Practical Fire Drill Scenarios Introduced for Vehicle Carriers
The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) has released new Fire Drill Guidelines for Vehicle Carrying Vessels. The aim is simple: move crews from reading fire guidance to practising it in realistic drills.
The guidelines cover pure car carriers (PCCs), pure car and truck carriers (PCTCs), ro-ro and ro-pax ships. They build on the forum’s earlier high-level fire response guidance.
Six drill scenarios are included, covering fires at sea and in port. They are grouped into three outcomes: a fire put out by the first response, a fire held within its boundaries, and a fire that cannot be contained. Tabletop exercises then take crews and managers through bigger decisions, such as when to call in authorities and how to plan for a port of refuge.
One clear target is set. Fixed firefighting systems should be released within 15 minutes of the first alarm, as soon as it is reasonably practicable. Crews are encouraged to practise fast mustering, safe use of fixed systems, closing and sealing spaces, crew protection, clear communication and escalation.
Loading and discharging in port is singled out as a high-risk time, because cargo decks may be open and several teams may respond at once. The forum recommends joint drills with port authorities, terminals and fire services. Ships should be ready to share fire plans, cargo details, stability limits and information on electric vehicle batteries.
VCSF chair Colin Gillespie said changing practice “takes more than issuing guidance”.
Seafarers on vehicle carriers can expect fire drills to become more realistic, timed and port-focused.
