A possible set of responses to the galley fire are:
Initial actions to be taken on discovering the emergency event.
1a. Immediate assessments and responses to the emergency include:
Raise the fire/general alarm
Collect all the information available at this point
Activate the fire and bilge pumps
Close fire and watertight doors as necessary
Safely manoeuvre the vessel so that noxious fumes are expelled from the ship
Muster, headcount and identify missing crew, if any
Update the crew via the vessel’s PA system
1b. Shoreside response initiation actions include:
Initiate a Mayday alarm on GMDSS equipment
Activate the company shoreside response procedure as per ISM Code requirements (S8.3)
Subsequent responses to be taken to mitigate the hazards of the emergency event
2a. Substantial emergency response actions include:
Direct BA teams to the local staging area
Close galley vent ducts
Activation of galley hood CO2 smothering system as per the safe release procedure
Isolation of galley electrical systems pending discharge of fire hoses in space
Release of fixed firefighting appliances as applicable
Boundary cooling team directed to enter the space if necessary
2b. Additional reporting requirements include:
Downgrade initial Mayday alert to Pan-Pan status once the imminent danger to the ship and crew eases
Continue the ongoing dialogue with the coastguard as necessary
Inform SOPEP contact from Annex 2 of the updated IMO MSC-MEPC.6/Circ.13 if required
Company Ships Emergency Response provider informed if necessary
Ship managers, hull insurers and cargo interests informed
Flag and Class informed as per SOLAS I/11: Maintenance of conditions after survey
2c. Follow-up actions to be taken on board the vessel include:
Expel noxious gases from internal spaces
Set up a re-flash watch once the fire is confirmed to be extinguished
Reset air-conditioning systems once the fire is confirmed to be extinguished
Reset fixed firefighting systems to re-establish operational readiness
Observe safety and environmental measures to limit likely damage to the marine environment
Preserve evidence and logs pending a full investigation of the circumstances, including downloading the VDR
2d. Evolution to post-emergency conditions include:
Activate the ISM non-conformity reporting procedure as per SMS requirements
Provide full account to P&I and Hull & Machinery interests
Class and Flag are provided with a full account of the emergency and subsequent status of the vessel
DPA and cargo interests briefed with details of the event
National and local contacts as per SOPEP updated as required
Port of refuge determined if necessary
Port state control authorities informed of any damage to the vessel prior to arrival at the port.
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Structure of response to an engine/boiler room fire on board ships
A possible set of responses to an engine/boiler room fire are:
Initial actions to be taken upon being alerted to the fire
1a. Immediate assessments and responses to the emergency include:
Raise the fire/general alarm
Collate all information to determine the nature of the fire and potential complications
Energise the emergency generator to prepare for fault in generators if it happens
Activate emergency fire and bilge pumps located outside of the affected spaces
Close fire and watertight doors as necessary
Safely manoeuvre the vessel so that noxious fumes are expelled from the ship
Muster, headcount and identify missing crew, if any
Provide an update to the crew via the vessel’s PA system
1b. Shoreside response initiation actions include:
Initiate a Mayday alarm on GMDSS equipment
Activate the company shoreside response procedure as per ISM Code requirements (S8.3)
Subsequent responses are to be taken to mitigate the hazards of the emergency event.
2a. Substantial emergency response actions in consultation with the Chief Engineer include:
Close engine room ventilation fans and dampers
Close funnel flaps
Isolate engine/boiler room electrical systems pending possible discharge of fire hoses in space
Release of fixed fire fighting appliances as applicable
If CO2 is deployed, then shut the Quick Closing Valves to starve the engines of fuel
Direct BA teams to the local staging area
Boundary cooling team directed to enter the space if necessary
2b. Additional reporting requirements include:
Downgrade initial Mayday alert to Pan-Pan status once the imminent danger to the ship and crew eases
Continue the ongoing dialogue with the coastguard as necessary
SOPEP contact informed by Annex 2 of the updated IMO MSC-MEPC.6/Circ.13 if required
Company Ships Emergency Response provider informed if necessary
Ship managers, hull insurers and cargo interests informed
Flag and Class informed as per SOLAS Ch.1 Reg.11: Maintenance of conditions after survey
2c. Follow-up actions taken on board the vessel include:
Expel noxious gases or CO2 from internal spaces
Set up a re-flash watch once the fire is confirmed as extinguished
Resetting air conditioning systems once the fire is confirmed extinguished
Replenishing and resetting of fixed firefighting systems ready for re-establishing operations readiness
Observe safety and environmental measures observed to limit damage to the marine environment
Preserve evidence and logs pending a full investigation of the circumstances, including downloading the VDR
2d. Evolution to post-emergency conditions include:
ISM non-conformity reporting procedure activated as per SMS requirements
P&I and Hull & Machinery interests updated with a full account of the damage
Class and Flag are provided with a full account of the emergency and subsequent status of the vessel
DPA and cargo interests provided with details of the event
National and local contacts as per SOPEP updated as required
Port of refuge determined if necessary
Port State control authorities informed of any damage to the vessel prior to arrival at the port.