Tag Archive for: Marine Safety

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The Worst Marine Fires… On Water…

Tragic marine fires caused by cargo ships, while rare, have caused environmental damage, supply damage, and death to crew members.

There’s a reason why you don’t hear about fires in the middle of the ocean–it’s because they’re rare. We mean, marine and fire aren’t two words that are normally used in the same sentence. But here we are.

 

Marine fires on ships, when they do happen, are typically sparked by:

 

  • Oily rags
  • Electrical fault
  • Human error
  • Engine room leaks

 

Even though over 6,000 container ships sail the ocean every day, marine fire accidents aren’t very common. When they do occur, however, the results can be disastrous.

 

This week, we’re diving into the most infamous marine fires caused by containerships, plus how you can use boater safety tips to help keep your boat afloat. (*Wink* See what we did there?)

 

1. Hanjin Pennsylvania – Indian Ocean, 2002

 

On November 11, 2002, a cargo container on a cargo ship‚ The Hanjin Pennsylvania, exploded off of the coast of Sri Lanka. The ship was transporting goods from Singapore to Germany.

 

The source of the explosion? Misdeclared containers aboard the vessels which stored fireworks. Four days after the initial blast, a second explosion rocked the over 200,000-ton boat.

The ship stayed afloat, but was declared a total loss until it was rebuilt and returned to working condition, then renamed the Norasia Bellatrix.

 

Tragically, two crew members were killed in the accident.

Hanjin Pennsylvania – Indian Ocean, 2002

 

 

2. Hyundai Fortune – Gulf of Aden, 2006

The Hyundai Fortune was carrying over 3,000 shipping containers when it was rocked by an explosion as it headed west in the Gulf of Aden. On March 21, 2006, an explosion launched containers overboard, sent debris five miles past the ship, and damaged ⅓ of the containers aboard.

 

To this day, the cause of the explosion is unknown. The damage to the ship was repaired and later returned to working condition.

 

Only one of the 27 crew members suffered non-life threatening injuries.

 

Hyundai Fortune – Gulf of Aden, 2006

3. MSC Flaminia – North Atlantic, 2012

On a sunny day in July 2012, the German-flagged container ship the MSC was sailing across the North Atlantic when tragedy struck. This 12-year-old vessel  experienced a series of explosions and a major fire aboard during its journey from the U.S. to Belgium. 

 

Tragically, four crew members lost their lives.

 

The 300-meter vessel burned for several weeks and severely damaged the vessel while also spouting toxic smoke into the air. The ship was not allowed refuge for months because it was deemed an environmental hazard.

 

Following the explosion, there was an uproar in the international maritime sector for a call to more action regarding maritime safety as well as new European Union guidelines for ships in distress.

 

Despite the immense damage the ship underwent, it was eventually repaired and returned to service the next year.

The Worst Marine Fires... In Water…

4. Maersk Honam – Arabian Sea, 2018

A few short years ago, the Maersk Honam was headed west of the Arabian Sea carrying over 7,000 containers to Egypt. This vessel, one of the largest of its kind, was deemed an Ultra Large Container Ship (ULCS).

 

When it caught fire on March 6, 2018, the flames were so fierce that after a week, the entire ship from bow to superstructure was ablaze. In fact, the flames were so large that they could be seen from outer space.

 

Five crew members died in the incident and the source of the fire is still unknown due to the heavy damage.

 

Maersk Honam – Arabian Sea, 2018

Marine Fire Safety Tips

When it comes to fire protection, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Don’t let the tragic incidents of the cargo ships happen to you and your crew! Here are a few tips to stay safe while at sea.

 

  1. Have the proper documents and certifications up to code
  2. Test and check all fire safety equipment
  3. Perform routine engine room maintenance 
  4. Perform routine deck maintenance 
  5. Prepare your crew for emergency situations
  6. Routinely check emergency equipment 

 

For more marine fire safety tips, read our article on boater safety: tips that will float your boat.

 

marine fires cause serious damage

 

All photos courtesy of gCaptain.com.

