Answer SSEP Question 19

Q19. Draw a plan to deal with fire in accommodation:

A. Including co-ordination with shore facilities in port, taking account of the ship’s fire control plan;

B. Explain how drills and practices should be-organized with reference to the above.

Answer: The Fire Control Plan is rain mandatory requirement of SOLAS convention described in Regulation 15 of Chapter II. The fire control/plan provides us information about fire station on each deck s, on various bulkheads, and In spaces enclosed by "A" class division, "B" class divisions. It also explains us the type of fire detection system and firefighting systems available on ship. Fire control plan tells us about various fire alarm systems, sprinkler installation, extinguishing appliances, means of escape to different compartments and decks, and ventilation system including particulars of remote operation of dampers and fans. The position of various dampers, their marking and which fan is for particular compartment or deck is also explained so that required damper and fans can be closed in case of fire. Also with the permission of Administration i.e. classification society, the details can be set out in the form of booklet and a copy of it shall be supplied to each officer on board. One copy of the same should be available on board and be easily accessible. These plans should be kept up to date and if alterations are made shall be recorded as soon as possible. The fire plan should be available in the working language of the crew on board and also in English.
Where Fire Control Plan can be found on ship?
The general arrangement plan should be permanently exhibited for the guidance of ship officer in conspicuous locations like navigating bridge, engine room and accommodation.
B. Drills and Practices for Fire Fighting:
(1) The master shall conduct sufficient fire drills to make sure that each crew member is familiar with his or her duties in case of a fire.
(2) Each fire drill must include:
(a) Summoning passengers on a vessel on an overnight voyage to muster or embarkation stations;
(b) Summoning the crew to report to assigned stations and to prepare for and demonstrate assigned duties;
(c) Instruction in the use and location of fire alarms, extinguishers, and any other firefighting equipment on board;
(3) Each fire drill must, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency;
(4) Firefighting drills and training shall be logged or otherwise documented for review by the Coast Guard upon request. The drill entry shall include the following information:
(a) Date of the drill and training; and
(b) General description of the drill scenario and training topics.