Chapter 13 - Fire fighting and safety

Abstract

This chapter discusses fire fighting and safety. Fire is a constant hazard at sea. It results in total losses of ships than any other form of casualty. Almost all fires are the result of negligence or carelessness. Combustion occurs when the gases or vapours given off by a substance are ignited. The temperature of the substance at which it gives off enough gas to continue burning is known as the flash point. Fire is the result of a combination of three factors: (1) a substance that will burn, (2) an ignition source, and (3) a supply of oxygen, usually from the air. These three factors are often considered as the sides of the fire triangle. Fires are classified according to the types of material that are acting as fuel. These classifications are also used for extinguishers and it is essential to use the correct classification of extinguisher for a fire, to avoid spreading the fire or creating additional hazards. Fire fighting at sea may be considered in three distinct stages, detection—locating the fire; alarm—informing the rest of the ship; and control—bringing to bear the means of extinguishing the fire.