Sometimes ships are docked in the port for repair works in the machinery space, wirings, tanks, bridge equipment etc. The fire fighting method which should be carried out at the port is same as that of onboard. Cause of accidents at port can elevate if proper procedure or care is not taken. In this blog we are going to explain the various causes that will lead to an accident at port.

 

1.At port the time which is available will be less. Especially for the oil tankers which will be at port for half a day. Due to time constrain the crew may take short cuts and by passing of the safety procedures which will lead to accidents.

2.Deteriorated insulation and damaged cables can cause as a hotspot for fire or they will produce fatal shocks.

fig:1 deteriorated cable: source- puffin solution


3. Poor housekeeping (cleaning of public area, cabins, deposition of waste), accumulation of oil bilges and rags. Also waste in machinery space can central to accidents.

Fig2 Oil bilge & Rags ,source: officerofthewatch

4. Pipelines passes through the deck which will block the closing of the doors. So, when a sudden fire occurs and if we wanted to isolate one chamber closing of doors will not be possible.

5. Hot works like welding, which are carried out without proper permission can cause accidents.

6.Sometimes the firefighting equipment’s will not be refilled after use, so the fire cannot be contained.

7. Smoking in accommodation area of the ship by crew or visitors onboard can create a hotspot for the fire.

8. Reporting of a fire is delayed when there is an In-operative fire detection system due to maintenance or repair.

9. Unmanned personal at bridge or port can cause delay or no action taken while the fire alarm is activated.

10. Hot works like welding, cutting or drilling near Fuel Oil (FO) tank boundaries or near air pipes from FO tanks can cause a large explosion.

 

This are the main 10 reason which is cause of accident at port.  If you have any doubt regarding this topic please comment below.