Gde Mahera Wijaksara

Flag States (G) - 5019201047

Fire Safety Systems on Board Complying with SOLAS 74/78
Background Information
SOLAS 74/78, as it is commonly known, contains a comprehensive set of regulations governing the
construction, equipment, and operation of ships. The Convention applies to all ships engaged in
international voyages, as well as to domestic ships that operate in waters beyond the territorial
jurisdiction of a single country.

SOLAS
74/78 Life-saving The Convention is updated periodically to reflect
appliances and advances in technology and changes in the
arrangements
shipping industry. The most recent amendments
Stability and
Navigation and Machinery and to SOLAS 74/78 were adopted in 2014 and
communications electrical
subdivision
equipment installations entered into force on 1 January 2020. These
amendments include new requirements for the
Fire protection
and fire-fighting
Cargo handling verification of container weights and the provision
and stowage
systems of onboard stability information.
Types of Fire Safety Systems on Board Ships
Fire safety systems are crucial on board ships to prevent and control fire incidents, which can have
catastrophic consequences in the confined and complex environment of a vessel. There are various types
of fire safety systems that can be found on board ships, including passive and active systems

Passive Fire Safety Systems Active Fire Safety Systems

Fire-rated divisions fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings that can

prevent the spread of fire and smoke by dividing
Fire detection and use smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual
call points to detect fire and alert the crew.
the vessel into compartments. alarm systems
Fire doors self-closing doors with fire-resistant properties that
can prevent the spread of fire and smoke between
Fire suppression use water, foam, or gas to extinguish or suppress a
fire. Examples include sprinkler systems, water
compartments. systems mist systems, and CO2 systems.

Fire dampers fire-resistant louvers or shutters that can prevent

the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation
Firefighting includes portable fire extinguishers, hoses, nozzles,
and other firefighting tools that the crew can use
systems. equipment to extinguish a fire.

Fire insulation This is a layer of insulation material applied to

surfaces that can protect them from the heat of a
Emergency power provide backup power and lighting to ensure that
the crew can operate fire safety systems and
fire and reduce the spread of flames and lighting evacuate the vessel in the event of a power failure.

Fire-retardant These are materials, such as paints and coatings,

that can inhibit the spread of fire and reduce its
materials intensity.
Passive Fire Protection Systems
Passive fire protection systems include both structural and non-structural measures. Structural measures
focus on enhancing the fire resistance of the vessel's construction, while non-structural measures aim to
contain and limit the spread of fire and smoke.

Passive Fire Safety Systems

Fire-rated divisions fire-resistant walls, floors, and ceilings that can

prevent the spread of fire and smoke by dividing
the vessel into compartments.

Fire doors self-closing doors with fire-resistant properties that

can prevent the spread of fire and smoke between
compartments.

Fire dampers fire-resistant louvers or shutters that can prevent

the spread of fire and smoke through ventilation
systems.

Fire insulation This is a layer of insulation material applied to

surfaces that can protect them from the heat of a
fire and reduce the spread of flames

Fire-retardant These are materials, such as paints and coatings,

that can inhibit the spread of fire and reduce its
materials intensity.
Active Fire Protection Systems
Active fire protection systems on ships are designed to detect, contain, and extinguish fires. These
systems use various technologies and mechanisms to detect and suppress fires, limiting the damage to
the vessel and ensuring the safety of crew members.

Active Fire Safety Systems

Fire detection and use smoke detectors, heat detectors, and manual
call points to detect fire and alert the crew.
alarm systems
Fire suppression use water, foam, or gas to extinguish or suppress a
fire. Examples include sprinkler systems, water
systems mist systems, and CO2 systems.

Firefighting includes portable fire extinguishers, hoses, nozzles,

and other firefighting tools that the crew can use
equipment to extinguish a fire.

Emergency power provide backup power and lighting to ensure that

the crew can operate fire safety systems and
and lighting evacuate the vessel in the event of a power failure.
Fire Detection Systems
Fire detection systems are critical components of a ship's fire safety strategy. These systems are designed
to detect fires early and alert crew members, allowing them to take appropriate action and prevent the
fire from spreading. There are several types of fire detection systems available on board ships, including:

Heat detectors Heat detectors are designed to detect

changes in temperature caused by a fire.
Smoke detectors Smoke detectors are designed to detect the
presence of smoke caused by a fire.
Flame detectors Flame detectors are designed to detect the
presence of flames caused by a fire
Gas detectors as detectors are designed to detect the
presence of gases that may indicate a fire
or explosion hazard, such as carbon
monoxide or hydrogen.
Infrared detectors Infrared detectors are designed to detect
the heat radiation given off by a fire.
Fire Suppression Systems
There are several types of fire suppression systems available on board ships, including water mist systems
and gas suppression systems. Each system has its benefits and limitations, which are discussed below.
Limited range of
Low water application
consumption
Water mist
system
Minimal water Limited Maintenance and
Effective
damage to effectiveness servicing
suppression of fire
property against deep- requirements
seated fires

Limited
Effective effectiveness in
suppression of open spaces
Gas fires
suppression
systems Quick High installation
Minimal damage Risk of human
suppression and maintenance
to property exposure to the
time cost
gas
Maintenance and Testing
Regular maintenance and testing of fire safety systems on board ships are critical to ensure that the
systems are functioning properly and are ready to operate effectively in the event of a fire. Without
proper maintenance and testing, fire safety systems may fail to detect or suppress fires, putting crew
members, passengers, and the vessel at risk.

Testing of fire Inspection of fire Inspection of fire

suppression systems extinguishers doors

Inspection of fire
Functional testing of
doors
fire detection systems

Inspection of fire Inspection of fire

doors doors
Training and Education
Crew training and education are crucial components of fire safety on board ships. Even the most
advanced fire safety systems and equipment can fail to prevent or control a fire if the crew is not
adequately trained to respond to the emergency.

Types of training

Fire prevention Crew members should be trained in fire prevention strategies, such as proper storage and
handling of flammable materials, safe smoking practices, and proper maintenance of
equipment and machinery.

Fire detection and alarm systems Crew members should be familiar with the ship's fire detection and alarm systems,
including how to operate them and how to respond to alarm signals.

Fire suppression systems Crew members should be trained in the proper use of fire extinguishers and other fire
suppression equipment on board, as well as the ship's fixed fire suppression systems.

Evacuation procedures Crew members should be trained in evacuation procedures, including the location of
emergency exits, muster stations, and life-saving equipment.

Communications Crew members should be trained in communication procedures during a fire emergency,
including how to report a fire, how to communicate with other crew members, and how to
use radio equipment to contact shore-based authorities.
Conclusion
Fire safety systems on board ships are critically important to ensure the safety of crew members,
passengers, and the vessel itself. A fire on board a ship can quickly become catastrophic due to the
confined spaces, limited means of escape, and the remote location of the vessel. Without proper fire
safety systems in place, a fire can rapidly spread and become difficult or impossible to control, resulting
in loss of life, property damage, and environmental pollution.

Overall, fire safety systems on board ships are critical to ensure the safety of everyone on board and the
integrity of the vessel. It is essential that these systems are properly installed, maintained, and tested,
and that crew members are adequately trained to respond to fire emergencies. Without these systems
and the proper training, a fire on board a ship can quickly become a life-threatening situation.