LSA & Fire

The fire and safety plan shows every fire boundary, detection zone, extinguishing system, extinguisher, BA set, escape route and remote shut-off aboard — posted where the crew work, and a copy in a prominently marked weathertight enclosure OUTSIDE the deckhouse. That external copy answers the 'who for': it's for the SHORE fire brigade who board a burning vessel knowing nothing — their first act is pulling that plan. Aboard, it's the attack team's map and the induction tool for new crew. And the follow-up I'd expect: I should be able to stand at my muster station and point to the nearest hydrant, extinguisher, BA set and two escape routes without looking at the plan — that's what familiarisation signed off.

Class B — flammable liquid. Extinguish with foam (AFFF), CO₂, or dry powder. Never use water on a Class B fire — it will spread the burning liquid and intensify the fire. In the engine room I would use the fixed CO₂ system — but only after confirming all personnel are evacuated and ventilation is shut down.

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon. When activated it transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to the COSPAS-SARSAT satellite system. The signal identifies the vessel by its MMSI registration and provides a GPS position. The EPIRB must be registered to the vessel and the registration kept current — an unregistered EPIRB is useless. It has a float-free bracket with a hydrostatic release unit that automatically activates when submerged to 1–4 metres. Manual activation is also available. The EPIRB is tested and inspected annually (self-test plus shore-based maintenance per flag requirements); the battery is replaced at the manufacturer's interval — typically around five years — and the HRU is replaced by its expiry date, typically every two years.

Abandon ship and lifeboat muster — monthly. Lifeboat drill — at least every three months. Fire drill — monthly, alternated with abandon ship drill where practical. Drills within 24 hours of leaving port if more than 25% of the crew have not taken part in drills aboard in the previous month; new joiners trained on the ship's life-saving appliances within two weeks of joining. Emergency steering drill — at least every three months. All drills must be recorded in the log.

A Search and Rescue Transponder. When activated it responds to 9 GHz radar transmissions from search vessels or aircraft. On the rescuing vessel's radar screen it creates a line of 12 equally spaced dots — the first dot is at the SART position and the line extends away from the rescue vessel. Hold the SART vertically for the best signal. Range is approximately 5nm from a ship's radar and 10nm from an aircraft. Battery life is 96 hours on standby and 8 hours when activated.

Sound the general alarm — seven short blasts, one prolonged. Call the Master. Stop ventilation to the engine room — close all fans and dampers. Close the fire door. Account for all engine room personnel — confirm everyone is out. If the fire cannot be fought with portable extinguishers, prepare to release the fixed CO₂ system — but only after confirming all personnel are clear. Alter course to put the fire downwind. Send Mayday if vessel safety is threatened. Prepare for abandon ship if the fire cannot be controlled.