Modern ships are becoming increasingly complex, using lithium-ion batteries, alternative fuels (LNG, methanol, ammonia), automated systems, and reduced crews. This is changing the nature of fires on board and requires a new approach to crew training.
⚠️ Key Distinctions of “New” Fires
- Rapid fire development;
- High temperatures and toxic gases;
- Risk of reignition after extinguishment;
- Limited manual intervention with a small crew.
Basic firefighting training (STCW) focuses primarily on engine rooms, accommodation spaces, and conventional cargo.
Preparation for fires involving batteries, alternative fuels, and automated systems is often insufficient or absent from practical training.
✅ PRACTICAL CHECKLIST FOR THE CREW
🔍 Before an Incident
Before any incident, the crew must clearly understand the location of high-risk areas on the vessel: batteries, fuel systems, charging stations, and other potentially hazardous equipment. The correct type of fire extinguishers and breathing apparatus must be readily available and tested, not just listed. It is important to conduct drills with real-life scenarios to ensure practical training. Particular attention is paid to understanding the specifics of alternative fuels and the associated risks on the vessel in question.
🔥 In the event of a fire
If a fire occurs, there is no time to waste: the alarm must be raised immediately and the hazardous area isolated. The extinguishing method must be selected correctly, as not every type of fire can be effectively and safely extinguished with water. It is essential to minimize the presence of people in the toxic gas zone and quickly assess the risk of heat spreading to adjacent compartments to prevent an emergency.
🧯 After extinguishing
After the fire has been extinguished, the fire zone must be constantly monitored due to the risk of reignition. If necessary, cooling of structures and equipment is continued. Protective equipment is not removed until the situation is confirmed to be completely stabilized. The final stage is mandatory incident recording and a review of the crew’s actions to improve future safety.
✈️ Fire on board requires more than just knowledge of procedures; it also requires an understanding of the nature of modern risk. The fleet is changing faster than training standards, so practice, awareness, and teamwork are becoming crucial safety factors.
Seamen’s Club 🇺🇦 | #news