Fuel leak fire on an exhaust manifold
On a small harbour tug lying alongside a typhoon shelter pontoon, the engine-room watchkeeper finds a small flame at a lagged exhaust manifold where a high-pressure fuel pipe has been leaking. Dense smoke is building, the engine is still running, and a quick-closing fuel valve and fixed CO2 system are fitted. All four crew are accounted for on deck, but one has minor smoke inhalation. Other vessels are moored close alongside, and the tug has about 2,000 litres of diesel in a tank adjacent to the engine room. The master is considering releasing the fixed CO2 at once. There is no breathing apparatus on board and the fire service is 15 minutes away. The engine-room door is hot to the touch and the ventilation flaps are still open.
1. Outline your immediate actions on discovering the fire.
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Raise the alarm, stop the engine and shut the quick-closing fuel valve to remove the fuel source. De-energise the engine room and stop the ventilation fans. Evacuate the space, close the door and ventilation flaps, and account for all crew at the muster point. Call the fire service and Marine Department or port control, giving position, fire location and fuel involved. Keep other vessels clear and prepare to move the tug if the fire cannot be contained, but do not open the engine-room door. Treat the smoke-inhalation casualty and keep personnel upwind.
2. The master wants to release the fixed CO2 immediately. What must be confirmed first, and what would you advise?
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Fixed CO2 must not be released until everyone is out and accounted for, the space is sealed and the engine, fuel and ventilation are shut down. CO2 displaces oxygen and is lethal to anyone inside. If the master cannot confirm the space is empty, do not release; continue boundary cooling and wait for the fire service. If all are accounted for, follow the system operating instructions, then keep the space closed and cool the boundaries. Opening the door too early can cause re-ignition. My advice is to confirm the checklist first, then release: not on impulse.
3. What pollution prevention and reporting follow the fire?
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Close any fuel leaks, contain oily water and use absorbent on any spill; do not wash fuel overboard. Notify the Marine Department or port authority of any pollution or risk of pollution, and follow local reporting requirements. Record actions and preserve evidence. After the fire, ventilate only when safe and with breathing apparatus; dispose of contaminated absorbent and oily waste at an approved facility. The fuel tank next to the engine room should be checked for heat damage before the vessel moves.