MCA CoC Emergency Procedures & Fire Fighting 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does SCBA stand for and when must it be worn during fire fighting on ships?
- Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — must be worn when entering any enclosed space with smoke, toxic gases, or oxygen-deficient atmosphere (Correct answer)
- Standard Construction for Breathing Apparatus — worn for all fire-fighting
- Ship's Combustion Breathing Air — used for testing only
- Safety Control Breathing Appliance — worn for routine confined space entry only
Correct answer: Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — must be worn when entering any enclosed space with smoke, toxic gases, or oxygen-deficient atmosphere
SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) provides a supply of clean air independent of the surrounding atmosphere. It must be worn before entering any space with smoke, combustion gases, or unknown atmosphere, regardless of the apparent level of smoke visible.
Question 2: What is the purpose of 'fire sections' (fire zones) in ship construction?
- To divide the ship into areas bounded by A-class fire-resistant bulkheads, limiting fire spread to the zone of origin (Correct answer)
- To designate areas where smoking is permitted
- To identify areas where fire-fighting teams must assemble
- To mark the location of fire-fighting equipment
Correct answer: To divide the ship into areas bounded by A-class fire-resistant bulkheads, limiting fire spread to the zone of origin
Fire zones/sections divide the ship using A-class steel bulkheads that resist fire for at least 60 minutes, limiting fire spread and giving time for fire fighting and evacuation. SOLAS prescribes the number and arrangement of fire zones by ship type.
Question 3: What is a fixed CO2 smothering system and what precaution must be taken before activating it?
- A fixed pipe system flooding a space (engine room) with CO2 to extinguish fire — all personnel must evacuate the space before activation (Correct answer)
- A portable CO2 cylinder system for individual use
- A system that reduces CO2 levels in accommodation to prevent fire
- A ventilation system that dilutes flammable vapours
Correct answer: A fixed pipe system flooding a space (engine room) with CO2 to extinguish fire — all personnel must evacuate the space before activation
A fixed CO2 system floods a sealed space with CO2 gas to displace oxygen and extinguish fire. Before activation, all personnel must evacuate the space as the CO2 atmosphere is immediately lethal. The space is then sealed and CO2 released.
Question 4: What are the minimum fire-fighter's equipment items required for an MCA certified fire-fighter?
- Fire-resistant protective suit, SCBA with spare cylinder, lifeline and harness, fire axe, lamp, and communication device (Correct answer)
- Only a fire hose and protective suit
- Only SCBA — other equipment is optional
- A standard hard hat and reflective vest
Correct answer: Fire-resistant protective suit, SCBA with spare cylinder, lifeline and harness, fire axe, lamp, and communication device
MCA and SOLAS require fire-fighters to be equipped with a fire-resistant protective suit, SCBA with spare breathing air, safety harness and lifeline, communication device, hand lamp, and fire axe for forced entry.
Question 5: What is the first action when a fire alarm activates on a ship?
- Raise the alarm if not already done, investigate the alarm location, report to the bridge, and prepare to fight or contain the fire per the emergency plan (Correct answer)
- Immediately abandon ship
- Open hatches and ports for ventilation
- Sound the general alarm and stop the engines
Correct answer: Raise the alarm if not already done, investigate the alarm location, report to the bridge, and prepare to fight or contain the fire per the emergency plan
On fire alarm activation, the crew member nearest investigates the source and reports to the bridge while the muster alarm is sounded. The fire party deploys as per the Emergency Station Bill. Hasty abandonment before investigation is not the correct first response.
Question 6: What is the significance of 'fire dampers' in a ship's ventilation system?
- They automatically or manually close off ventilation ducts to prevent fire and smoke spreading through the ducting to other spaces (Correct answer)
- They increase ventilation to dilute smoke
- They are the manual overrides for the fire alarm system
- They control CO2 release in fixed fire-fighting systems
Correct answer: They automatically or manually close off ventilation ducts to prevent fire and smoke spreading through the ducting to other spaces
Fire dampers are devices fitted in ventilation ducts at fire zone boundaries. They close automatically (heat-activated) or can be closed manually to prevent fire, smoke, and hot gases from spreading through the ventilation system to other parts of the ship.
MCA CoC Emergency Procedures & Fire Fighting 2
What does SCBA stand for and when must it be worn during fire fighting on ships?