Fire in cargo hold at sea

      Sound fire alarm

      Announce by PA

      Inform E/R

      Reduce speed

      Activate ship's contingency plan for fire.

      Muster in the emergency station

      Muster as per emergency team

      Carry out head count

      Check if any casualty

      Establish communication between emergency teams and bridge.

      Command team will:

      Check vessel’s position

      Check weather condition, wind direction, force

      Suit vessel’s course appropriate for minimum wind effect if traffic condition permits.

      Alter course

      Reduce speed

      Record all the events and steps taken

      Send urgency or distress message depending on the extent of fire.

      In-charge of emergency team to ensure

      Any casualty.

      Prepare fire fighting team for fighting fire.

      Investigate location and nature of fire, inform to bridge.

      Rig fire hoses for boundary cooling.

      Seal off the hold, close all ventilators, flaps, blowers, fire doors.

      Cut off electrical supply to the hold.

      Back up team will:

      Ensure fire men’s outfit, BA sets & spare bottles are readily available.

      Support team will:

      Prepare life boats for lowering.

      Take care of casualty.

      C/E will ensure:

      Start emergency fire pump

      Start emergency generator

      Maintain fire pump pressure

      I’ll decide the best way to fight fire based on all available information and instruct C/O to fight fire accordingly:

      If there is small fire, use portable fire extinguishers depending on the type of fire.

      In case of big fire:

       Send two men donning firemen’s outfit to fight the fire with fire/dry powder hose.

      They are to be supported by two men, with fire hoses used to produce protective curtain.

      Back up team to continue boundary cooling.

      Check adjacent compartments if there is sign of spreading fire.

      If fire is uncontrollable and deep seated:

      Flood the hold with CO₂ as per ship's fire plan.

      If hold contains nitrates, sulfates or explosives, flood hold with water.

      Never open hatch. Entry of air may cause flash back.

      Consider loss of stability while using water to fight fire.

      Refer to damage stability booklet for loss of stability.

      Continuously monitor temperature of affected area and its surroundings.

      Maintain fire watch when fire is extinguished.

      Cancel distress/urgency message.

      Report details to owner, charterer, P&I club.

      Send an accident report to MPA.

      Prepare a note of protest to save owner's interest, stating the facts only.

      Prepare a master’s report that includes:

      When fire started.

      Extent of fire.

      Details of damage to cargo due to fire.

      Any personnel injury.

      Attempts made to extinguish fire.

      Time taken to extinguish fire.

      Weather condition.