Fire Aboard

This book and CD-ROM set contains a list of major ship fires which have occurred since 1800. These are fully indexed and can be searched on disc, as can the book itself. A further use of this facility is the ability to call up legislation relating, for example, to a “fixed fire-fighting system” required for machinery space, or cargo hold protection. Chapters 1 and 2 deal with historical data relating to fire-fighting through the ages and to fighting of fire on board ship. Chapter 3 is an analysis of trends in ship fires. Colour charts illustrate the trend of ship fires for the years 1977 to 1996. Chapter 4 and 5 give examples of actual fire cases which have taken place at sea and in port. Many ship fire cases are discussed and the lessons learnt higlighted by the author. Chapter 6 deals with major disasters which have involved ports in different parts of the world. Chapter 7 deals with the legal environment. The range of international law applicable to fire and fire prevention as laid down by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in the form of Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) Regulations, Chapters I and II, is quoted verbatim. Each individual piece of fire equipment is described, and some discussed at length. Similarly treated is the application of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA). This Act governs the transport of all goods carried by sea and is recognized by virtually all nations with shipping interests. Chapters 8 and 9 describe all fire-fighting equipment required to be provided on board different types of ship. The appropriate legislation is recorded. The application of water spray, water mist, alternative gases for halon protection and developments in analogue addressable detection systems are discussed. The training of personnel and the fire-fighting in ships in port and at sea is described in Chapters 12 an 13. Chapter 14 discusses the problem of impaired safety. Chapter 15 should be of interest to those with responsibility for the safety on the rigs and platforms.