1.0 TopicBriefly discuss at least 5 items hazard identification when ship on fire.2.0 Introduction Of all the disasters that can happen to a vessel at sea, fire must be near the top of the list. Marine fire accidents are extremely dangerous, very destructive and very costly. They may take the lives of the ship's crew or passengers and cause untold damage to the environment, not to mention the enormous financial loss to the operating Company. Ship fire-fighting requires a highly coordinated response by the crew to control the immediate danger that a fire presents and the subsequent containment of that situation. They must react with the precision of a military operation to have any chance of success.A ship at sea must be fully self contained in its fire-fighting abilities. It must be familiar with specific marine fire fighting procedures; dedicated protocols that differ vastly from fires on land.Land based fire fighters know that ship fires are extremely difficult to handle because of their complexity and difficulty of access. Fires account for about one third of all fatalities due to accidents on board container vessels. Engine room fires are a major contributor, closely followed by fires in cargo areas. However, not all incidents of fire are published today and we are only shown the tip of the iceberg. Many ship owners have become complacent and believe that a high safety record will guarantee their insurance cover but this is no longer the case.The number of container vessels and the amount of containers carried are growing constantly. Vessels are becoming larger and their cargo is quite often worth more than the vessel itself. Insurers are becoming increasingly concerned with these risks and it is important that all personnel are well trained in emergency preparedness and are fully aware of the consequences if they don't.This presents a major challenge for every Operator and requires a dedicated marine fire-fighting system unlike anything else. Ship fire fighting has become an essential component of life aboard today's vessels including Cruise Ships, Ro Ro's, Cargo vessels, Bulk Carriers, Tankers and Container ships. With stringent legislation, International Port State safety Inspections have detained an ever increasing number of vessels due to inadequate Emergency Preparedness Standards. Marine fire training and safety is part of the mandatory requirements for all seafarers.In any case where a ship does not comply with the requirements of the Port State Authority Regulations, the ship shall be liable to be detained and section 284 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 (which relates to the detention of a ship) shall have effect in relation to that ship; "The Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) (Large Ships) Regulations 1998". Fire-fighting, lifesaving appliances and associated drills account for approximately one third of the overall deficiencies identified on detained vessels.

3.0 Content3.1 Flammable hazardsA flammable hazard is anything that could ignite a fire, or anything that burns easily. On board every vessel there are a number of flammable hazards. These can include:Things that can ignite or start the fire are: heat and sparks from electrical switches, motors, tools or leads cooker flames sparks from grinding and welding generators cigarettes, matches or lighters.Things that can give the fire fuel to burn are: diesel fuel gas cleaning chemicals rags with oil or chemicals on them hydraulic oil.3.2 Fire PreventionThe two main things everyone can do on board a vessel to prevent fires are to: keep the vessel tidy identify fire risks during normal day-to-day operation of the vessel.Some specific flammable hazards are listed below. There may be other fire risks that are not on this list. Consider what else you can do to prevent fires.Diesel and petrol fuel and lubricating oils Ensure no one smokes on board the vessel when taking on fuel. Make sure all leaks in pipelines, fittings and engines are repaired immediately. Store all flammable products separately and tidily.Hydraulic oil Make sure all leaks in pipelines and fittings are repaired as soon as possible. Regularly check hoses for deterioration.LP Gas Gas bottles must be installed on the exposed weather deck. Salt air and water will corrode the bottles. Keep them covered and ensure there is good ventilation to prevent fumes building up. Ensure bottles are stowed where they are least likely to be damaged. Regularly check hoses and fittings for deterioration. Install a simple gas detector/alarm.Cooking fryers, elements and oilsFires often start in the galley. Install timed switches on galley equipment so it will turn off if left unattended. Ensure a smoke detector is fitted. Make sure gas bottles are locked shut when leaving the vessel.Electrical switchboards and connectionsOn most vessels, there is a range of control boxes, switches and sockets in areas exposed to physical damage. Ensure the flame-proof and water-proof enclosures are kept in excellent physical condition. Regularly check that contacts and connections inside are still tight. Remember a vessel is continually vibrating, so connections do come loose, which can create a hot spot.Electric motors and generatorsThese are often in areas where they are exposed to fumes and dust. The fumes and dust can get into the vents of the machine. Sparks from the electrics can ignite fumes or dust. Have a qualified person regularly check the vents and remove grills to make sure the internals of the machine are clean. At the same time check that all connections inside are still tight.Portable electric tools Ensure tools (including leads and extension leads) are kept in excellent condition. Turn power off after use. Do not run leads across deck.Welding, grinding and gas cuttingWelding and cutting maintenance work is regularly required on board, and can be a significant fire hazard. Fires resulting from this work rarely start from where the work is done and often develop some time after the work was done. Fires from welding usually start on the other side of the bulkhead when paint or insulation ignites or where sparks and lose metal fall. Fires from cutting work happen when sparks fly over an area. If these sparks fall into a nearby pile of rubbish, on an oily rag, or on a piece of paper a fire could start. Always assign a crewmember, or make sure the contractor has a worker, to check the opposite side to where welding work is being conducted. This should be done while the work is happening and for some time after the welding has finished. The person doing it should use the back of their hand and have a wet rag and bucket of water to dab onto any paint or panel that ignites. Insulation on the other side of the face being welded must be removed. Before allowing grinding or cutting work to proceed physically check the surrounding areas. Make sure a fire extinguisher is close by. Ensure contractors report to you before they start and when they finish. Check the area again one or two hours after work is completed.RagsRags are regularly used to wipe up oil or fuel spills and then tossed into a nearby container.Dispose of oily rags in a metal bin with a lid or a sealed airtight bag.Chemicals Read the data sheets supplied with chemicals. Certain chemicals can be extremely volatile if mixed with other substances. Have chemicals supplied in robust and non-corrosive containers. Stow chemicals in a separate dry stowage on or immediately adjacent to the weather deck.

