SOLAS Fire Safety: Structure of a Shipboard Response

Fire is the most feared emergency at sea. SOLAS Chapter II-2 organizes protection in three layers.

Prevention

Control of ignition sources, proper stowage of flammables, hot-work permits, and maintenance of fire dampers and doors.

Detection and alarm

Fixed fire detection systems in machinery spaces and accommodation, smoke detectors, and the general alarm. Weekly testing is logged.

Suppression

• Portable extinguishers suited to the fire class.
• Fixed systems: CO2 or water mist in the engine room, sprinklers or equivalent in accommodation.
• The fire party drills under the muster list: command at the bridge, attack team, support team, and medical readiness.

The drill standard

Fire drills must be realistic and varied. A drill that always happens after lunch on Sunday trains the crew for a fire that only happens after lunch on Sunday.