Competence 14: Prevent, control and fight fires onboard KUP 53: Have knowledge of fire-fighting systems

KUP 53: Have knowledge of fire-fighting systems

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Learning objective:
1. Understand the different types of fire-fighting systems used onboard, including fixed and portable systems.
2. Learn the components, operation, and maintenance of various fire-fighting systems such as sprinkler systems, CO₂ systems, and foam extinguishing systems.
3. Gain knowledge of fire detection systems and alarms, and their integration with fire-fighting equipment.
4. Comprehend the procedures for deploying fire-fighting systems in different fire scenarios.
5. Recognize the limitations and appropriate use of each fire-fighting system to ensure effective fire control.

Content

Fire-fighting systems are for ensuring safety on ships and offshore platforms. They are designed to control, contain, and extinguish fires that may occur at sea, where access to emergency services is limited.

1. Fire Detection Systems

It is important to check/test fire detectors on regular basis. Some of the main types of detectors used on ships are [1]:

Flame detectors

Light produced by a flame has a characteristic flicker frequency of about 25Hz. The spectrum in the infra red or ultra violet range can be monitored to give an alarm. Oil fires generally do not give off much smoke and this type of sensor is preferred, especially near fuel handling equipment or boilers to give an early warning.

Heat detectors

Heat detectors are of various types such as rate of rise type, which has bi-metallic type detecting elements – a thick strip and a thin strip. The thin strip is more sensitive to temperature rise than the thicker one. If there is a sudden rise in temperature, the thin one bends faster than the thicker one, bringing both of them in contact.

During normal temperature rise both strips will deflect about the same amount and thus show no reaction. Normally if rate of rise is less than 10 deg C in half an hour, the detector will not give any alarm. If the rate should rise to 75 degree Celsius, or more, the two strips come in contact, thus triggering the alarm.

Smoke detectors

There are two main types of smoke detectors used

1) Light obscuration type

2) Ionization type Liquid or gas fires may not give off smoke initially but will catch fire spontaneously. Thus smoke detectors are not effective for such fires. These detectors are mostly used in accommodation areas.

2. Fire Alarms and Notification Systems

Alarm Bells/Horns: Alert crew members to the presence of a fire.
Visual Indicators: Strobe lights and other visual signals to indicate alarm status.
Public Address Systems: Provide instructions and information during emergencies.

3. Fire Suppression Systems

Water-Based Systems:
- Sprinklers: Distribute water over a fire to cool and extinguish it.
- Water Mist Systems: Use fine water droplets to extinguish fires and cool surfaces.
- Fire Hoses: Brings
Non-Water-Based Systems:
- Foam Systems: Create a blanket of foam that smothers the fire and prevents oxygen from reaching the fuel.
- CO2 Systems: Displace oxygen in the area to extinguish fires, suitable for electrical and flammable liquid fires.
- Clean Agents: Gaseous agents like halon replacements that are effective in various fire scenarios and leave no residue.

4. Fire Pumps and Water Supply

Fire Pumps: Ensure a sufficient water supply to various fire-fighting systems.
Water Tanks: Store water for fire-fighting purposes, often located in strategic areas onboard.

5. Fire Extinguishers

Portable Extinguishers: Handheld devices that use various agents (water, foam, CO2, dry powder) for small fires.
Placement: Extinguishers should be strategically placed for easy access.

6. Fire Doors and Barriers

Fire-Resistant Doors: Prevent the spread of fire and smoke between compartments.
Fire Barriers: Include walls and bulkheads designed to resist fire and maintain compartmentalization.

Recommendation

Regulations and Standards

International Maritime Organization (IMO): Sets standards for marine fire-fighting systems through conventions like SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) [2].
Classification Societies: Organizations like Lloyd’s Register [4] and DNV GL provide guidelines and certifications [5] for fire-fighting equipment.

References