Fire Manual – Maersk Contractors

Most fires onboard vessels can be prevented by keeping things in their proper places and by maintaining cleanliness and tidiness. As is well known, fires are easy to start but difficult to extinguish. As vessels cannot count on support from a professional fire department, the most stringent fire precautions should be maintained. While extinguishing a fire requires knowledge skills and well-maintained equipment, fires can be avoided if all on board are aware of hazards that may cause a fire.

To succeed in extinguishing a fire on board it is necessary that everyone knows what to do when a fire emergency occurs and knows the correct use of the fire fighting equipment, which must be well maintained and made ready for use at all times.

Training and drills and attitude are the backbones of efficient onboard preparedness. During fire drills, all on board shall receive instructions on their assigned duties, and they shall be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any fire-fighting systems and appliances they may be called upon to use.

The fire safety objectives are to:

• Prevent a fire from occurring
• Reduce the risk of fire
• Reduce the risk of damage to the ship, her cargo, and theenvironment
• Limit the fire to the compartment of origin
• Ensure accessible means of escape for the crew
• Prompt and efficient attack of the fire