Module 5: Emergency Power and Fire Detection Systems

Question 1

Key Characteristics of a Dead Ship

Answer 1

Loss of Propulsion
No Electrical Power
Vessel Adrift
Inability to Navigate

Question 2

Common Causes of a Dead Ship:

Answer 2

Engine Failure
Fuel Exhaustion
Electrical System Failure
Propeller or Shaft Damage

Question 3

Implications of a Dead Ship:

Answer 3

Safety Concerns
Rescue Operations
Delays and Costs

Question 4

In reference to emergency power, what must be fitted to every ship?

Answer 4

Emergency power supply
Emergency generator to provide power for essential systems.
Emergency lighting for safe evacuation and operation in dark conditions.
Battery-operated systems for critical communications and alarms.
Emergency fire pumps for fire-fighting capabilities.
Emergency steering systems for navigational control in case of primary system failure.
UPS systems to maintain vital communication and navigation equipment during short interruptions.

Question 5

What two (2) sources of power may be used in an emergency

Answer 5

Emergency Generator.
Battery-operated Emergency Power Supply.

Question 6

Rules for Energizing the Emergency Switchboard:

Answer 6

The emergency generator must automatically start within 30 seconds of main power failure.
The emergency switchboard must be energized automatically by the emergency power supply.
The emergency switchboard must be isolated from the main switchboard to prevent back-feeding.
There should be a manual override option in case the automatic system fails.
Regular testing of the emergency power system must be conducted.

Question 7

What are the key elements to include in a sketch of the emergency switchboard:

Answer 7

*Interlock between main switchboard and the emergency generator
*Emergency generator goes to 440V
*Transformer between 440V and 220V
*Two battery banks one for alarms (fire systems) and one for emergency lighting

Question 8

Summary of Essential Safety Services Supplied by the emergency switchboard:

Answer 8

Emergency lighting and navigation lights.
Communication equipment (radio, distress signals).
Fire alarm systems and fire pumps.
Emergency bilge pumps and ventilation systems.
Steering gear for emergency control.
Lifeboat and liferaft launching systems.
Cargo pumps (if applicable).
Flooding and ballast pumps.

Question 9

How long must an emergency source of power be supplied to the vessel’s essential safety systems?

Answer 9

Passenger: 36 hours minimum
Other: 12 hours

Question 10

Describe key features of a fire patrol?

Answer 10

Regular inspections by crew members of the vessel to ensure fire safety.
Identifies potential fire hazards and ensures equipment is functioning.
Forms part of the ship’s fire prevention measures.

Question 11

Describe key features of a manual fire alarm?

Answer 11

Activated by crew members or passengers to alert others of a fire.
Provides audible and visual signals to notify the crew.
Typically located in strategic locations for easy access in emergencies.

Question 12

Describe key features of a fire detection panel?

Answer 12

Central hub for monitoring fire detection devices such as smoke and heat sensors.
Alerts the crew about fire hazards and provides specific location details.
Integrated with other emergency systems for coordinated response.

Question 13

Describe the main features of a photoelectric smoke detector:

Answer 13

Light Source:
Smoke Presence
Light Detection
Alarm Trigger

Question 14

Describe the principle of operation of a photoelectric smoke detector:

Answer 14

A photoelectric smoke detector uses a light-sensing mechanism to detect smoke particles. It works based on the scattering of light principle.

Question 15

Advantages of a photoelectric smoke detector:

Answer 15

More Sensitive to Smoldering Fires
Fewer False Alarms
Better at Detecting Smoke Before Full Fire Development

Question 16

Disadvantages of a photoelectric smoke detector:

Answer 16

Less Sensitive to Fast-Flaming Fires
Can Be Affected by Dust or Debris

Question 17

Describe the main features of an ionizing smoke detector:

Answer 17

Ionization Chamber
Ionizing Radiation
Smoke Interference
Alarm Trigger

Question 18

Describe the principle of operation of a ionizing smoke detector:

Answer 18

An ionizing smoke detector uses a small amount of radioactive material to detect smoke. Ionizing detectors are more sensitive to smaller smoke particles, such as those produced by fast, flaming fires.

