Answer
If a fuel tnk onboard a ship is under major fire, immediate action is crucial to prevent further escalation and ensure the safety of the vessel and its crew. It's important for crew members to remain calm, follow procedures, and work together to address the emergency situation.
In the event of fire in fuel tnk, following action is to be taken:
1. Raise alarm and note down date/time of occurrence and save VDR/SVDR data.
2. Stop all operations and shut all valves and tank openings. Isolation the tank ie closing all openings with vents will cut down the oxygen and cause fire to extinguish. Commence boundary cooling.
3. Initiate firefighting measures using fire hose, foam monitors and extinguishers as appropriate.
4. Check if any casualty or injury to personnel and evacuate all injured persons to safe location, away from main Deck.
5. Ascertain the geographical location of the vessel, wind, current and weather conditions.Assess the extent of damage to the fuel tnk and implement appropriate damage control measures to prevent further leakage or potential hazards.
6. Try to establish probable cause of the fire and/or explosion.
7. If vessel is in port, inform agents and seek assistance of local fire brigade.
8. Consider Ballast Overflow for cooling as safely as possible.
9. Since fire is from fuel tnk check if this liable to produce toxic gases. Stop or Put AC in recirculation mode. 10. If fire already extinguished, ascertain extent of damages to the vessel and/or equipment.
11. If fire has not been extinguished ascertain whether it is restricted or spreading. Check for nearby tanks, If required- empty the tank.
12. If fire is spreading, evacuate all personnel from the area, take head count.
13. Ascertain whether any threat of sea pollution.
14. Ascertain if safety of the vessel is endangered and evacuation of personnel necessary.
15. Check proximity to shore, possibility of dropping anchor and nearest port of refuge.
16. Prepare lifeboats for launching (on opposite side).
17. Once extinguished, Carry out RCA.Report to Company, Flag, Class