3.3 Fire DrillsFire drills ensure everyone knows what to do when there is a fire. Talking about what to do is important, but a practical drill gives everyone a chance to practice the required skills. Fire drills are just as important for small vessels with only one or two crew. How you carry out a fire drill on a small vessel might be different to how you would on a large vessel. For instance, on a small vessel you may walk through the drill together and test each other. Whatever way you decide to carry out fire drills on the vessel, you must do them regularly.Good fire drills Start with the alarm you normally use to get crew to the muster stations. This allows an immediate check to confirm everyone is accounted for and doing their duty. Occur in different locations on the vessel where a fire could possibly start. Have a sense of urgency. Use the correct fire fighting equipment at the scene.

3.4 Fire FightingFire needs three components to keep burning: heat, fuel and oxygen. It will go out when one of these components is removed.HeatLand-based fire brigades fight house fires through removing the heat by cooling the fire with lots of water. Flooding a vessel at sea is not a good idea, as the vessel will become unstable with free surface water and flooding.Hoses can still be used for cooling at sea, but should be used with care.FuelFuel can often be isolated (say to a main engine). However, this requires time to take effect, and there are often other flammable things also burning that keep the fire going.OxygenAt sea the primary method that has to be relied on to put fires out is suffocation, or removal of the oxygen. This is done in combination with isolation of fuel supplies and cooling.Fire fatalitiesMost people who die in a fire suffocate from inhaling smoke or fire gases. Approximately twice as many people die in this manner than those who are burnt. Vessels have a vast range of materials that become toxic when burnt. These include paint, cables, mattresses, and even the contents from a used fire extinguisher. The fumes from such materials, as well as the smoke, are quickly concentrated within the confines of any vessel. Dense smoke and toxic gases mean there is not much time to fight a fire on a smaller vessel. You must act fast. If there is too much smoke, try to seal the compartment and get out!Putting Out a FireOn a small vessel fires must be fought quickly but sensibly. You can fight most fires on small vessels if you follow these steps :Attempt to put out the fire1. Use a hose, extinguisher, fire blanket, or smother the fire. See Section 2.5 on fire fighting equipment to find out how to use hoses, extinguishers and fire blankets correctly.2. Crouch down low to minimize smoke inhalation and to protect yourself in case a fireball develops.3. If you cant extinguish the fire, GET OUT.Stop the oxygen supply to the fire close down compartmentIf you cant extinguish the fire, you must act quickly to close the compartment. Your goal is stop all air getting to the fire so the oxygen supply will run out.The following steps are needed:4. Turn off all ventilation fans to the compartment.5. Close all doors and hatches to the compartment.6. Close all ventilation trunk flaps to prevent air getting through.7. Look for smoke escaping through any gaps or holes in bulkheads. Use fire blankets or non-flammable material to stuff into the holes.If you stop the smoke getting out and air getting in, the fire should suffocate relatively quickly.Stop the fuel supply to fireFuel supplies for the engines are usually outside the engine room.If there is a fire in the engine room, you might need to isolate the fuel supply. This decision must be made by the skipper.When you shut fuel supplies to the main engine or auxiliary it takes some time to work. It will have an impact on vessel manoeuvrability, speed, power and fire fighting and pumping capabilities.Activate fixed fire fighting systemsSome vessels may have a fixed fire fighting system fitted in areas where fires often occur, eg the engine room and galley. Most of these systems are CO2 (carbon dioxide). Some of the older vessels have systems called vaporising liquid (BCF, Halon) fitted. These work by cutting the oxygen supply to the fire.If there is a fire in a compartment with one of these systems fitted, USE IT .Before you operate the system:8. Make sure all ventilation is stopped and all openings are closed. This will keep the extinguishing agent in the compartment.9. Ensure everyone is out of the compartment.10. Shut down as much machinery as possible.11. You only have one shot at it, so get it right first time.

