Effective Fire Prevention

Superyacht fires can be devastating to the operation of a ship, resulting in the complete evacuation of its crew. Fires can occur for a variety of reasons but there are several methods to prevent fires from occurring and these should be implemented to achieve results. Fire prevention is identifying the potential areas of hazard, planning, and implementing methods to prevent fires from starting. By law, all superyachts are required to carry multiple fire extinguishers, ensure that crew are trained in firefighting methods, and have the necessary equipment to protect themselves and fight fires. Fire detection sensors have to be installed and tested to ensure rapid notification of a potential fire. According to SOLAS, there are 5 types of fires that occur on a ship and there are 5 types of fire extinguishers used in firefighting at sea, one type of fire extinguisher for each type of fire. Performing regular maintenance prevents fires and the fuel tanks and piping should be regularly checked to prevent leaks. Heat, flame, and smoke detectors are regularly used for early detection of fires, alerting crew of a potential hazard. Galley fires can occur and it is important to maintain attention on the galley while its in use. Ships should feature fire protection barriers like fire proof doors to prevent fires from spreading though the vessel. Fire pumps and fire hoses should be tested regularly and the Captain should conduct regular fire fighting drills to keep the crew prepared. In larger vessels, engine room fires tend to be more frequent and engine rooms should be monitored by both early detection systems as well as by a Chief Engineer and/or other crew members. Although the number of fires that occur on ships are regular, the cost of fires to ship are enormous because of the cargo and passengers on board. Potential ship fires should be taken seriously and should be thoroughly prepared for beforehand to prevent a possible disaster at sea.