Marine Safety, Firefighting and Survival Craft
Core concepts
Understand the fire triangle, fire classes (A, B, C, D, and electrical), and the appropriate extinguishing media. Know fixed systems: CO2, foam, water mist, and the dangers of CO2 release in occupied spaces. Learn survival craft types, launching procedures, and the meaning of musters, drills and the training manual. Know personal survival equipment and immersion suits.
Traps in questions
- Using water on electrical or oil fires; water conducts and spreads burning oil.
- Assuming CO2 is safe in a space without evacuation; it displaces oxygen.
- Forgetting that fire doors and ventilation closures are part of boundary control.
- Confusing a life raft with a lifeboat in terms of launching arrangements and capacity.
Rule of thumb and worked example
For a CO2 total flooding system, the required quantity is based on volume and a design concentration. If a machinery space of 1,500 m³ needs 30% concentration and CO2 specific volume is about 0.6 m³/kg, approximate mass = (0.30 × 1,500)/0.6 = 750 kg. This is indicative only; always follow the approved system calculation. The lesson: know the principle, but never guess in an emergency-use the system instructions and muster list.
Study focus
Revise the fire control plan, the location of international shore connection, and the operation of fire pumps and hydrants. Know the actions on discovering a fire: raise alarm, inform bridge, isolate, attack if safe, and evacuate if not. Understand abandon ship procedures and the meaning of 'survival craft' under the regulations.