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Boater Safety: Tips that Will Float Your Boat

Boater Safety: Tips that Will Float Your Boat

Yes, typically water does put out fires… However there are times when fire can occur on water.  There is an extremely high fire risk on boats and marine machinery. It’s important to understand what preventative measures should be taken in order to avoid fire hazards on marine machinery. So, how do you prevent fires on your boat?

 

Let’s dive into tips that will help keep your boat afloat.

 

Ship Safety Requirements

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Code 301 is the “Code for Safety to Life from Fire on Merchant Vessels.” This code focuses on the construction, arrangement, protection, and space utilization of merchant vessels that aim to limit the danger.

 

Taking precautions is critical to the safety of your boat and your passengers in case of a fire emergency, not only from the fire itself, but also from fumes, smoke, and human response.

 

Having the proper amount of fire extinguishers on your vessel is a great start, however, it is not the whole picture. There are additional elements of preparedness that you should have in place to keep your ship safe. 

 

How to Protect Your Ship From a Fire

The steps mentioned above are considered large-scale. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of boat safety. 

 

Ships Business provides some insight into what should be checked in your engine room to ensure proper safety.

 

Some of these items include:

 

  • Having proper escape routes that are properly lit by emergency illumination 
  • All railings on the boat are properly secured
  • There are more than enough life jackets per person that are easily accessible 
  • All safety signs are updated and easy to read
  • Escape routes are not blocked
  • All portable fire extinguishers are correctly stored and up-to-date on inspections
  • Anyone onboard the ship is wearing the proper protective gear depending on the type of boat
  • Prevention of steam, water, or oil leaks in the machinery space
  • Pipe insulations are oil-free
  • Walkways, stairways, and ladders are clean and dry
  • Any supplies and materials are properly stored
  • Approved first aid supplies are readily available, accessible, and clearly marked

 

These, among many other checks, are essential to the safety of your vessel.

 

The Engine Room

The engine room of your vessel is one spot that should be triple-checked for equipment that is functioning properly, in order to best prevent fire or an explosion. It’s a place that heats up quickly and may contain flammable items. One of the major fire safety requirements in the engine room is to install automatic fire suppression systems. About 90% of marine fires start in the engine room. 

 

Another simple way to prevent fires on your boat is to keep everything clear and organized. When you check that your equipment is working, it’s important to familiarize yourself with where everything is located in case an emergency arises and you need to quickly navigate the space. 

 

Freeze Protection

Yes, boats can freeze. In the winter, ships that are in the water, docked, or stored in cold environments need to be winterized. This means going through a process of removing water from any place on the boat that could freeze, expand and cause damage to the ship. 

 

When temperatures drop below freezing, water inside the engine or gears can cause cracks or blockages. The damage they cause will result in expensive repairs. 

 

Remember that a heat lamp is not a good substitute for winterizing your boat. They may cause an unexpected and unwanted fire. According to Xtreme Heaters, “the leading causes of winter vessel fires are unattended portable heaters and overtaxed electrical systems.” A portable heater as a substitute for winterizing your boat is unpredictable because it can be tipped over by waves or other elements– causing a dreaded fire. 

 

Marine Fire Safety

While you’re on the water, whether it be for pleasure or work, marine fire safety and preparation cannot be overlooked. Having the right fire safety equipment and performing the right maintenance and routine inspections may be the difference between life and death.

 

Our VFS team is prepared to get your vessel in tip-top shape with the right marine fire safety equipment. In fact, the VFS Houston Team has been continuing to grow our marine department and has recently acquired four new Tug & Barge Companies—bringing their annual total of vessels to perform fire safety inspections and testing to approximately 375.

 

As we approach the highly anticipated boating season, what summer shouldn’t bring is more fire hazards! Learn more about fire safety on a ship in our article here. 

 

boater safety tips for marine safety

 

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Oh, Ship! It’s a Cargo Crisis

cargo ship crisis

You’ve likely heard about the cargo crisis in Houston and around the country on the news. One often-overlooked angle of the cargo crisis, however, is its relationship to following a strict marine fire safety checklist. 

What Is the Cargo Crisis?

There are currently shipping backlogs across the country, and globe even. 

