#stcw #safety #firefighting
Introduction — When seconds count at sea
You’re off watch when the general alarm sounds and a hoarse voice crackles over the PA: “Fire in the paint locker, deck two forward.” You don’t rise to the level of your hopes; you fall to the level of your training. The goal of this guide is simple: make that training clear, repeatable and exam‑ready so you can act fast, safely and as a team. We’ll keep the science simple, map each fire class to the right agent, walk through a practical response sequence, and give you checklists that actually fit ship life.
Fire science for seafarers
The classic fire triangle lists fuel, oxygen and heat. The more useful model at sea is the fire tetrahedron, which adds the chain reaction. Extinguishing works by removing at least one side:
- Cooling (water mist, fog): removes heat.
- Smothering (foam, blankets): removes oxygen.
- Displacement (CO₂, inert gas): reduces oxygen concentration.
- Chain reaction interruption (dry powder): breaks the combustion process.
On ships, confined spaces, complex ventilation and fuel proximity make fires escalate faster. Common ignition sources include hot work, overloaded circuits, frictional heating on machinery, galley oils and static sparks during fuel transfers. Knowing how a fire starts helps you choose how it should end.
Fire classes & correct agents
Match the extinguisher to the fuel. Here’s a quick, exam‑ready map with marine examples:
| Class | Fuel | Typical Shipboard Example | Preferred Agents | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Solids (paper, wood, textiles) | Cabins, stores | Water, Foam | CO₂ outdoors (disperses) |
| B | Flammable liquids | Paint locker, fuel spills | Foam, Dry Powder | Water jet (splash/spread) |
| C | Flammable gases | LPG leaks | Dry Powder, CO₂ (after isolating gas) | Water, Foam |
| D | Metal fires | Aluminium/magnesium dust | Special powders | Water |
| K/F | Cooking oils/fats | Galleys | Wet Chemical | Water |
| Electrical* | Energised equipment | Switchboards, motors | CO₂, Dry Powder | Water/foam until isolated |
Electrical fires are treated as a special case while equipment is energised. Isolate power first; then treat by the underlying material class.
Common mistakes to avoid: using water on oil/electrical fires, standing upwind, and aiming at flames rather than the base. Keep your approach low, keep the wind behind you, and sweep steadily.
STCW drills & response protocol
When an alarm sounds, clarity beats speed. Here’s a practical sequence aligned to STCW expectations and typical onboard SMS:
- Alarm & muster: Raise the alarm, communicate location/class if known, and proceed to muster points. Don PPE and BA where applicable.
- Boundary cooling & ventilation: Cool adjacent bulkheads and decks; control ventilation (shut fans, close fire dampers) to prevent spread and flashover.
- Agent selection & approach: Choose the correct extinguisher or hose pattern. Approach with the wind at your back; sweep at the base.
- Isolation: Secure fuel/electricity. For gas fires, isolation is the primary action.
- Re‑flash watch & overhaul: Check for hot spots and reinspect after 15–30 minutes, logging temperatures if available.
- Debrief & log: Record actions, timings, equipment used, and follow‑ups.
Equipment every trainee must master
Fire main, hydrants and hoses
Know valve positions, isolation sections and the quickest path to pressurise the main. Practice nozzle control (jet vs spray vs fog) — and remember that fog is your friend for cooling and visibility in compartments.
Foam monitors & proportioners
Foam needs correct proportioning to work. During drills, verify pickup tubes, eductors and induction rates. On deck spills, work from the far edge inward to avoid pushing fuel.
Portable extinguishers
Know the weight, safety pin, discharge time and throw range of your common units (CO₂, foam, dry powder, wet chemical). Muscle memory matters when your hands shake.
PPE, fire suits, BA and EEBD
Fit checks and cylinder pressures should be second nature. Practice donning BA under time pressure and simulate low‑visibility entries with controlled smoke during drills.
Monthly & annual checks (SOLAS compliance)
Inspections are not paperwork; they are prevention. Use this quick list during rounds:
- Access: clear paths and visible signage to extinguishers/hydrants.
- Condition: no corrosion, cracked hoses or missing pins; gauge within the green.
- Seals/tags: intact with up‑to‑date inspection marks.
- BA sets: cylinder pressure, mask condition, demand valve function.
- Foam station: concentrate stock, expiry dates, induction test records.
- Records: log every check; note defects and rectification dates.
Auditors often pick random extinguishers and ask crew to operate them. Make “show me, don’t tell me” your standard.
Lessons from past incidents
Case 1 — Paint locker ignition after hot work: Residual vapours and poor ventilation led to ignition. Lesson: gas‑test enclosed spaces, monitor LEL, and keep a re‑flash watch even after “out.”
Case 2 — Galley oil flare‑up: Water thrown on burning oil spread the fire. Lesson: isolate heat, smother with wet chemical, never use water on oils.
Case 3 — Motor control room smoke: Faulty cable insulation. Lesson: isolate power, use CO₂/dry powder, then treat underlying Class A once de‑energised.
Exam & oral prep tips
- Know your matrix: Class ↔ Agent ↔ Avoid. Write it from memory weekly.
- Sequence practice: Alarm → Muster → PPE/BA → Boundary cooling → Ventilation → Agent → Isolation → Re‑flash watch → Log.
- Explain the why: In orals, say what you’ll do and why it works (e.g., “Foam smothers and cools; I’ll start at the far edge to avoid fuel push”).
- Teach back: Explain to a junior what “chain reaction” means and how dry powder interrupts it.
- Time your drill: BA donning under timed conditions builds confidence.
Quick fire drill template
Copy this into your SMS drill notes and adjust for your vessel:
- Scenario: Class B fire in paint locker; smoke reported on CCTV.
- Objectives: Alarm discipline, ventilation control, correct agent selection, safe entry checks.
- Roles: No.1 (BA entry), No.2 (BA backup), No.3 (boundary cooling), Bridge (comms/log), ER (isolation support).
- Steps: Alarm → Muster → PPE/BA → Boundary cooling → CO₂/Dry Powder (as appropriate) → Isolation → Re‑flash watch → Debrief.
- Metrics: Time to muster, time to BA on, agent correctness, comms clarity, log completeness.
FAQs
CO₂ or dry powder — which should I prefer on deck?
Outdoors, CO₂ can disperse fast. Dry powder is often more effective on Class B/C in wind. If foam is available, it’s excellent for liquid spills.
How do I avoid panic during a real event?
Drill short and often. Rehearse your exact first five moves until they are automatic.
How long will my extinguisher last?
Most portable extinguishers discharge for 8–20 seconds. Aim well and sweep deliberately.
What’s the best way to remember classes?
Create a silly story linking A (Ash), B (Boil), C (Cloud), D (Dense metal), K (Kitchen). Memory sticks when it’s vivid.