zoomImage Courtesy: NYK RORO

Interferry, a shipping association representing the ferry industry, has developed an operational guidance for fire safety on ro-ro vehicle decks in response to serious fire incidents.

Aiming at enhancing fire prevention, detection and suppression, measures highlight the need for continuous monitoring, rapid response and optimum efficiency of deluge drencher systems.

At least 7 fire accidents on ro-pax ships happened in Europe since 2010. Resulting in fatalities and total loss of the ships, the 2 most recent incidents prompted the initiative of Interferry’s Operators Policy Committee to identify and publicize a set of best practice mitigating actions.

Some of the key recommendations are that the importance should be given to a rapid team response and to a defensive firefighting posture. The recommendations also include rules for passengers, a continuous monitoring of decks, more frequent flushing of deluge systems, newbuilds’ deluge systems manufactured from non-corrosive materials and equipping all vessels with addressable fire detectors.

However, the guidance is primarily of an operational nature, as Interferry points out. On the design and technical issues that have emerged, more research is needed to establish best practices.

“Work to enhance fire safety is a never-ending process and this guidance is a timely further step in that direction. The best practices suggested by our members should carry huge weight because they reflect years of hands-on experience. They share knowledge on what we already know - that prevention is better than cure – and they remind us that, if the worst happens, every second counts in minimising the effects,” Johan Roos, Regulatory Affairs Director, said.