A press release from Port Houston delivered a high cargo record with record low air emissions. In the report, Executive Director Roger Guenther stated that with the rise of cargo deliveries in the peak season, “the unprecedented surge in import volumes has created significant challenges across the nation… Houston is not immune to current disruptions in the global supply chain.”

The high volume of cargo ships brings up issues of ship safety. 

Port Houston, however, “remains closely engaged with customers, ocean carriers, stevedores, labor, truckers, and all other industry partners,” says Guenther. He continues on to share that their goal is “to seek solutions to maximize the opportunities to keep freight moving efficiently.”

Ship Fire Safety

With so many cargo ships backed up, incidents like the California Pipe Line oil spill must be prevented. Yahoo News reports that the oil spill may have been caused by, “a ship’s anchor snagging a pipeline.”

You wouldn’t think fire could stand a chance when surrounded by a body of water—but it does.

There are preventative measures that need to be taken following all marine fire and oil spill safety regulations and guidelines.

Marine Safety Checklist

There are a multitude of boxes to check when it comes to keeping your maritime operations safe and fire-free. We’re providing a comprehensive list to get you thinking about the safety of your marine operations. 

CERTIFICATES AND DOCUMENTS

There is a long list of certificates and documents that must be carried on board at all times. This list varies based on region, whether or not your vessel carries passengers, and vessel type. 

This list might include a Cargo Ship Safety Equipment or Passenger Ship Safety Certificate, all servicing records including proof of fire extinguisher servicing and pressure tests, a damage control manual, any records of testing, drills, and maintenance, a variety of training manuals, the list goes on! For more specific information on staying up to code and what you need to keep on board, contact our VFS team.

FIRE SAFETY EQUIPMENT

There are hundreds of safety measures in place to prevent fire aboard your vessel, including a handful of safety equipment that must be carried and tests that must be performed. Let’s shoot for smooth sailing, please.

  • Water Based Systems: Valves, Alarms,  Fire Pumps, and Pressure Gauges must be tested and properly working with pipework in satisfactory condition: Water Mist, High & Low Expansion Foam Systems.
  • Ventilators and Fire Dampers: Must be clean and free of debris with flaps in fair condition.
  • Proper Functioning Fire Detection, Smoke Detection & Gas Detection Systems that provide the necessary coverage and protection of assets on board.
  • Properly installed and maintenanced Fixed Extinguishing Systems: Co2, Clean Agent & Dry Powder Systems.
  • Personal equipment: including firefighting  & protective wear, Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBAs), and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs), Inflatable Life Jackets, Portable Gas Detectors, Immersion Suits, Fireman’s Outfits & Chemical Suits.

Additionally, pathways must always be free of obstruction and clearly marked in the event of an emergency evacuation. Doors must only be held open by approved methods.

ENGINE ROOM MAINTENANCE

Did you know that approximately 90% of marine fires start in the engine room? This considered, don’t underestimate the importance of routinely checking your engine room’s fire pumps, emergency shutdowns and valves, high-pressure fuel lines, and main zones for proper functionality and cleanliness.

DECK MAINTENANCE AND CREW READINESS

In case of an emergency, your crew should be familiar with the use of these fire protection systems and able to abandon ship if necessary. Fire drills should be performed routinely. Preparation is key for tip-top marine fire safety. As for deck safety, structures in place might include a variety of paint lockers, ventilators, and international shore connections.

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT

Fingers crossed, this equipment doesn’t need to be used. Your emergency equipment, including emergency generators, batteries, pumps, and tankers, however, must be properly maintained, inspected, and ready to be used at any moment.

HERE TO HELP!

While you’re on the water, whether it be for pleasure or work, marine fire safety and preparation cannot be overlooked. Having the right fire safety equipment and performing the right maintenance and routine inspections may be the difference between life and death.

Our VFS team is prepared to get your vessel in tip-top shape with the right marine fire safety equipment. In fact, the VFS Houston Team has been continuing to grow our marine department and has recently acquired four new Tug & Barge Companies—bringing their annual total of vessels to perform fire safety inspections and testing to approximately 375.

So, does all this talk of oil make you nervous about oil fires — out on the open or in your very own commercial kitchen? Don’t worry, read here to know what to do in case of an oil or grease fire.