Tanker Fire Fighting

Oil tanker ships, which transport large quantities of crude oil or refined petroleum products, pose significant
fire risks due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo.

The main fire risks on oil tanker ships include:

1. Cargo Tank Fires

 Flammable Vapors: Crude oil and petroleum products release flammable vapors that can ignite if they
come into contact with a spark or open flame.
 Explosive Mixtures: In certain concentrations, oil vapors mixed with air can form explosive
atmospheres, particularly in the cargo tanks also in stores and accommodation.

2. Static Electricity

 During Loading/Unloading: The movement of oil during loading and unloading can generate static
electricity, which, if not properly grounded, may cause sparks and which can cause a fire.

3. Machinery Space Fires

 Engine Room Fires: Oil leaks from engines or fuel systems in the engine room can catch fire,
particularly if they come into contact with hot surfaces.

4. Boiler Room Fires

 Fuel Combustion: Tankers often use large boilers that burn fuel oil to produce steam, and improper
combustion or fuel leakage in these systems can cause fires.

5. Electrical Failures

 Faulty Wiring/Overloading: Electrical malfunctions, such as short circuits or overloaded circuits, can
ignite oil vapors or nearby combustibles.

6. Hot Work (Welding/Cutting)

 Sparks During Maintenance: Performing hot work in or near cargo tanks, especially without proper
precautions, can ignite residual oil or vapors.

7. Galley (Kitchen) Fires

 Cooking Equipment: Fires from the galley due to cooking appliances can spread to other areas of the
ship if not contained quickly.
8. Human Error

 Improper Procedures: Inadequate safety protocols during loading, unloading, or fuel transfers can lead
to oil spill and increase the risk of fire.
 Smoking in Restricted Areas: Smoking in or near cargo handling areas or on deck can ignite oil vapors.

9. Collisions or Grounding

 Oil Spills and Ignition: Accidents such as collisions or grounding can cause the release of oil, which, if
ignited, can lead to large-scale fires or explosions.

Fire Prevention for an Oil Tanker:

Fire prevention on an oil tanker ship is critical due to the highly flammable nature of the cargo (crude oil,
petroleum products) and the potential for catastrophic fires. Preventive measures are designed to minimize
the risk of ignition, control any incidents, and ensure the safety of the crew and ship. Below are key fire
prevention measures on an oil tanker ship:

1. Inert Gas System (IGS)

 Purpose: The inert gas system is designed to prevent explosions in cargo tanks by displacing oxygen
with inert gas (usually nitrogen or exhaust gases).
 Operation: The IGS maintains oxygen levels in cargo tanks below 8% as per IMO regulation, preventing
the formation of explosive air-vapor mixtures. Ships normally maintain not more than 5% oxygen level
in the cargo tanks.
 Routine Checks: Regularly inspect and maintain the IGS to ensure proper functioning and especially
during cargo operations.

2. Proper Ventilation and Vapor Control

 Ventilation Systems: Ensure that proper ventilation is maintained in enclosed spaces, especially those
containing flammable substances, to avoid the buildup of explosive vapors.
 Vapor Control: During loading cargo vapor is released through Mast Raisers or PV valves, away from
accommodation and deck areas and during discharging IG to be supplied in the cargo tanks.

3. Static Electricity Control

 Bonding and Grounding: Ensure that all cargo-handling equipment is properly bonded and grounded
to prevent static electricity from accumulating during loading and unloading operations.
 Slow Loading Rates: If necessary, use slower cargo loading and discharge rates to minimize static
electricity generation, especially when handling volatile cargoes.
4. Firefighting Equipment and Systems

 Fire Detection Systems: Install and regularly test fire detection systems, including smoke and heat
detectors, in key areas like the engine room, and accommodation spaces.
 Fire Fighting Systems: Ensure firefighting systems are fully operational and regularly inspected.
 Portable Fire Extinguishers: Keep portable fire extinguishers in readily accessible locations throughout
the ship, ensuring they are the appropriate type (e.g., foam for oil fires).
 Fire Pumps and Hydrants: Regularly test fire pumps and hydrants to ensure they can deliver sufficient
water or foam to combat a fire.

5. Hot Work Permits and Safety Procedures

 Hot Work Permit System: Implement a strict hot work permit system for any welding, cutting, or
grinding operations, especially near cargo tanks or areas with flammable substances.
 Gas-Freeing Operations: Ensure that cargo tanks and enclosed spaces are gas-freed and certified safe
before any hot work is conducted.
 Fire Watches: Assign fire watches during hot work operations to monitor for sparks or fires.

6. Cargo Handling Safety

 Maintain Inert Tank Atmospheres: All tanks to be filled with IG with oxygen level less than 5% to
prevent fire.
 Cargo Heating: Monitor and control the temperature of cargo being heated, as overheating can release
vapors and increase the risk of fire.
 Emergency Shutdown Systems: Ensure that Emergency Shutdown (ESD) systems for cargo pumps and
transfer operations are functioning properly.

7. Proper Maintenance and Housekeeping

 Prevent Oil Leaks: Regularly inspect fuel lines, pumps, valves, and other components in the engine
room and cargo handling systems to prevent leaks.
 Cleanliness: Maintain good housekeeping practices, keeping the ship clean and free of oil spills or
debris that could act as fuel for a fire.
 Machinery Space Ventilation: Ensure proper ventilation in the engine room, pump room and other
machinery spaces to prevent the buildup of heat and flammable gases.

