While in port working cargo, a fire is reported on the forward car deck. After the captain sounds the general alarm, the crew musters and starts fighting the fire. As chief engineer you inform the captain that shore side firefighting assistance needs to be called. How would you then proceed?

Correct Answer: Option A — Continue fighting the fire and use the ship's Fire Control Plan and coordinate with shore side firefighters upon their arrival to extinguish the fire.

The Fire Control Plan is the primary document required by SOLAS for coordinating firefighting efforts with shore-side personnel. It provides critical information regarding fire main isolation, fixed system controls, and structural fire protection, ensuring that the ship's crew and shore responders operate from a unified tactical understanding.