Modern fires at sea: are we really prepared?

"How do I deal with a Li-Ion battery fire on the car deck? Is it safe to send my personnel into the cargo? Is our equipment adequate? Should I prepare for evacuation?" These are no longer hypothetical questions - they are today's reality for seafarers.

Professional fire brigades face new challenges every day. On board ships, those challenges are compounded by isolation, limited training and limited resources. Ship designs, cargo types and fuels have changed dramatically, and yet many firefighting procedures have not been updated.

A different kind of fire risk

From lithium-ion batteries to ever-increasing volumes of dangerous goods, modern cargo behaves differently in a fire. Rapid escalation, toxic smoke and unpredictable fire spread mean that traditional "offensive" tactics can be deadly. Containment and a defensive approach often offer the best chance to protect both personnel and ship.

Why extra training is important

On land, emergency services adapt procedures and train constantly to keep pace with changing risks. At sea, we need to do the same. The right knowledge and exercises prepare crews to:

• Recognise when direct firefighting is too dangerous.
• Maximise the ship's built-in fire safety systems.
• Manage the incident until help arrives or safe intervention is possible.

Your safety depends on preparedness

Every fire is a race against time. With the right insights, procedures and practical training, you can turn uncertainty into effective action - and significantly improve the chances of survival for both ship and crew. Don't wait for the next incident to test your preparedness. Evaluate. Adjust. Train.