Because there were two different versions of the activation procedure of the fixed CO2 system, the master of a car carrier was delayed in activating it. The result: major structural damage to the vessel.
The incident was covered in recent Mars reports, which are compiled (anonymously) by The Nautical Institute. A summary of what happened:
A car/truck carrier, loaded with new and used vehicles, was underway at sea when the fire alarm sounded in the cargo compartment on deck 1 (the lowest deck). Following this, fire detectors on other decks also sounded.
The crew mustered and a team was sent to investigate. Personnel on the bridge tried to assess the situation using a surveillance camera on deck 4, but nothing out of the ordinary could be observed. The search team reported that thick black smoke could be seen further astern on deck 1. No Mayday or PAN-PAN call was made and nearby vessels were not contacted.
It was decided to use the CO2 fire suppression system to combat the fire. Once it was confirmed that all crew were accounted for, the chief engineer initiated the extinguishing system. However, because there were two different versions of the activation procedure posted – one from the manufacturer, one from the ship – he found the instructions unclear. After about five minutes, he was finally able to activate the system, some 26 minutes since the fire alarm had first sounded.
Soon afterwards, smoke was seen coming out of one of the ventilators on the upper deck. The ventilator’s fire dampers should have closed automatically when the fire alarm or the fire suppression system was activated, but one damper remained open. It was quickly closed
manually.
An inspection the following day revealed that the fire had been extinguished, but had caused major structural damage.
Investigation findings
The investigation found that the origin of the fire was probably due to a short circuit in the starting motor of one of the cars. The high temperature caused by the short circuit melted a copper plate in the starting motor solenoid, which began the fire sequence.
Advice from The Nautical Institute
- Are there confusing, contradictory or competing procedures for CO2 activation (or other actions) on your ship? Correct the situation before an incident occurs.
- Calling for help (PAN-PAN or distress message) is always a good idea when a fire breaks out. If it is brought under control, you can always cancel the message.
- Always ensure all crew are accounted for before CO2 is activated.
- Always check before and after CO2 activation that all ventilation to the space is well and truly closed.
Mars Reports
This accident was covered in the Mars Reports, originally published as Mars 201976, that are part of Report Number 326. A selection of this Report has also been published in SWZ|Maritime’s January issue. The Nautical Institute compiles these reports (anonymously) to help prevent maritime accidents. That is why they are also published on SWZ|Maritime’s website.
More reports are needed to keep the scheme interesting and informative. All reports are read only by the Mars coordinator and are treated in the strictest confidence. To submit a report, please use the Mars report form.
