Inappropriate automatic activation of fixed fire-fighting system
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 October 2024
- Generated on 11 December 2024
- IMCA SF 20/24
- 2 minute read
The firefighting system in the engine room automatically activated and all the gas in the tanks emptied.
What happened?
The fixed firefighting system in the engine room on a harbour tug automatically activated and all the gas in the tanks emptied. This occurred after two consecutive blackouts on the tug within 24 hours. No-one was harmed.
What went wrong?
- It was discovered that the firefighting system was activated by a sudden rise in battery voltage following the malfunction of the solenoid valve on the pilot cylinder, after the blackout.
- Our member considered that the low voltage (24v) electrical system in the tug may not have sufficient power to supply the critical equipment it was being used for.
- There was a lack of indication on the bridge or in the engine room regarding the operation of the electrical system; it was not possible to discern whether it was in emergency mode or normal operational mode.
Lessons to learn
- Check the functionality of vessels’ general emergency response systems:
- Review the ships’ electrical system, especially systems affecting critical equipment – is there sufficient current supplied to operate the system in all cases?
- Review blackout and emergency drill protocol in case of loss of power.
Related Safety Flashes
-
IMCA SF 17/20
1 June 2020
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IMCA SF 24/21
31 August 2021
-
IMCA SF 10/22
21 April 2022
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