Emergency Action Plan for Fire / Explosion On Ships

Learn about the emergency action plan for the ship in fire and what should be done on board a ship by the crew
members if there is a situation involving fire / explosion ?

 Ship on Fire
We have been studying about various situations involving fire on board a ship. We also studied about two specific
situations involving fire in a cargo hold at sea, as well as shore cargo hold fire. Basically these articles deal with
specific situations and actions to be taken. In this article we will study about a generic situation where fire is
involved.
As you must be aware fire and explosion often go hand in hand. An explosion can lead to a fire; and a
fire can lead to an explosion. So whenever there is either of the two, it is quite safe (unsafe actually) to
assume that the other might follow suit. Hence it is necessary to follow fire and explosion principles and
procedures, lest the proportion of damage goes out of hand.
1. Raise the Emergency alarm.
2. Determine Location of the fire/explosion.
3. Check for oil/hazardous substances,pollution & possibility of one.
4. Determine any casualties and provide FIRST AID if necessary.
5. Find out the type of fire.
6. If necessary start the fire pump.
7. In case of engine room fire start the emergency fire pump and close the isolating valve.
8. Close all the QCVs (quick closing valves).
9. Contain and extinguish the fire (using fixed system if necessary).
10. Set up emergency distress transmitter and keep ready for use.
IN PORT
Stop cargo work, evacuate shore personnel, keep main engine ready and inform port and fire authorities.

 Power Failure
Trouble seldom comes alone, and sometimes it may so happen that apart from handling the fire and/or explosion,
there might be a blackout situation. The following additional steps must be taken apart from the previously
mentioned points.

 Revet to manual steering and use the magnetic compass for heading.
 Engineers to rectify fault and revert to normal power.
 Take whatever actions are necessary to maintain the vessel in a safe position
 If emergency power did not cut-in and the vessel is unable to maneuver safely, SECURITE message must be
broadcast and display NUC (Not Under Command) Signals.
As you know, there are several teams which are pre-divided and every one on the ship knows his/her team and
location or muster point. The duties of the various teams including the main command center team have been
described briefly as follows