Fighting the Fire
	Sound the Alarm
	A delay in sounding the alarm usually allows a small fire to become a large one. The crew member who discover a fire or the indication of fire must sound the alarm promptly. When you sound the alarm, be sure to give the exact location of the fire, including the compartment and deck level. This is important for several reasons. It confirms the location for the vessel's fire party and gives them information regarding the type of fire to expect. The exact location may indicate the need to shut down certain fuel, electric and ventilation systems, and it indicates what doors and hatches must be closed to isolate the fire.
	Hidden Fires
	Before a compartment or bulkhead door is opened to check for fire, the door should be examined. If flames can be seen, the location of the fire is obvious. However, if only smoke is evident, the fire may be hidden behind a bulkhead or a compartment door. If so, certain precautions must be taken. Discoloured or blistered paint indicates fire directly behind the door. Smoke puffing from cracks at door seals or where wiring passes through the bulkhead is also an indication of fire. The bulkhead or door should be touched with the back of a bare hand. If it is hotter than normal, it is probably hiding a fire. Do not open a door hiding a fire until help and a charged hoseline are at hand. A fire burning in a closed compartment consumes the oxygen within that space. Opening the door will feed additional oxygen to the fire, and usually means that the fire will grow in size with explosive force. Flames and superheated gases are then forced out through the door, and anyone standing in the path could be severely burned. Therefore, before opening it, cool the door with water and have everyone stand clear.
	Size-Up
	Size-up is the evaluation of the fire situation. The on scene leader should determine: (1) The class of fire: what combustible materials are burning? (2) The appropriate extinguishing agent. (3) The appropriate method of attack. (4) How to keep the fire from spreading. (5) The required manpower and firefighting assignments. A small fire might be extinguished by the first few crewmembers to arrive. Larger fires require a coordinated attack and efficient use of manpower and equipment. During size-up, or as soon thereafter as possible, communications and a staging area should be set up. Station bills Each vessel should have a Fire Duty Station Bill posted in a visible location. By pre-assigning responsibilities to each crewman and alerting each one as to what will be expected of him, the Station Bill speeds the size-up and planning processes. Communications Communications should be established by intercom or messenger. Communications with firefighting teams must be established and maintained. Staging area The staging area should be established in a smoke-free area, as near as possible to the fire. An open-deck location, windward of the fire, is ideal. However, if the fire is below deck deep within the vessel, the staging area should be located below deck. A location near an intercom, if feasible, would be helpful in maintaining communications. However, the staging area should not be located where it will be endangered by fire. All supplies needed to support the firefighting effort should be brought to the staging area.
	Attacking the Fire
	The attack should be started as soon as possible, to gain immediate control of the fire and to prevent or minimize its spread. The attack will either be direct or indirect, depending on the fire situation. Direct and indirect attacks differ widely in how they achieve extinguishment, both are efficient when properly employed.
	Direct Attack
	In a direct attack, firefighters advance to the immediate fire area and apply the extinguishing agent directly into the seat of the fire. However, if heat and smoke make it impossible to locate or reach the seat of the fire, an indirect attack should be considered.
	Indirect Attack
	An indirect attack is employed when it is impossible for firefighters to reach the seat of the fire. Generally this is the case when the fire is in the lower portions of the vessel. The success of an indirect attack depends on the complete containment of the fire. One technique involves making a small opening into the fire space, inserting a fire hose nozzle and injecting a water spray. Heat converts the water spray to steam which acts as a smothering agent. For this method to work the space must be completely sealed and the fire hot enough to convent the water to steam. Another indirect method is to flood the space with carbon dioxide or Halon 1301. Here too, the space must be completely sealed.
	Ventilation
	Ventilation is the action taken to release combustion products trapped within the vessel and vent them outside the ship. Most fire fatalities result from asphyxiation by combustion gases or lack of oxygen rather than burning. However, ventilation is only used when a direct attack is made on a fire. During an indirect attack the fire area must be kept as airtight as possible to keep oxygen out and the extinguishing agent in.
	Preventing Fire Spread
	If a fire can be prevented from spreading beyond the space in which it originated, it can usually be controlled and extinguished without extensive damage. To do this, the fire must be virtually surrounded on six sides: firefighters with hose lines or portable extinguishers must be positioned to cover the flanks and the spaces above and below the fire. The possibility of the fire travelling through the venting system must also be considered.
	Overhaul
	Overhaul is begun after the main body of the fire is out. It is actually a combination of two procedures: examination and cleanup. The purpose of the examination is to find and extinguish hidden fire and hot embers, and to determine if the fire has spread to other parts of the vessel. At the same time debris should be cleaned up and free water removed. Any unsafe condition should be corrected. For example, hanging lagging should be removed, hanging wires should be secured, and all debris should be removed to make the fire area as safe as possible.
	Dewatering
	Free water can impair the stability of a vessel. Every effort should be made to limit the accumulation of water in large compartments and cargo holds. The efforts should begin with the use of water in methods which produce maximum cooling with minimum quantities of water, for example, preference should be given to water spray over solid streams. As soon as water is used for extinguishment, dewatering procedures should commence.
	When the Fire is Out
	Before a fire can be considered out, the on-scene leader must ensure that certain essential steps have been taken. These include: (1) A thorough examination of the fire area to ensure that all potential paths of fire spread have been examined. (2) All smoke and combustion gases have been removed through ventilation. (3) A re-flash watch has been established. Crewmembers must be assigned to do nothing but check for re-ignition, and to sound the alarm if it occurs. (4) An examination has been made to see if the vessel has been damaged by the fire. High temperatures can cause decks, bulkheads and other structural members to warp or become structurally unsound. (5) Any necessary dewatering procedures have been started. (6) A muster has been conducted to account for all personnel.