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 19.3.2 for drill frequency: every crew member must take part in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month, on every ship to which Chapter III applies — the requirement is not limited to cargo ships. The drills must be held within 24 hours of the ship leaving port if more than 25% of the crew have not taken part in abandon ship and fire drills on board that particular ship in the previous month. The same Regulation adds a sub-limit that does not allow that window: when the ship enters service for the first time, after a modification of a major character, or when a new crew is engaged, the drills shall be held before sailing; the Administration may accept equivalent arrangements where this is impracticable. On passenger ships an abandon ship drill and a fire drill are held weekly, and the seat of that rule is regulation III/30.2 — Part B, Section II, additional requirements for passenger ships — not regulation 19: “On passenger ships, an abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place weekly”. The same paragraph carries the two clauses often attributed elsewhere: the entire crew need not be involved in every drill, provided each member takes part once a month as required by reg. 19.3.2, and passengers “shall be strongly encouraged to attend these drills”. The weekly frequency is not reg. III/19.3.4, which is the abandon ship drill, and the two clauses are not reg. III/19.3.3, which is the enclosed space entry and rescue drill at intervals of not more than two months.
Spare charges for portable extinguishers — SOLAS II-2/10.3.3. Spare charges must be provided for 100% of the first ten extinguishers and for 50% of the remaining extinguishers capable of being recharged on board, with a maximum of 60 spare charges in total. The criterion is position in the sequence, not the type of extinguishing agent. For extinguishers that cannot be recharged on board, additional portable extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number are provided in lieu of spare charges (Reg. 10.3.3.2). Recharging instructions must be available on board.
This requirement applies to portable extinguishers only. There is no equivalent stock requirement for fixed fire-extinguishing systems, where the FSS Code calls only for mechanical spare parts: it is a recurring confusion, and it leads to buying CO2 reserves that no regulation requires.
Scope of Application
Every ship subject to SOLAS Chapter III/II-2. On passenger ships the additional requirement is precise: abandon ship and fire drills weekly (Reg. III/30.2). On every ship, drills must also be held before sailing on first entry into service, after a modification of a major character, or when a new crew is engaged.
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.
- Hold the drill before sailing, not within 24 hours, if the ship enters service for the first time, has undergone a modification of a major character, or a new crew has been engaged.
- On passenger ships: schedule abandon ship and fire drills weekly, checking separately that every crew member takes part at least once a 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 2026-07-07, 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."
What Typically Goes Wrong
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 |
What the PSCO Checks
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.
Preparation checklist
Educational checklist. This summary supports learning and preparation only. It does not replace the vessel’s approved procedures, manuals, statutory documents, company SMS, or applicable official requirements. Completing it demonstrates neither compliance nor readiness for an inspection: it shows that a list has been read, not that the ship is in order. Always verify the current documents carried on board.
- 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
- Drill held before sailing on first entry into service, after a modification of a major character, or with a newly engaged crew
- On passenger ships: weekly abandon ship and fire drill frequency verified
- Practical use of equipment included in the drill
- Firefighting equipment verified per the FSS Code
- Issues emerging from drills recorded and followed by action
FAQ
Related Topics
Last substantive revision of this page: 19 August 2026 · page fingerprint 37900e75969f