Maritime fire safety is the cornerstone of shipboard protection — forming a vessel’s critical line of defense against emergencies at sea. Fires can spread rapidly onboard, threatening lives, cargo, and the ship itself.
From extinguishers and alarms to hydrants and CO₂ systems, proper maritime safety equipment is not only a compliance requirement under SOLAS II-2 and MARINA but also a moral obligation for every ship operator.
In this guide, you’ll learn:
- The key types of fire-fighting equipment installed on ships.
- How to follow maritime safety rules and inspection intervals.
- How to prevent common audit deficiencies.
- Why sourcing from certified safety gear suppliers ensures compliance and crew safety.
>> Download Now: [Free Fire-Fighting Equipment Maintenance Log (PDF)]
The Role of Fire-Fighting Equipment in Ship Safety Equipment
Fire-fighting appliances (FFA) form an essential component of a vessel’s ship safety equipment ecosystem.
Together with maritime PPE and life-saving appliances (LSA), these systems create a layered safety network that prevents, detects, and controls onboard fires.
SOLAS Chapter II-2 mandates every vessel to be fitted with the necessary FFA to fight and contain fire, while MARINA ensures local enforcement for Philippine-flagged ships.
Proper documentation, equipment readiness, and crew training determine whether your ship passes or fails a RightShip or PSC inspection.
>> Related reading: [Ship Safety Equipment: Complete Guide to Maritime PPE, FFA, and LSA]
Types of Fire-Fighting Appliances (FFA) Onboard Ships
1. Portable Fire Extinguishers
- Available in CO₂, foam, dry-powder, and water types.
- Each unit must carry a valid inspection tag and pressure-test date.
- Ensure that only authorized safety gear suppliers handle refilling and hydro-testing.
Tip: Position one extinguisher within 10 meters of all machinery and galley areas.
2. Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems
These large-scale systems—CO₂ rooms, foam flooding, and water-mist installations—are the backbone of maritime fire safety.
- Weekly CO₂ room inspection for pressure and seal integrity.
- Annual discharge and alarm test by certified technicians.
- Always keep system diagrams updated and displayed near the control panel.
3. Fire Detection and Alarm Systems
Automatic smoke, heat, and flame detectors feed into a central panel that triggers alarms and closure systems.
- Test detectors weekly using smoke testers.
- Calibrate alarm sensors quarterly.
- Log all tests under the vessel’s FFA Maintenance Record.
4. Fire Main, Hydrants, and Hoses
The fire main network ensures water delivery across all decks.
- Operate fire pumps weekly.
- Pressure-test hoses annually.
- Replace deteriorated gaskets and nozzles immediately. This equipment overlaps with industrial safety equipment used in shipyards but must comply with SOLAS and MARINA specifications.
Fire Control Plans and Safety Rules
To meet maritime safety rules, vessels must maintain updated fire control plans posted on every deck.
Key compliance checks include:
- All fire doors and dampers marked on the plan.
- Alarms and detectors labeled with tested circuits.
- Plans laminated, visible, and approved by class.
Crew must undergo monthly fire drills demonstrating the use of maritime PPE (fire suits, helmets, gloves) and fire-fighting techniques. MARINA Circulars 2024-01 and SOLAS II-2 Reg. 15 detail these requirements.
>> Download: [Fire-Fighting Equipment Log Template (PDF)]
Fire Drills, Crew Training, and Record-Keeping
A well-trained crew turns equipment into protection.
- Conduct fire drills monthly and before port entry.
- Use full maritime PPE: suits, gloves, boots, and breathing apparatus.
- Log drills with the date, scenario, and attending officers.
- Retain records onboard for at least 12 months for verification.
>> Next read: [Marine Life Jackets & Rescue Equipment Guide]
Inspection and Maintenance Schedule
Keep a structured timetable for equipment testing and servicing.
| Equipment | Inspection Interval | Responsible Officer | Record Form |
| Fire Extinguishers | Monthly / Annual | Chief Engineer | FFA Log |
| CO₂ System | Monthly / Annual | 2/E or CE | CO₂ Test Report |
| Fire Detectors | Weekly | ETO / OOW | Alarm Test Sheet |
| Fire Pump | Weekly | CE / OOW | Log Book |
Use MARINA-approved or class-certified safety gear suppliers for all annual maintenance work.
Common Audit Deficiencies Related to Maritime Fire Safety
Fire safety is one of the top PSC deficiency categories worldwide. Common findings include:
- Expired extinguishers or missing tags.
- Faulty CO₂ alarms or closed isolation valves.
- Leaking hydrants and worn hoses.
- Crew unaware of fire-fighting procedures.