Shipboard Safety and Emergency Procedures
Shipboard safety and emergency procedures test your ability to run drills, fight fires, abandon ship and enter enclosed spaces without turning an emergency into a second casualty.
Fire theory and fixed systems
The fire triangle is fuel, oxygen and heat; the fire tetrahedron adds the chemical chain reaction. Fire classes are A solids, B flammable liquids, C gases, D metals and F cooking oils. Extinguishing methods are cooling, smothering, starving and chemical inhibition. Boundary cooling protects adjacent spaces. Fixed CO2 systems displace oxygen, so the space must be sealed and all persons accounted for before release.
Life-saving appliances and drills
Abandon ship and fire drills are held at least monthly; if more than 25% of the crew changes, a drill is held within 24 hours. Enclosed space entry and rescue drills are held at least every two months. Emergency steering drills are every three months. Lifeboats need on-load release gear checks, davit inspection and correct securing. Muster lists must be posted and crew must know their duties.
Enclosed space entry
Treat any enclosed space as dangerous until tested. A permit is required, with risk assessment, ventilation, atmosphere testing for oxygen, hydrocarbons and toxic gases, a standby person at the entrance, rescue equipment and communications. Never enter alone or without breathing apparatus where the atmosphere is suspect.
Worked example: engine room fire
A fire is detected in the engine room. What is the correct sequence?
Raise the alarm and muster; account for all personnel. Stop ventilation and fuel, close quick-closing valves, and boundary-cool the surrounding spaces. Seal the engine room and release the fixed CO2 only after confirming that everyone is out and accounted for. Monitor temperatures at boundaries and do not open access until the space has cooled and the atmosphere is safe. Prepare for re-entry with breathing apparatus and fire party support.
Traps
- Releasing CO2 before mustering and accounting for personnel.
- Confusing monthly fire/abandon ship drills with two-monthly enclosed space drills.
- Using water on electrical or oil fires.
- Opening a fire boundary without boundary cooling.
- Entering an enclosed space without a permit or standby person.
- Forgetting to close skylights and ventilators before CO2 release.