Page 31 - 2023 - Q4 - Minerva in Focus

Source: Sri Lankan air
force media handout

3. Mechanical Failures
Occasionally, a mechanical failure caus-
es a fire, for example through a crank
case explosion or hot engine parts being
ejected from the engine crankcase. This
is why correct and timely engine main-
tenance and lubrication oil management
are essential.

Moreover, the severity of a fire and the
ensuing damage depend on the fuel and
oxygen available to the fire, as well as
the time until effecting firefighting is
Figure 1: Locations of on-board fires, Source: Cefor initiated:
(Nordic Marine Insurance Statistics), December 2021
• Cardboard boxes, oily rags, oil-
soaked insulation, and dirty bilges
also constitute fuel available to a
fire. Therefore, contain fuel sources
not only by managing oil spillage,
but also through maintaining a
clutter-free engine room.
• Regulate oxygen availability. The
sooner the ventilation is stopped
and fire flaps/dampers are closed,
the smaller the fire.
• Swift and accurate crew response is
paramount; training should empow-
er crew members to act promptly in
case of fire without unnecessary
delays, e.g. looking for the Chief
Engineer or asking the Master’s
Figure 2: Fire damage originating from an air circuit breaker failure permission to act.

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