From detection to response
Fires are detected by the crew and by fixed detection systems — smoke, heat and flame detectors that alarm on the bridge. The moment a fire is found, the finder raises the alarm: sounds the alarm, informs the bridge, and tackles the fire only if it is safe and within their ability. The ship's fire organisation, set out in the muster list and fire control plan, then takes over — the emergency parties muster, the fire is contained and fought, and the whole response is coordinated from the bridge. Speed in the first minutes matters more than anything, because a small fire fought at once can be stopped, while the same fire left to grow may take the ship.
On discovering a fire
- Raise the alarm — operate the nearest fire alarm and shout 'Fire!'.
- Inform the bridge of the location and nature of the fire.
- Tackle the fire with the correct extinguisher only if it is safe and within your ability.
- If you cannot control it, close the space to limit air and withdraw to muster.
WARNING — Raise the alarm first The instinct to fight a fire quietly and alone loses the crucial early minutes and can trap the finder. Raise the alarm and inform the bridge first; a fire the finder cannot quickly control needs the whole organisation.
NOTE — Contain by closing the space A fire needs oxygen, so closing the doors, hatches and ventilation to a space starves it and limits its spread while the firefighting is organised. Closing down a space is a powerful first action.