Fire Drill and Fire Safety
The minimum frequency of fire drills, equipment inspection, and the mistakes that turn a routine exercise into a PSC deficiency.
Operational Explanation
Fire safety on board rests on two complementary pillars: equipment (detectors, fixed systems, extinguishers, breathing apparatus) maintained per the FSS Code, and the crew's ability to use it effectively, verified through realistic periodic drills.
A perfectly maintained firefighting system with a crew that does not know how to activate it quickly in a real emergency still represents a high risk: this is why the SOLAS Code imposes a minimum drill frequency, not just technical maintenance.
Regulatory Reference
SOLAS Chapter II-2 (Fire protection, detection and extinction) for the equipment, and SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.3 for drill frequency: fire drills on board cargo ships at least every month, with rotating participation of the entire crew, and a drill within 24 hours of departure if more than 25% of the crew has not taken part in a fire drill on that ship in the previous month.
Scope of Application
Every ship subject to SOLAS Chapter III/II-2, with additional specific requirements for passenger ships (more frequent and structured drills depending on voyage type).
Procedure / How to Complete It
- Verify that every crew member takes part in a fire drill at least once a month, on a rotating basis if necessary to ensure full coverage of shifts.
- Conduct the drill within 24 hours of departure if more than 25% of the crew has not taken part in a fire drill on the ship in the previous month.
- Include practical use of the equipment in the drill (breathing apparatus, hoses, extinguishers), not just simulation of the alarm.
- Periodically verify the condition of the firefighting equipment per the FSS Code (extinguisher pressure, integrity of fixed systems, breathing apparatus expiry).
- Record every drill (date, scenario, participants, issues identified) in the log book/SMS register.
- Analyse issues emerging from drills to identify the need for additional training or extraordinary maintenance.
Practical Example
Example entry: "Fire drill 07.07.2026, scenario: engine room fire. Participants: 14 of 18 crew members (4 on compensatory rest). Firefighting team response time: 6 minutes. Issue: one breathing apparatus with pressure below the minimum, replaced immediately."
Real Cases
Common Mistakes Mistake Library
| Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| Drill conducted as a simple announcement, without practical use of the equipment | The crew does not gain real familiarity with emergency procedures | Always include practical use of at least some equipment in every drill |
| Monthly drill skipped due to operational pressures | PSC deficiency, crew unprepared in a real emergency | Schedule drills in the operational calendar with the same priority as commercial activities |
| Breathing apparatus or extinguishers with overdue maintenance discovered only during the drill | Equipment unavailable in a real emergency | Check firefighting equipment maintenance deadlines independently of drills, with a dedicated calendar |
PSC Observations
Operational Tips
- Vary the drill scenario (engine room, galley, cabin area) to prevent the crew from getting used to a single type of response.
- Use drills as an opportunity to verify the real condition of the equipment, not just the procedure.
- Always document issues that emerge, not just the overall positive outcome of the drill.
Checklist
- Monthly fire drill conducted with rotating participation of the entire crew
- Drill within 24h of departure if >25% of the crew has not taken part in the previous month
- Practical use of equipment included in the drill
- Firefighting equipment verified per the FSS Code
- Issues emerging from drills recorded and followed by action