Question 19

Advantages of Ionizing Smoke Detectors

Answer 19

More Sensitive to Fast-Flaming Fires
Faster Response to Flaming Fires

Question 20

Disadvantages of Ionizing Smoke Detectors

Answer 20

Radiation Concerns
More Prone to False Alarms:

Question 21

Where would laser detectors be used?

Answer 21

are perfect for sensitive or controlled environments where early detection of even minute smoke particles is critical.

Question 22

Examples of places where laser detectors would be used:

Answer 22

Clean rooms
data centres
chemical warehouses

Question 23

Where would thermal detectors be used?

Answer 23

are ideal for monitoring temperature rise in environments like engine rooms or areas where high temperatures are expected. Examples: Engine Rooms, Machinery spaces, Electrical rooms

Question 24

Examples of places where thermal detectors would be used:

Answer 24

Engine Rooms
Machinery spaces
Electrical rooms

Question 25

Where would flame detectors be used?

Answer 25

are used in high-risk areas where rapid flame detection is necessary, such as fuel storage, industrial plants, and combustion systems. Each type provides a specific function to improve the safety and fire prevention measures on the ship or in industrial facilities.

Question 26

Examples of places where flame detectors would be used:

Answer 26

Fuel storage and transfer areas;
Gas turbines
engine combustion systems.

Question 27

Describe a sample smoke extraction system suitable for a cargo hold. Include in your answer how it can be modified for the discharge of CO2

Answer 27

A smoke extraction system in a cargo hold is designed to remove smoke, heat, and hazardous gases produced during a fire, improving visibility and air quality for firefighting operations and preventing smoke from spreading to other areas of the vessel. This system is critical for minimizing damage and ensuring the safety of the crew and cargo during an emergency

Question 28

Basic Components of a Smoke Extraction System:

Answer 28

Ventilation fan
Smoke detection and control
Ductwork and Exhaust outlets
Emergency power supply

Question 29

Smoke extraction system modified for CO2

Answer 29

Ventilation Fans: High-capacity fans to remove smoke and heat from the cargo hold.
CO2 Integration: The system is modified to shut down or reverse the fans when CO2 is discharged into the hold for fire suppression.
Control System: Centralized control panel for monitoring the system, integrating smoke detection, CO2 release, and fan operation.
Safety Measures: Protocols and interlocks to ensure safe entry after CO2 discharge, with oxygen levels and temperature carefully monitored.
Emergency Power: Backup power to ensure continued operation during emergencies.

Question 30

Describe a fuel tank shut off

Answer 30

A fuel tank shut-off is a critical safety feature on vessels, machinery, and industrial systems designed to stop the flow of fuel to prevent leakage, fire hazards, and accidents. The shut-off mechanism is designed to isolate the fuel tank from the rest of the system, either in the event of an emergency or as part of regular maintenance.

Question 31

Key Components of a Fuel Tank Shut-Off System

Answer 31

Shut off valves ( manual, automated, remote controlled)
Fuel shut-off mechanism
Fail-safe mechanism

Question 32

What is the purpose of emergency machinery shut offs and where are they normally located

Answer 32

Emergency machinery shut-offs are crucial for the safe operation of ships, allowing quick isolation of systems to prevent further damage or danger. These shut-off systems are located in easily accessible areas such as:
The engine room,
Bridge or remote control panels,
Machinery control rooms,
Fuel pump rooms,
Emergency control stations.
The shut-off systems can be manual, automatic, or remotely controlled, and their primary purpose is to ensure the crew can respond rapidly to emergencies, mitigating the risks of fire, equipment failure, and hazardous conditions.

Question 33

How is a space isolated in the event of a fire

Answer 33

Shutting off fuel and oil supply.
Closing fire doors to compartmentalize the fire.
Stopping ventilation systems to prevent the spread of smoke and oxygen to the fire.
Sealing air vents, hatches, and scuttles.
Activating fire suppression systems like CO2 or water spray.
Evacuating the affected space and ensuring no one enters during the fire.
Isolating electrical systems