FIRE FIGHTING

 

Marine fire-fighting equipment:

 

is crucial for ensuring safety on board ships and vessels. It includes tools and systems designed to detect, control, and extinguish fires in various areas of the vessel. Below is a comprehensive list of marine fire-fighting equipment typically found on ships:

 

1. Fire Extinguishers

Description: Portable devices used to put out small fires before they spread. Different types of fire extinguishers are used for specific classes of fires (e.g., electrical, flammable liquids, solid combustibles).

Types:

Water Fire Extinguishers: For Class A fires (solid combustibles).

Foam Fire Extinguishers: For Class A and B fires (flammable liquids).

CO2 Fire Extinguishers: For electrical fires and Class B fires.

Dry Chemical Powder Extinguishers: For all classes of fires, except cooking oils and fats.

Wet Chemical Fire Extinguishers: For Class K fires (cooking oils).

Example Brands: Amerex, Kidde, Minimax.

 

2. Fire Hose and Nozzles

Description: Fire hoses are used for delivering water or foam to the fire. Fire nozzles control the flow of water or foam.

Features:

Typically connected to the vessel’s fire main system.

Hoses are often located at strategic points around the ship.

Nozzles can have adjustable spray patterns (solid stream, fog, etc.).

Example Brands: Rosenbauer, Akron Brass.

 

3. Fixed Fire Fighting Systems

Description: Systems designed to automatically or manually extinguish fires in critical areas of the ship. They include various technologies such as foam, CO2, and water mist.

Types:

Water Mist Systems: Fine water droplets that absorb heat and suppress fire.

Foam Systems: Used for fighting fires in fuel storage areas, engine rooms, and cargo holds.

CO2 Systems: Discharges carbon dioxide to reduce oxygen levels in enclosed spaces, such as engine rooms.

Dry Chemical Systems: For use in cargo holds and machinery spaces.

Example Brands: Minimax, Ansul, Tyco.

 

4. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Description: Systems that detect the presence of fire or smoke and alert the crew. They are essential for early detection of fires, especially in large or complex vessels.

Types:

Smoke Detectors: Detects smoke in the air.

Heat Detectors: Activates when a certain temperature is reached.

Flame Detectors: Detects radiation from a flame.

Example Brands: Siemens, Honeywell, Bosch.

 

5. Fireman’s Outfits

Description: Special clothing worn by personnel when fighting fires. These outfits provide protection from heat and smoke.

Components:

Firefighting Suit: Made from heat-resistant materials.

Fireman's Helmet: Protects the head from heat and falling debris.

Gloves: Heat-resistant gloves for handling firefighting equipment.

Boots: Fire-resistant boots with slip-resistant soles.

Breathing Apparatus: Often used in combination with self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) to provide clean air in smoke-filled environments.

Example Brands: Dräger, MSA, Honeywell.

 

6. Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA)

Description: A personal breathing device used to protect firefighters in smoke-filled or oxygen-deprived environments.

Features:

Provides clean, breathable air to the wearer.

Typically used during firefighting in confined spaces like engine rooms or cargo holds.

Example Brands: Dräger, MSA, Scott Safety.

 

7. Fire Blankets

Description: A blanket used to smother small fires by cutting off the oxygen supply.

Use: Effective for small fires such as cooking fires or fires on clothing.

Example Brands: TTS, Fire Shield.

 

8. Foam Concentrate and Foam Generators

Description: Foam concentrate is mixed with water to create foam, which is used to smother flammable liquid fires.

Types:

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF): Used for flammable liquid fires.

Alcohol-Resistant Foam (AR-AFFF): For fighting alcohol-based fires.

High Expansion Foam: Used in confined spaces with high volumes of foam.

Example Brands: Ansul, Minimax, Solberg.

 

9. Fire Main System

Description: A pressurized water system that supplies water to the fire hoses, sprinklers, and other fire-fighting equipment.

Features:

The system is connected to various fire hose stations throughout the vessel.

Often located in key areas for quick access during emergencies.

Example Brands: Tyco, Ziegler.

 

10. Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)

Description: A portable breathing device designed for emergency escape in smoke-filled or hazardous environments.

Features:

Provides breathable air for a limited time (typically 10-15 minutes).

Used by crew members to safely escape from the fire or smoke.

Example Brands: Dräger, MSA, Gastec.

 

11. Fire Dampers and Smoke Detectors in Ventilation Systems

Description: Fire dampers are installed in the ventilation systems to prevent the spread of smoke and fire through ducts.

Features:

Automatically closes in the event of a fire to isolate the fire from other parts of the vessel.

Example Brands: Minimax, Tyco, Viking.

 

12. Fire Suppression Systems (Clean Agent Systems)

Description: These systems use clean agents (non-toxic and non-damaging gases) to suppress fires without damaging sensitive equipment or the environment.

Types:

FM-200 Systems: A clean agent used for fire suppression.

Novec 1230: Another clean agent fire suppression system.

Example Brands: Kidde, Ansul, Tyco.

 

13. Firefighting Pumps

Description: Pumps that provide water pressure to the firefighting system on the vessel.

Features:

Powered by the vessel's engine or independently via diesel or electric motors.

These pumps supply water to hoses, sprinkler systems, and foam systems.

Example Brands: Grundfos, Viking, Johnson Pumps.

 

14. Fire Escape Routes and Signage

Description: Clearly marked escape routes and exit signs to guide personnel to safety in the event of a fire.

Features:

Emergency Lighting: Provides illumination to escape routes in case of power failure.

Exit Signs: Mark the fastest way out of the vessel.

Example Brands: Honeywell, Schneider Electric.

 

15. Fire Training Simulators

Description: Training systems that simulate fire conditions, allowing crew members to practice fire-fighting techniques in a controlled environment.

Types:

Live-Fire Training: Allows practical experience with real fires in a safe training environment.

Virtual Simulators: Uses technology to simulate fire scenarios for crew training.

Example Brands: Minimax, MSA, Dräger.

 

Summary of Marine Fire Fighting Equipment:

• Portable Extinguishers: For tackling small fires.

• Fire Hose and Nozzles: For water or foam application to control fires.

• Fixed Fire Fighting Systems: Automated systems for areas like engine rooms.

• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems: For early detection and alerting.

• Fireman’s Outfits: Protective gear for firefighting personnel.

• Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Provides clean air in hazardous areas.

• Fire Blankets: For smothering small fires.

• Foam Systems: Used for flammable liquid fires.

• Fire Main System: A pressurized system supplying water to firefighting equipment.

• EEBDs: Devices for emergency escape from smoke-filled spaces.