Maritime sector

The best choice for the engine room fire protection is fixed gas extinguishing systems with inert gases (SAFEMATIC^TM HP Arnitro) or carbon dioxide. They extinguish the fire by displacing the oxygen from the atmosphere which stops the combustion. The carbon dioxide additionally cools the extinguished spaces.

An alternative to the gas extinguishing systems is the water mist systems (FOGTEC) or the light foam systems which can be connected to the ship’s water-hydrant network.

The optimum fire detection system in engine rooms is temperature detectors. When the temperature exceeds a set threshold, the detectors send a signal to the fire alarm panel which activates the optical and acoustic alarm to inform the crew about the fire. The temperature detectors can be supplemented with local smoke sensors. The extinguishing process can be activated automatically or manually by the crew.

In addition to the fixed systems connected to the central fire detection and extinguishing control system, the engine rooms of large cargo and passenger ships should also feature local water system. Depending on the ship type, engine rooms should also be equipped with portable foam systems and/or portable foam extinguishers or mobile foam units. Fog nozzles should be installed in engine rooms on passenger ships.

The fire protection in holds on passenger or cargo ships is mainly fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing systems. The inert gas systems (SAFEMATIC^TM HP Arnitro) can be an alternative. Both systems displace the oxygen from the atmosphere, creating a non-flammable atmosphere and supressing the fire. Fixed pressure water drencher systems are allowed in cargo pumping station.

Smoke detectors are used to detect the fire in the ship’s cargo bays. Such detectors are very sensitive, ensuring that the fire is detected at its earliest stage. The detectors are connected to the central fire detection and alarm and extinguishing control system. The crew is informed about the fire by appropriate sound and optical alarms.

The fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing system is an effective protection for paint stores on ships. Such system displaces the oxygen from the atmosphere, creating a non-flammable atmosphere and supressing the fire.

Dry-powder or water systems (sprinklers or deluge) can be an alternative to the carbon dioxide. Both water systems can be connected to the to the ship’s water-hydrant network.

Local smoke detectors are used to detect fires in ship’s paint stores. Sound and optical alarms are activated automatically to inform the crew about the emergency.

The ship’s cable trunks are protected with fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing equipment. The fires are detected by local smoke detectors connected to the central alarm and fire detection and extinguishing control system.

Depending on the vessel type, the deck should be protected using an adequate number of fire hydrants. In addition, at least one water mist lance must be present on decks of container ships to penetrate the container wall and form the water mist inside the confined space after being connected to the main fire line. Apart from the water mist lance, the ships transporting containers on at least five storeys on open decks or above them must be equipped with portable water or water-foam monitors.

The water-foam monitors are usually used to protect the decks on most ship types with exception of chemical and gas tankers where the extinguishing powder is used. The monitors are operated manually by the ship’s crew.

The optimum solution for the living quarters is water fire-fighting systems: water mist, sprinklers or deluge system. The water mist system is especially recommended as it consumes much less water than sprinklers or drenchers, thus minimizing losses caused by flooding of the rooms.

The fires in the living quarters are detected by local smoke detectors connected to the central system responsible for fire detection, alarm and extinguishing. Both fire detectors and extinguishing devices should be installed in all living quarters, service rooms, command posts, hallways and stairwells. The exception is command posts equipped with sensitive electronic devices for commanding of the ship where fixed gas fire-fighting equipment is used.

Local extinguishing systems in galleys are intended for fires caused by hot fat that caught fire. The extinguishing medium is usually carbon dioxide which in addition to supressing the fire cools down the surfaces, or foaming agents which form a film on the surfaces, cutting off the oxygen supply.

Temperature detectors are used for fire detection. When a fire is detected, the extinguishing system can be activated automatically or manually by means of start/stop buttons placed usually at the galley entrance. After the activation of the fire extinguishing process, the system immediately feeds the extinguishing medium to the fire source and to the ventilation hood.  At the same time, the power supply to the galley equipment is cut off, the exhaust and supply ventilation is switched off, dampers in the galley ventilation ducts are closed, and sound and optical alarms are activated.

All vessels are equipped with complete fire-fighting and rescue gear, among other things breathing apparatuses, fire-fighting clothing, axes or spare portable fire-fighting equipment.

Safety of human life has a special importance at sea. Therefore each vessel must be equipped with life-saving appliances (LSA) for protection of life and safe crew evacuation in case of hazard. The LSA include, amongst others, lifeboats, lifebuoys, life jackets, life rafts, immersion suits, signalling devices (distress rockets, flares, floating smoke signals) and many other. The passengers and the crew are informed about the LSA availability in case of hazard.