Fire on board a ship is one of the most serious emergencies a seafarer can face. Unlike shore facilities, external assistance is not immediately available at sea, and the responsibility of controlling and extinguishing the fire rests entirely with the ship’s crew.

Whether a fire occurs in the cargo spaces, engine room, or accommodation areas, the crew must follow a structured and disciplined response plan to minimize risk and prevent escalation.

eneral Action Plan During a Shipboard Fire

When a fire is detected on board, the following actions should be carried out promptly:

Activation of the ship’s fire alarm to alert all personnel

Muster of the designated emergency response team

Confirmation that all crew members are present, with special attention to those in or near the affected area

Immediate initial actions to limit the spread of fire and smoke

Deployment of appropriate fire-fighting methods, including fixed systems such as CO₂ for enclosed compartments when required

Preparation of survival craft for possible evacuation

Execution of all additional support measures as per the ship’s emergency procedures

Fire Drills on Board

Fire drills must be organized regularly and realistically, taking into account the ship type, operational conditions, and nature of the cargo carried. These drills help ensure crew readiness for different fire scenarios that may arise during a voyage.

Fire Drill Requirements

Every fire drill should include the following activities:

Crew members reporting to assigned muster stations and preparing to carry out duties specified in the muster list

Operation of the fire pump and demonstration of at least two fire hoses to confirm system efficiency

Inspection and readiness check of firefighter’s protective clothing and personal rescue equipment

Testing of communication systems used during emergency operations

Verification of proper functioning of watertight doors, fire doors, fire dampers, and ventilation controls in the drill zone

Review of procedures and preparations related to abandoning the vessel if the situation worsens

⚙️ Post-Drill Actions

After completion of the drill, all equipment used must be restored to its operational state without delay. Any deficiencies or malfunctions identified during the exercise should be rectified at the earliest to maintain full emergency readiness.