MARITIME LESSON: FIRE SAFETY GUIDE

 ⚓ MARITIME LESSON: FIRE SAFETY GUIDE 🔥

A fire onboard can develop rapidly, and the first few actions can make a major difference. Every seafarer should understand the basic principles of fire prevention, alarm, containment and initial firefighting—but always within the vessel’s established emergency procedures.

🔥 UNDERSTAND THE FIRE CLASSES

Under the classification shown in this guide:

Class A – Ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, cloth and plastics.

Class B – Flammable liquids such as fuel, oil, paint and solvents.

Class C – Flammable gases such as LPG, LNG, propane and butane.

Class D – Combustible metals such as magnesium and titanium.

Class F – Cooking oils and fats, commonly associated with galley fires.

⚡ Electrical equipment is an electrical hazard, not a separate fire class under this classification. The extinguishing medium must be suitable for both the burning material and the electrical hazard.

🚨 RAISE THE ALARM FIRST

On discovering a fire, immediately alert others, activate the appropriate alarm, inform the bridge/CCR as required, and follow the vessel’s SMS, muster list and emergency procedures.

🧯 USE THE RIGHT EXTINGUISHER

Never select an extinguisher simply by its appearance. Check its label, fire rating and limitations and follow the vessel’s approved procedures. Water, foam, dry chemical powder, CO₂ and wet chemical extinguishers have different applications and hazards.

Remember PASS when using a portable extinguisher:

P – Pull the safety pin

A – Aim at the base of the fire

S – Squeeze the handle

S – Sweep from side to side

🔥 UNDERSTAND THE FIRE TRIANGLE

Fire requires three basic elements:

HEAT + OXYGEN + FUEL

Fire control therefore involves removing or controlling one or more of these elements through appropriate cooling, smothering, fuel isolation or containment.

⚠️ FIGHT FIRE ONLY WHEN CONDITIONS PERMIT

Initial firefighting should only be attempted when you are trained, properly equipped, have a safe escape route, and are acting in accordance with the vessel’s emergency organization and procedures. If conditions become unsafe, withdraw and follow emergency instructions.

⚓ KEY LESSON

Good firefighting starts long before flames appear. Knowing your equipment, participating seriously in drills, keeping escape routes clear, reporting hazards and understanding the vessel’s Fire Safety Plan can make the difference during a real emergency.

PREVENT • DETECT • RESPOND • STAY SAFE

📌 For general maritime safety awareness. Always follow your vessel’s approved Fire Safety Plan, SMS, equipment instructions and applicable regulations.

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