Question 1

A fire breaks out in the galley involving burning cooking oil. Which extinguisher type is correct?

Accepted Answer

Class F-rated wet chemical extinguisher, applied as directed to cool the cooking oil and form a protective layer.. Burning cooking oils and fats are Class F fires. Use a Class F-rated wet chemical extinguisher according to its instructions. It cools the oil and forms a protective layer that helps prevent reignition. Standard dry powder extinguishers are unsuitable because they do not adequately cool the oil, which can reignite. CO2 also provides insufficient cooling and its discharge may spread burning oil. Do not apply a water jet: rapid steam formation can violently eject burning oil. A fire blanket may be suitable for a small, contained pan fire if it can be applied safely. Isolate the heat source if safe to do so.

Question 2

A fire breaks out in the galley from burning cooking fat. Which extinguisher type is correct?

Accepted Answer

Wet chemical for Class F fires, or a fire blanket; never apply water directly to burning fat.. A wet chemical extinguisher rated for Class F fires is the standard choice for burning cooking oil or fat. Other extinguishers specifically rated for Class F may also be suitable, following their instructions. Do not pour water onto burning fat or use an ordinary water extinguisher: rapid steam formation can violently eject burning fat. A fire blanket is not an extinguisher, but may be suitable for a small, contained pan fire. If safe, turn off the heat and cover the pan carefully according to the blanket manufacturer's instructions. Leave it covered until fully cooled, rather than relying on a fixed 30-minute period. CO2 and ordinary dry powder do not provide sufficient cooling to prevent reignition, and their discharge can disperse burning fat. Raise the alarm and withdraw if the fire cannot be tackled safely.

Question 3

Fire breaks out in the engine compartment while underway. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Accepted Answer

Stop engine; close ventilation; keep compartment shut; use fixed suppression if fitted, otherwise introduce CO2 or dry powder through a small aperture.. B gives the best sequence. Raise the alarm, stop the engine, isolate the fuel supply using the remote shut-off if fitted, stop ventilation fans and close ventilation openings. Stopping the engine does not necessarily isolate the fuel supply. Keep the compartment shut to limit oxygen and avoid exposing people to flames and smoke. Before releasing fixed suppression, ensure everyone is clear of the protected compartment and follow the system's operating instructions. If no fixed system is fitted, discharge a suitable extinguisher through a designated fire port or suitable small aperture without opening the hatch. Keep the compartment closed afterwards because of the risk of reignition. Send a Mayday if the fire presents grave and imminent danger and immediate assistance is required; Pan-Pan is appropriate for an urgent situation that does not meet that distress threshold. Prepare lifesaving equipment and the liferaft in case abandonment becomes necessary. Any manoeuvre to reduce exposure to smoke and flames depends on the wind, sea room and available propulsion and steering.

Fire, questions and explanations

A fire breaks out in the galley involving burning cooking oil. Which extinguisher type is correct?

A fire breaks out in the galley from burning cooking fat. Which extinguisher type is correct?

Fire breaks out in the engine compartment while underway. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Practise this properly

Fire, questions and explanations

Questions

A fire breaks out in the galley involving burning cooking oil. Which extinguisher type is correct?

A fire breaks out in the galley from burning cooking fat. Which extinguisher type is correct?

Fire breaks out in the engine compartment while underway. What is the correct sequence of actions?

Practise this properly