What the examiner is probing
The examiner is not checking whether you can recite fire triangle theory. They are probing whether you, as Master, have a systematic, proactive command approach to removing ignition sources and controlling fuel loads — both at sea and alongside — and whether you understand your legal and operational responsibilities under SOLAS II-2 and the Red Ensign Group Yacht Code (REG YC). A pass answer demonstrates ownership: you set the culture, you set the routine, you hold the system.
Fuel control — the foundations
SOLAS II-2 mandates a minimum flash point of 60 °C for fuel oil used in main and auxiliary machinery. Emergency generator fuel may be ≥43 °C. This is your first line of fire prevention: the wrong fuel in the wrong system is a command failure.
Bunkers must be received and managed under a documented procedure (ISM SMS). Hot-work permits and bunkering must never run concurrently.
At sea — routine prevention
- Engine room rounds: regular, logged, looking for oil mist, fuel weeps, chafed electrical cables, hot spots on exhaust lagging, blocked bilges.
- Galley: deep-fat fryers (if fitted) never left unattended; extractor filters cleaned to schedule; cooking oil flash points considered when sourcing equipment.
- Electrical: no unauthorised charging equipment; no overloaded circuits; shore power isolation procedure when departing berth.
- Laundry: dryers not left running during night watches — lint accumulation is a real ignition source.
- CO₂/Halon/FM-200 fixed systems: master must understand operating procedure, time-delay, and the requirement to account for all personnel before flooding — this is a command decision, not crew action.
- Smoking policy: designated areas only, never in accommodation or near fuel handling.
In port — heightened risk
Alongside, the vessel often has shore power, reduced watch-keeping, contractors aboard, and fuelling operations — all simultaneously elevated ignition risks.
- Hot work: requires a formal permit signed by the Master. The verified facts confirm: flammable vapour must be <1% LEL before work begins; continuous fire watch for ≥30 minutes after work ceases; a check at 2 hours after cessation.
- Bunkering: no smoking, no naked flames, drip trays, scuppers plugged, fire extinguisher ready at the manifold, means of communication established, bunker plan completed, responsible officer designated.
- Contractors: inducted, supervised, not permitted in machinery or fuel spaces without escort.
- Mooring with shore power: correct cable rating, RCD protection, regular cable inspection for heat or damage.
Structural answer in the oral
Open with your command philosophy: "My approach is to manage fire risk systematically through removing ignition sources and controlling fuel loads." Then move through: SMS-driven routines, fuel control (flash point rule), watch-keeping standards, hot-work permit regime (citing the specific post-work checks), and bunkering controls. Finish with your fixed-system command decision authority. Keep it structured and confident — examiners want to hear a Master thinking in systems, not a list of facts.