Prevent spread of fireSome vessels are built of flammable materials such as wood. Closing down a wooden compartment may not stop the fire spreading. On vessels built of steel, remember that steel conducts heat and the paints and linings on the other side can start to ignite.You must monitor heat in surrounding compartments and, if they are hot, start boundary cooling:12. Monitor temperature of surrounding bulkheads with the back of the hand.13. Dampen down hot spots with damp sponge or hose.14. Use water sparingly.15. Cover all sides.16. Monitor flooding from boundary cooling water and activate pumps accordingly.17. Dont stop until walls are cool and you are satisfied the fire is out.Re-entry into compartmentDont re-enter the compartment too soon. Allow it to cool down and keep monitoring the temperature of the surrounding bulkheads and the deck above. Wait twice as long as you think is necessary!When you decide to enter through the door or hatch stay clear of the opening in case the rush of air re-ignites the fire.Allow some ventilation before you enter as there may be toxic gases within the compartment.Move into the compartment and dampen down hot spots. Break down burnt rubble and ensureit is completely cool.Re-flash watchFires often re-ignite. Check every hour after a fire has been extinguished, until you are sure it will not re-ignite.

3.5 Fire Fighting EquipmentExtinguishersMost extinguishers identify what type of fire they are used for: Class A Class B Class C Class E Class F.Make sure you use the correct extinguisher for the job. These are explained below:CLASS ACLASS BCLASS CCLASS ECLASS F

WoodPaperPlasticsFlammable andcombustibleliquidsFlammable gasesElectricallyenergizedequipmentCooking oilsand fats

Foam extinguishers Class A and Class B firesFoam extinguishers are good for fuel and oil fires. They can also be used on wood, paper and fish bins (plastic).Try to direct the foam onto a vertical surface behind the fire. The foam then runs down and smothers the fire from behind.Another way is to spray the foam from a distance so that it drops the liquid onto the fire.Foam is more effective on liquid fires when the liquid (fuel or oil) is contained.Foam should not be used on electrical fires.Dry powder extinguishers Class B, C, E and F firesDry powder extinguishers are particularly good for fuel and oil fires such as a bilge fire in a vessels engine room. The dry powder extinguishes the flames and is quicker acting than foam. Dry powder extinguishers also deal more effectively with large areas of flame. Dry powder is non-conductive so can be used where there is a risk of electric shock. Direct the dry powder in a sweeping motion to the front edge of the flames. Then work it back to the far edge of the flames in a sweeping motion. Beware of using dry powder extinguishers in a confined space as their contents react with the fire and produce toxic gases.Carbon dioxide (CO 2) extinguishers Class B, C, E and F firesCO2 extinguishers are also good for fuel and oil fires. Carbon dioxide is quicker acting than foam. These extinguishers are better for fires that may spread to larger areas.CO2 extinguishers do not leave a residue or deposit and they will not damage other equipment in the vicinity of the fire. CO2 can be used on electrical fires.When used, the CO2 should be directed in a sweeping motion starting from the front edge of the flames working it back over the flames. CO2 has no cooling action. Once the initial fire has been extinguished it may have to be cooled with water.Vaporising liquid (BCF , BTM , CBM) extinguishers Class B and Class C firesThese are no longer suitable for use as they cannot be serviced due to the requirements of the OzoneLayer Protection Act 1996. These should be replaced with an alternative extinguisher suitable for the most likely use.Fire blanketsThere should be a fire blanket on board which you can use on small fires, eg a cooking oil fire.Fire blankets are made of fireproof material. Carefully throw the blanket over the fire to smother it. Fire blankets are also good to wrap around people who are on fire.Hydrants, hoses and nozzlesMost fires on board vessels involve liquid fuel of some description. If you spray water on a fuel fire, it can spread.Some solid fuel (Class A) fires do need to be extinguished with water. For example, a mattress has porous but thick construction. When a mattress is on fire an extinguisher will put out the flames, but the mattress needs to be soaked with water to put out the internal burning material.If you must use a hose make sure the spray/jet nozzle is attached. Always hit the fire with a spray rather than a jet of water. This will tend to smother the flames rather than spread the liquid fuel (and fire) everywhere. It will also give the user more protection from the heat or fireball if one has developed.On smaller vessels, the deck hose is also often used as the fire hose. However, the nozzle is often taken off the hose, which makes it harder to use for fire fighting. Larger vessels often have a dedicated fire hose or dedicated fire hydrant.This equipment is vitally important for the cooling operations during a fire on board. In particular, a spray/jet nozzle will minimise the water being used as well as ensure it opens as a spray, which prevents a jet of water being inadvertently sprayed into the seat of a fire.Take care of your hoses, make sure you have one fitted with a spray/jet nozzle at all times. You should regularly check to make sure the nozzle works.Remember fire fighting water from the hose affects vessel stability, so it must be drained/pumped out once the fire is out.

