?? Fighting Shipboard Fires: Joint Paris and Tokyo MoUs Campaign for Ship Fire Safety Enhancement ?? - Newsletter #2

In the ever-evolving landscape of maritime safety, a crucial step has been taken to address one of the most pressing concerns: shipboard fires. The Paris and Tokyo Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), renowned for their dedication to maritime safety, have recently unveiled an important initiative – a Concentrated Inspections Campaign (CIC) centered around Fire Safety. This collaborative effort is set to run from September 1st to November 30th, 2023, with the aim of bolstering fire safety measures across vessels.

Why Fire Safety Matters: A Closer Look ????

Shipboard fires remain a persistent and serious threat to both lives and vessels. Despite the maritime industry's continuous efforts and stringent regulations, deficiencies in fire safety systems and arrangements persist. The latest Annual Reports from various Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) shed light on a concerning reality: inadequate fire safety ranks as a leading cause of detainable deficiencies during Port State Control (PSC) inspections.

Further emphasizing the gravity of shipboard fires, Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty (AGCS) analysis of 244,451 claims reveals that fire and explosion constitute 18% of the top causes of loss by value of claim.

These statistics underscores the urgency and significance of addressing fire safety comprehensively.

You can read the full AGCS report here.

The Unveiled Reality: The MoUs' Insights ??????

The insights gleaned from the Annual Reports of various MoUs reveal a shared apprehension: the battle to establish and maintain effective fire safety measures aboard vessels. In the face of the complex and intricate on board environment, even the slightest lapse in fire safety can lead to catastrophic consequences. These insights underscore the urgency of adopting an all-encompassing approach that addresses maintenance, compliance, and proactive prevention strategies.

The gravity of the issue is accentuated through an examination of the reported data:

• Paris MoU: Fire safety deficiencies constitute 15.5% of the total deficiencies reported for 2022, reiterating a recurring trend. Notably, significant deficiencies revolve around defects in fire doors, openings in fire-resistant bulkheads, and engine room cleanliness. Report here.

• USCG: A staggering 32% of deficiencies in 2022 resulted in ship detention, with an alarming 33% linked to engine room cleanliness. Report here.

• Tokyo MoU: The trend of escalating deficiencies related to fire safety, particularly concerning the maintenance and integrity of fire dampers and ventilation trunks, continues. Report here.

Engine Room Fires: The Heart of the Concern ??????

Among the challenges highlighted by data, engine room fires stand out as a core concern. These fires, often sparked by fuel leaks, oil-soaked insulation, or malfunctioning equipment, present distinctive difficulties. The engine room serves as the heart of any vessel, yet it can also become a breeding ground for fires, endangering crew members and the vessel itself.

Tackling engine room fires is complex due to their rapid escalation. A small spark can swiftly transform into an uncontrollable blaze, leaving crew members with minimal time to respond. This underscores the urgency for prompt attention and inventive solutions that prevent fires and enable effective firefighting measures.

Adopting New Technologies: A Glimpse into the Future ??????

Amidst the challenges, the maritime industry is embracing the potential of new technologies to revolutionize fire safety. From advanced fire detection systems that use cutting-edge sensors to artificial intelligence-driven predictive analysis, technology offers a promising pathway to enhancing fire safety on board. These technologies not only improve early detection but also provide insights into potential fire risks, allowing proactive measures to be taken.

For instance, intelligent fire detection and suppression systems are becoming increasingly popular in shore-based applications, and for good reason. These systems use advanced algorithms and machine-learning techniques to detect fires faster and more accurately than traditional fire detection systems. They also use smart sensors and actuators to suppress fires, providing an automated and efficient response to a fire emergency.

Furthermore, the transformative influence of virtual reality (VR) in fire protection training on land could offer cost-effective and engaging training for maritime professionals, equipping them with the skills to effectively manage realistic fire emergencies.

Charting Practical Steps: Safeguarding Ships and Lives ?????

To effectively address these challenges, ship operators, managers, and crew members have actionable steps at their disposal:

• Proactive Fire Prevention. The primary goal is to prevent fires from occurring in the first place. This requires regular inspections, maintenance, and addressing potential sources of ignition such as leakages, faulty connections, and hot surfaces.
• Fostering Safety Culture, Emergency Readiness and Preparedness:

1. Safety Culture Establishment: Shore personnel should lead in establishing a robust safety culture that emphasizes fire prevention, emergency response, and overall onboard safety practices.
2. Comprehensive Training: Provide thorough training to onboard crew members on fire prevention techniques, emergency response procedures, and proper equipment usage. This ensures that every member is well-prepared to handle fire incidents.
3. Emergency Response Procedures: Continuously update and refine emergency response procedures for fire incidents. Regular drills and onboard mock scenarios help crew members develop swift and coordinated responses.

• Fire Prevention during Operation: Implement measures to prevent fire risks during major ship operation, i.e. cargo handling/stowage. Ensure crew members are well-aware of the characteristics such operations and the necessary safety measures.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making and Collaboration:

1. Utilize Monitoring Systems: Both onboard and shore personnel can leverage remote monitoring systems to track vessel performance and safety parameters, identifying trends and potential risks.
2. Risk Analysis: Analyze data to detect patterns of fire incidents, near-misses, and areas for improvement. Use this data to make informed decisions for preventive measures.
3. Collaborative Learning: Foster open communication between shore personnel and onboard crews to exchange insights, challenges, and best practices related to fire prevention and safety.
4. Two-Way Communication: Maintain open channels of communication for crew feedback, suggestions, and concerns, enabling collective problem-solving and enhancing safety practices.

Collaboration: A Safer Maritime Community ??????

As we embark on this campaign, let's acknowledge the dedication of the various PSCs, and the entire maritime community, to safeguarding lives and preserving the integrity of our industry. Together, through proactive measures and continuous improvement, we can create a maritime landscape where fire safety is not just a requirement, but a shared commitment to excellence.

Link to the Paris MoU press release and CiC and checklist here below.

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Paris MoU on Port State Control Tokyo MOU

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