8. Electrical Safety

 Intrinsically Safe Equipment: Use explosion-proof or intrinsically safe electrical equipment in

hazardous areas, such as deck areas and pump rooms, where flammable vapors may be present.
 Electrical Maintenance: Regularly inspect and maintain all electrical systems to prevent short circuits,
overheating, or sparks that could ignite vapors.
 Proper Fusing/ Circuit Breakers: Ensure that electrical circuits are properly fused or fitted with circuit
breakers to prevent overloads that can lead to fires.
9. Personal Safety and Training

 Fire Drills and Training: Conduct regular fire drills and training exercises to ensure that the crew are
familiar with fire prevention, firefighting techniques, and the ship’s firefighting equipment.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Provide appropriate PPE and Fire Man’s Outfit and ensure all
personnel know how to use it.
 No Smoking Policies: Strictly enforce no smoking policies in cargo areas, pump rooms, and other
spaces where flammable vapors may be present.

10. Segregation of Hazardous Areas

 Safe Distance for Flammable Areas: Ensure that hazardous areas like the cargo tanks and pump rooms
are segregated from non-hazardous areas, such as living quarters and the bridge.
 Access Control: Limit access to hazardous areas and ensure that only authorized personnel are allowed
in spaces where flammable vapors may be present.

11. Ship Design and Structural Safety

 Double Hull Design: Modern oil tankers are built with double hulls, which reduce the risk of oil spills in
case of a collision or grounding, lowering the chances of fire.
 Fire-Resistant Bulkheads: Use fire-resistant bulkheads and partitions to compartmentalize the ship and
limit the spread of fire.

12. Emergency Response Preparedness

 Emergency Shutdown and Isolation Procedures: Train the crew to quickly isolate the source of the
fire, shut down cargo operations, and close ventilation and fuel supply valves in the event of a fire.
 Oil Spill Response: Ensure that oil spill response equipment is readily available in case of a spill that
could lead to a fire.

By adhering to these fire prevention measures, oil tanker ships can significantly reduce the risk of fires and
maintain safety for the crew, vessel, and environment.

Actions in case of Fire on an Oil Tanker:

In the event of a fire on an oil tanker ship, quick and coordinated action is critical to minimize the spread of
the fire and ensure the safety of the crew and vessel. The following are immediate actions to be taken:

1. Sound the Alarm

 Raise the Alarm: Immediately sound the general alarm to muster all crew and notify the bridge.
 Notify nearby Vessels, Port Authority & Others: Inform nearby ships and shore authorities, if in port or
close to shore. Notify DP, Owner and other required parties.
2. Identify the Location and Extent of the Fire

 Assess the Situation: Quickly determine the source and location of the fire (cargo tank, engine room,
etc.) and whether it involves oil or other flammable substances.
 Determine Risk Areas: Identify adjacent areas that may be at risk of ignition or explosion.

3. Shut down Critical Systems

 Stop Cargo Operations: Immediately halt all cargo transfer or loading/unloading operations.
 Shut down Ventilation: Turn off ventilation systems in the affected area to prevent the spread of fire
and smoke.
 Stop Engines: Stop the engines, if necessary, to prevent the fire from spreading to the machinery
spaces or fuel tanks.
 Shut Fuel Valves: Close fuel supply valves to cut off fuel to the fire, especially if it originates in the
engine room or other machinery spaces.

4. Evacuate and Secure Affected Areas

 Evacuate Personnel: Remove all crew from the immediate vicinity of the fire and secure the affected
area.
 Seal Compartments: Close fire dampers, doors, and hatches to contain the fire and prevent it from
spreading to other parts of the ship.
 Fire Teams: Deploy trained firefighting teams to approach and suppress the fire while wearing
appropriate firefighting gear.

5. Cooling Adjacent Areas

 Use Water Spray: Cool surrounding areas, particularly fuel tanks, with water spray or mist to prevent
heat transfer and potential explosions.
 Monitor for Heat: Regularly check the temperature of nearby tanks or bulkheads for signs of
overheating.

6. Monitor Atmosphere and Use Respiratory Protection

 Gas Detection: Continuously monitor for dangerous gases, such as flammable vapors or toxic smoke.
 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Ensure that all personnel engaged in firefighting or rescue
operations wear Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and fire-resistant gear.

7. Maintain Communication

 Bridge Coordination: Maintain constant communication with the bridge for overall coordination and
updates on fire suppression efforts.
 Fire Control Plan: Follow the ship’s fire control plan and procedures as laid out in the Safety
Management System (SMS).

8. Activate Firefighting Systems

 Inert Gas System (Cargo Areas): If the fire is in the cargo area, activate the inert gas system to reduce
oxygen levels and prevent further combustion.
  Fighting the Fire: Fire Fighting Team with appropriate protective gears and equipment will be ready to
fight the fire using conventional means. If unable to control the fire with conventional means then
deploy fixed fire suppression systems, such as CO2, foam, DCP if the fire is in a confined space like the
engine room or cargo hold.
 Firefighting Foam: If available and appropriate, use firefighting foam to suppress oil fires in deck areas
and cargo tanks.

9. Prepare for Abandonment (If Necessary)

 Prepare Lifeboats and Life Rafts: If the fire becomes uncontrollable or the vessel is at risk of sinking,
prepare lifeboats, life rafts, and personal flotation devices. If the fire is spreading rapidly or there is a
risk of explosion (e.g., cargo tanks or bunker tanks), the captain may issue an order to abandon ship.

10. External Assistance

 Request Assistance: Seek help from nearby ships, port authorities, or firefighting tugs, especially if the
fire threatens to overwhelm the onboard systems.

11. Fire Debrief

 Damage Assessment: Once the fire is controlled, conduct a thorough damage assessment and monitor
the area for possible reigniting.
 Report Incident: Provide a detailed report to relevant authorities, including the owner, DP,
classification society, flag state, and port authorities.

By following these steps, the crew can minimize the fire's impact and protect both personnel and the ship.