Fixed fire fighting systemsSome vessels will have a fixed fire fighting (dedicated extinguishing) system fitted in their engine room.The system will have an extinguisher bottle and nozzles around the compartment to spray theextinguisher around.These systems can be automatically triggered by a detecting sensor or manually operated. An alarm sounds before the vapour or gas is released to allow people to evacuate the compartment.To look after these systems: leave the spray nozzles the way they were installed seal the compartment before you operate the system make sure these systems are regularly checked by service agents certified to perform the task.Fire pumpThere are a range of different fire pumps on different vessels. Some vessels have a powered pump driven from the main engine, others have a hand-operated pump. All of these effectively get water to the site of the fire. Remember, the water is mostly used to cool the area rather than to fight the flames.Fire equipment signsSigns must be used to highlight the location of equipment and to show how the equipment operates. Signs are usually provided by equipment suppliers.Dont throw these away on the belief that everyone knows how to use it!Make sure the ventilation flaps and fan switches that need to be turned off in a fire are also well marked.

4.0 Conclusion and RecommendationEvery vessel should have regular fire drills. Regular drills mean everyone knows what to do.Important points for all crew: Know and look out for fire risks. Know what fire equipment is held on board. Know where all fire fighting equipment is held on board. Know how and when to use all the fighting equipment. Know how to contain a fire on board. Know the affects of fire fighting water on the stability of the vessel. Know your role in fighting a fire on board.Every vessel should have a fire detection equipment. The earlier you get warning of a fire the faster you can respond. Smoke or heat detection is not required on small vessels. Vessels with less crew may be less likely to notice smoke while they are attending to their duties. It is recommended that common battery-operated home smoke detectors should be fitted on smaller vessels. Fire detectors come in many forms but operate either by detecting excessive heat or by detecting smoke. Smoke detectors are normally more sensitive than heat detectors but are no use if there are lots of fumes. If an alarm keeps going off find out why and fix it!

5.0 Reference1. National Institute of Occupational Safety & Health (NIOSH), Ministry of Human Resource, Malaysia Module2. New Zealand, M. (Ed.). (2007). Safety Guidelines Passenger And Non-passenger Vessels. Wellington: Maritime New Zealand.3. Charchalis, A., & Czyz, S. (2011). Analysis Of Fire Hazard And Safety Requirements Of A Sea Vessel Engine Rooms. KONES Powertrain and Transport, 18(2), 50-56.4. Fire hazards and precautions on board liquefied gas carriers. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2015, from http://www.liquefiedgascarrier.com/fire-hazards.html5. Guidelines for Health and Safety on Board Small Fishing Boats. (n.d.). Retrieved May 24, 2015, from http://www.fishsafe.org.nz/guidelines/?section=1&chapter=2

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