Question 1

The re-entry team opens the ER at 35 minutes. Within 4 minutes a fire detector inside re-activates — re-ignition has occurred around the bilge pump fuel supply. The team evacuates safely. The CO₂ system has now been partially discharged. There is a secondary cylinder bank available for a second release.

What is the correct action?

Accepted Answer

Re-seal the engine room immediately. Conduct the full headcount again. Discharge the secondary CO₂ bank. Extend the hold time to a minimum of 60 minutes before any further re-entry attempt. Identify and stop the fuel supply to the fire source through remote-operated valves if possible before the next re-entry A re-ignition confirms the fuel source was not isolated — the oil supply to the bilge area is still feeding the fire. The correct sequence is: reseal, recount, re-discharge, longer hold, and this time ensure the remote fuel isolation valves (quick-closing valves) are operated before re-entry to deny the fire its supply. Opening ventilation after a CO₂ discharge actively fans a re-ignited fire. The secondary CO₂ reserve exists precisely for this scenario — it must be used, not hoarded. The extended hold time (60+ minutes) for a re-ignition is standard industry guidance.

Question 2

MV SOLWAY STAR, 1435. The engine room fixed fire detection alarm activates on the bridge panel — zone indicated is bilge area, below the main engine. The ER is manned — the chief engineer and two ratings are on watch below.

What is the OOW's FIRST action?

Accepted Answer

Sound the general alarm immediately. Inform the Master. Do NOT ring the engine room to ask them to investigate — they are in the fire zone. The general alarm brings the emergency team to their stations and ensures the CO₂ room and fire parties are ready before any further assessment Ringing the engine room is the most common and most dangerous instinct when a fire alarm sounds — it asks people in the fire zone to investigate and reassure you. The correct response is immediate general alarm: it activates the emergency team, gets the CO₂ room manned with the correct personnel, and starts the accountability process. A false alarm muster costs 15 minutes. A delayed alarm in a real bilge fire on a naphtha carrier costs lives. The decision to discharge CO₂ will be made by the Master with full accountability — not by an OOW who has run to the CO₂ room alone.

Question 3

Thirty seconds after the general alarm, the chief engineer radios the bridge: "I can see smoke near the bilge pump. I'm going to check if it's a small oil fire — I'll call you back in two minutes." The fire party is mustering on deck.

What is the Master's response?

Accepted Answer

Order the chief engineer and ALL engine room personnel to evacuate immediately and close the ER fire dampers and watertight doors. Do not allow investigation without full BA team and hose in place. Smoke in an ER bilge area of a naphtha carrier is a serious fire risk — vapour ignition can occur in seconds The bilge area of a chemical tanker carrying naphtha (flash point −40°C) means flammable vapour is present at ambient temperature. A small visible fire can flash over in seconds if the fuel supply (oil in bilge) is not interrupted. Allowing a solo investigation without BA, without a charged hose, and without the fire team in position violates every principle of fire fighting practice. The chief engineer's instinct to deal with it quickly is understandable — and potentially fatal. Close the space, get personnel out, assess from outside.