patrol; during cargo operation.
- (f) Accessibility to seat of fire of fire-fighting personnel and equipment;
- (g) Cars/vehicles onboard, above and below the seat of fire;
- (h) The decision whether to resort to CO2 flooding needs to be taken in fairly early stages of fire. In any case, in addition to boundary cooling, keep men ready to leave the car decks and prepare to secure / batten down the cargo compartment for CO2 flooding;
- (i) All crew should be mustered and a head count taken to ascertain no crew is left behind in the cargo compartments prior to CO2 flooding;
- (j) Vessels provided with Fixed Foam fire fighting systems for Cargo Spaces shall keep the Manually and Remote operating Foam Dampers normally closed. The Foam dampers shall be opened immediately on fire alarm activation so as to be ready to release the foam into the space. The duty of opening foam dampers should be dedicated in Muster List.
• All ship’s crew shall be trained and practice to open the foam dampers within 14 minutes from the activation of the fire alarm during the fire drill and be familiar with the location and operations of the foam dampers.
• The completion time of opening the Foam Dampers shall be recorded in the Drill minutes, HSSEQ-04.
NOTE OF PARTICULAR IMPORTANCE on Car Carriers/Ro-Ro Ships:
Loss of GM due to Free Surface Effect: This is a very serious issue on car carrier’s / Ro-Ro vessels due to their construction. When fighting a fire on car decks even a small quantity of firewater – if not drained out immediately – could lead to a considerable reduction of GM and result in serious consequences. Hence, prolonged fire-fighting methods with fire hoses must be avoided, and CO2 should be considered released at an earlier stage if the fire is large, or has a potential to grow.
5.1.10. Action after the fire is extinguished (Damage Control)
| Sr No. | Action | Y/N |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Take Head Count. | |
| 2 | Once the fire is extinguished, sufficient time is necessary before opening the closed-up spaces and only after ensuring that temperature inside has come down drastically. | |
| 3 | Having extinguished such a fire, a watch should be maintained and fire-fighting equipment and personnel kept in a state of immediate readiness. | |
| 4 | Investigation of damages to ship and cargo to be carried out. It will be detrimental in the subsequent repairs and handling of cargo. | |
| 5 | It is important to request the Class, to confirm seaworthiness and to obtain a certificate or an interim survey report after performing the provisional repairs, if so required. | |
| 6 | If there are cargoes, the accident may give rise to the G.A which shall be handled by the company and the underwriters. Also refer to section 5.11 of this chapter. | |
| 7 | It may be necessary to submit a Protest to the embassy, consulate, or notary public at the port of arrival after such accident, if required. |
| All protective clothing should be kept in readiness and be properly fastened while being worn. Protective clothing should be stowed near lockers that contain breathing apparatus. |
5.1.11. Fire in Cargo tank – For Tanker
The following points should be taken into account:
| Sr No. | Action | Responsibility | Y/N |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | On locating a fire raise the alarm / activate the fire alarm/ If in port Advise Terminal | Commander On Scene | |
| 2 | All crew to muster in accordance with the Muster list. | Master/ Team Leaders | |
| 3 | At Sea Change to hand steering. | Master/OOW | |
| 4 | Alter course and / or speed to make smoke and gas clear away from the vessel. Ensure shutdown of ventilation systems and air conditioning if required. | Master | |
| 5 | Make PA announcement with concise information. | Master | |
| 6 | Are any personnel in the tank? Evacuate immediately | Master | |
| 7 | Possibility of Explosion - Advise other vessels in the vicinity. | Master/OOW | |
| 8 | Coordinate emergency response teams and maintain the overview. Direct teams to the correct resources where necessary. | Master | |
| 9 | Alert MRCC/ NCS. Inform Marine/ Technical PIC as soon as time permits. | Master | |
| 10 | Assess cargo information situation report from CCR and consider potential complications by referring to the MSDS and MFAG. | Master | |
| 11 | Prepare to send the initial report ECP-09-03A to the Company. | Master | |
| 12 | At sea - consider the alteration of course or speed to facilitate firefighting | Master | |
| 13 | Start Fire Pump(s). Initiate firefighting, fixed systems and boundary/ Deck cooling as appropriate. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 14 | Assess missing crew situation, details of when and where last seen. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 15 | Initiate a search for missing persons, if any. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 16 | Batten down any open hatches to help smother the fire through lack of oxygen | Commander On Scene | |
| 17 | Isolate the fire and consider possibility of re-ignition prior to attempting to extinguish. | Commander On Scene | |
| 18 | Where BA used appoint crew to supply new bottles and refill used bottles. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 19 | Starting inert gas into the tank | Commander On Scene | |
| 20 | Monitor temperature in adjacent tanks. | Commander On Scene/ OOW | |
| 21 | Consider flooding the tank with water via cargo lines, keeping in mind the available ullage space and if the cargo fire is compatible with extinguishing using water. | Master/Commander On Scene | |
| 22 | Prepare resuscitation, rescue and first aid equipment for immediate use. | Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 23 | Make most efficient use of firefighting teams with relief ready. | Commander On Scene / Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 24 | Regular updates to the bridge team as the incident is investigated and controlled. | Commander On Scene / Fire Fighting Teams | |
| 25 | Monitor fire pumps, assist in the control of ventilation, and isolation of electrical or hydraulic equipment. | E/RM team | |
| 26 | Ensure more than sufficient power is available. | E/RM team | |
| 27 | Maintain accommodation and engine room free of smoke | E/RM team | |
| 28 | Stand-by engine, monitor machinery and follow events to be ready to support. | E/RM team |
5.1.11.1. Further Points to Consider
- a) Fighting a fire in a cargo tank can prove very difficult indeed. The manner of fighting the fire depends greatly on the condition of the tank. Is the tank loaded or empty? Has a fire broken out during maintenance with personnel in the tank?
- b) One of the greatest risks is the possibility of an explosion, as heat from the fire increases the evaporation rate of any cargo.
- c) If foam or another fire-fighting medium can be used, how is it to be injected into the tank?
- d) Is the cargo in the tank toxic? Are the fumes from the fire toxic?
- e) The first objective is to contain the fire and prevent it from affecting any cargo in adjacent tanks and the remainder of the cargo containment system.
- f) The cargo system must be protected from radiant heat by water sprays.
- g) In fighting this type of fire, the danger to personnel cannot be overemphasized.
- h) Even fully equipped shore fire-fighters would have great difficulty containing a fire in a tank containing a large quantity of cargo. As always - the best fire-fighting method is prevention.