FIRE AT SEA ON CHEMICAL TANKERS- CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL

FIRE  AT SEA

1	Raise alarm by using the nearest manual push button, and then announce on PA as to location of fire.
2	Try to douse the fire with the nearest portable fire extinguisher
3	Call the Master
4	Muster crew in emergency head quarters for proper concerted response.
5	Do a headcount
6	Squad leaders to chalk out a  response method , get approval from master and brief crew
7	If the fire in in the ER , take the ship away from danger.
8	Engines on standby
9	Put on deck lights at night and show requisite NUC lights.
10	Note time, date and position of ship, and send URGENCY signal of GMDSS
11	Inform the Company and DPA
12	Alter course and speed to reduce air draft and minimise fire spread
13	Place the ship in the most advantageous position away from dense traffic flow and in a lee
14	Slow down speed or stop if necessary
15	Start additional AE
16	Close automatic and manual fire doors
17	Start fire pump
18	Attack fire with spray hoses or foam or CO2 or water fog as applicable
19	Roving squad to check for secondary dangers , evaluate and appraise master
20	Cool or flood top face of compartment on fire.
21	Shut down Fire Dampers, fuel valves, fuel pumps, fuel service tanks, settling tanks etc.
22	Isolate electrical circuits and blowers individually NOT enmasse as firefighters require air and light
23	Fire fighters with SCBA sets and firemans outfit to work in pairs.
24	Keep first aid and oxygen resuscitator ready
25	Report to nearest Coast guard and MRCC
26	Prepare lifeboats
27	Broadcast DISTRESS alert of GMDSS , if fire not under control on all distress frequencies
28	Preserve VDR backup.
IF THE FIRE HAS BEEN PUT OUT
29	If fixed fire extinguishing system has been operated and spent , sufficient time has elapsed to allow cooling of the affected area
30	Thorough examination of affected area has been carried out
31	Ascertain there will be no flash back
32	Area has been properly ventilated and all residual fumes blown out
33	Electrical power mechanical ventilation has been restored
34	Determine cause of fire
35	Assess damage to own vessel
36	If there is a spill of oil in connection with the fire, inform appropriate parties (refer to SOPEP or VRP plan if within USA territorial waters)
37	If available, take photos of area damaged by the fire
38	Notify if spare parts required
39	Enter all times and facts in log book
40	Class surveyor attendance/report if seaworthiness affected
41	P & I  and H&M attendance / report

Note:  In a compartment the fire spreads upwards in seconds, sideways in minutes and downwards in seconds.

CAPT AJIT VADAKAYIL
( 29 YEARS IN COMMAND )