Draw a plan to deal with fire in accommodation:

A fire in accommodation (cabins, corridors, mess rooms) requires a fast, organised response. The plan, using the ship's Fire Control Plan (showing structural fire protection, escape routes, fire parties, equipment) is:

1. Detection and alarm: On discovering/believing a fire, raise the alarm at the nearest alarm/call point (or by shouting); activate the general alarm. The OOW/OIM takes charge, notes the location per the fire control plan, shuts down? calls the master and commences the emergency organisation (the muster list assigns duties; the fire party, boundary party and communication).

1. Initial action (the "fire triangle"): the first person present checks and reports; try to extinguish small fires (portable extinguisher/fire blanket) if safe and trained; otherwise contain and evacuate.

1. Mustering/evacuation: Sound the alarm; muster the crew at their assigned stations (per the fire control plan/muster list); ensure the accommodation is evacuated - occupants leave via the escape routes; occupants close doors behind them to contain smoke and fire; roll call at the muster.

1. Fire attack: The fire party, with appropriate PPE, isolation/breathing apparatus where needed, proceeds to the fire using the most direct but safe route (per the fire control plan); they extinguish using the correct method - for a cabin fire, close/securing of the door and use of the fire main/water, portable extinguishers, or the sprinkler system; the boundary party cools the adjacent surfaces with water spray; the communication/officer coordinates on the bridge.

1. Containment: Close the fire-rated doors, isolate ventilation (close/isolate the ventilation to the accommodation), use the fire control plan to locate and seal the area; the fire's spread is limited by the A- and B-class divisions.

1. Control and monitoring: Keep monitoring the progress, ensure the escape routes are clear, and adjust as needed; use CO2/powder/foam as appropriate; report status to the master.

1. In port with shore facilities: When the ship is in port, immediately notify the port authority/terminal (the coast guard/harbourmaster and the emergency services - fire brigade) and the shipowner/agent; coordinate with the shore fire service on the incident command, provide them with the fire control plan, the plans of the accommodation, the presence of any dangerous cargo, and the hazardous materials (SDS); assist with escape, and use the shore fire engines/vessels, hydrants (via the international shore connection), and additional manpower as required; arrange for the injured to be evacuated ashore; when shore firefighters attend, the master keeps responsibility but coordinates.

1. After fire: confirm extinguishment, secure the scene, gas-free/ventilate, and investigate the cause; record in the log; report the fire to the flag/port authority as required.

• Drills should be carried out regularly (at least monthly, and within 24 hours of sailing if >25% of the crew have not participated in a drill), including a drill appropriate to the situation (an accommodation fire is a typical scenario).
• Each drill should: use the alarm signal, muster at the assigned stations, exercise the muster list duties, and stage a realistic scenario - e.g. a fire in the accommodation; the crew practise mustering, evacuation, donning of BA, extinguishing/containing with the fire main/extinguishers, closing fire doors and isolation of ventilation, and the boundary cooling.
• Drills should be varied (day/night, different scenarios) and practised with equipment (fire hoses, extinguishers, sprinkler activation where safe, the alarm).
• After the drill a de-brief evaluates the response and any shortcomings; results and observations are logged.
• In port, drills can involve coordination with the shore firefighting/emergency services (as arranged with the port) so the ship and shore understand each other's roles, communication and the handover - this reinforces the "coordination with shore facilities" in the plan.
• All drills are recorded (date, time, location, numbers, and any deficiencies) in the drill/cerified log, per SOLAS Reg. III/19 & 30.