Importance of Marine Fire Protection
Ships require the most comprehensive firefighting solutions to safeguard the crew, passengers, and goods. Marine fire fighting systems need to be maintained well and serviced periodically.
Every year, fires on ships lead to the loss of lives and cause severe damage. Fires are mainly caused inside the engine room or compartments.
Fire Suppression Systems on Ships
Areas Protected by Fire Suppression Systems
Gaseous fire suppression systems, which vary according to vessel size, protect:
Internal combustion engines
Gas turbines
Main or auxiliary propulsion
Paint and oil lockers
Pump rooms
Control rooms
Enclosed ventilating systems for electric propulsion motors and generators
Any type of vessel can be caught on fire, including: fishing boats, workboats, tugs, tenders, ferries, offshore supply vessels, cruise ships, bulk carriers, tankers, LNG carriers, container ships, and warships.
Evolution of Fire Suppression Agents
1930s: Carbon dioxide fire extinguishing systems were widely used.
1960s: Halon 1301 was introduced, efficient with low toxicity and high stability.
1990s: Halon 1301 production halted due to ozone layer damage. CO2 returned for large new ships.
Later years: FM-200/FE-227, inert gases (nitrogen, argon), and HCFC blends like NAF S-III were adopted as clean fire protection agents.
These newer agents preserve the desirable properties of Halon 1301 while providing rapid detection and suppression.
SOLAS Convention and Regulations
The Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Convention was established after the Titanic disaster in 1914. Amendments detail requirements for gaseous fire suppression systems.
Scheduled Fire Extinguishing Agents
Halon 1301 (requires Halon Special Permit)
Halon 1211 (requires HSP)
FM-200 (FE-227, HFC-227ea, Heptafluoropropane)
NAF S-III (blend)
NAF P-III (blend, mainly for portable fire extinguishers)
Non-Scheduled Agents
Inert gases
Novec 1230 (Dodecafluoro-2-methyl pentane-3-one)
The Act monitors the storage, acquisition, handling, and disposal of scheduled extinguishing agents to ensure environmental protection.
Maintenance of Fire Suppression Systems
The suppression system must be:
Well designed
Properly installed
Genuinely commissioned
Serviced periodically for effective use
Ship Maintenance Plan
Onboard crew with advanced fire-fighting training can conduct inspections.
Marine servicing companies like Maritronics provide expert engineers for system maintenance.
The onboard plan should outline which inspections can be performed by trained personnel.
Maintenance Schedule
Weekly
Monthly
Quarterly
Annual
Two-year, five-year, and ten-year actions
Inspection results must be recorded, stored onboard, or integrated into a computer system. Maritronics engineers provide detailed reports after servicing.
Fire Protection Systems under SOLAS
List of systems as per SOLAS:
Fixed fire detection and alarm systems
Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
Fire doors
Public address and general alarm systems
Breathing apparatus
Water mist, spray, and sprinkler systems
Low-location lighting
Fire mains, pumps, hydrants, hoses, nozzles
Fixed CO2 extinguishing systems
Foam fire-extinguishing systems
Firefighter’s outfits
Fixed dry chemical powder systems
Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems
Portable foam applicators
Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
Ventilation systems and fire dampers
Galley and deep fat cooking extinguishing systems
Maritronics Expertise
For more information about marine fire safety systems and servicing, you may contact Maritronics engineers. They have extensive experience in handling marine equipment in Dubai and providing reliable services.
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