Introduction, Safety and Principles
Introduction, Safety and Principles
The Fire Tetrahedron
Fire on board is a deadly hazard as there is nowhere else to go and the seafarer is trapped in the ship. The only solution is to attack the fire and extinguish it. If we are prepared for such a situation, lots of lives can be saved. Properly trained personnel on board can ensure fire accidents do not cause any calamity to life and property. Shipboard fire leads to injury or loss of life and property. Therefore the crew members have to be very conscious about the cause of fire and should be able to contain and fight it.
In case of a small intensity fire on ship, portable fire extinguishers or other handy means of extinguishing medium can be used. But in case, the intensity of fire is high or it is humanly impossible to control the fire, fixed fire extinguishing system is used. Precautions should be taken after the fire is extinguished. All the doors, hatches, vents and other openings should be opened in order to ventilate the space properly, before any entry is made into the space. The space should not be approached with any type of open flame as it might contain flammable vapours, which can lead to fire or explosion.
The fire safety objectives are to:
- Prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion;
- Reduce the risk to life caused by fire;
- Reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the ship, its cargo and the environment;
- Contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin; and
- Provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew.
If a fire on board ship is not tackled properly because of lack of knowledge, training and experience, it would result in a big tragedy resulting in loss of life and property. You need to gain some knowledge of fire fighting on deck.
As you joined the ship, at the entrance to accommodation, whether it is port or starboard side, there will be a fire wallet in prominently marked weather proof containers which has details about the following:
- One up to date copy of the ship’s Fire Control Plan.
- Cargo and Stability information.
- Updated Crew List.
One copy of above documents should also be kept on the bridge.
The cargo information shall be cargo data sheets, which show the physical and chemical properties of the cargo and the hazards they present, also of the action to be taken in the event of emergency.
As you carry out Loading, Discharging or carrying dangerous goods or flammable bulk cargoes, the pertinent fire fighting and emergency cargo handling instructions are contained in the following cargo carriage codes.
- International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code (IMSBC Code),
- Code of Practice for Safe Loading and Unloading of Bulk Cargoes (BLU Code)
- Code of Safe Practice for Ships Carrying Timber Deck Cargoes
- International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk
- International Code for Safe Carriage of Chemicals in Bulk (IBC Code)
- International Code for Safe Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk (IGC Code)
- International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code (IMDG Code)
- Code of Safe Practice for Cargo Stowage and Securing.
Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code:
The Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code is a mandatory code adopted by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) under the SOLAS Convention. It provides detailed technical requirements for fire protection, detection, and extinction systems on board ships. The purpose of the FSS Code is to ensure that ships are equipped with standardized and reliable fire safety systems to protect life, property, and the marine environment.
Reference to FSS Code (2015 Edition)
The applicable reference is:
- FSS Code – 2015 Edition, published by the IMO, which consolidates requirements for fixed fire-extinguishing systems, fire detection and alarm systems, fire pumps, hydrants, sprinkler systems, and portable extinguishers.
Update Statement (2004 Supplement)
- The FSS Code has been subsequently updated by amendments, including those adopted under the 2004 Supplement, which introduced improvements and clarifications to fire safety system requirements in line with evolving maritime safety standards.
Upcoming Edition
- A new revised edition of the FSS Code is expected in 2026, which will incorporate the latest amendments and technological advancements in shipboard fire safety systems.
The FSS Code – 2015 Edition refers to the Fire Safety Systems Code, consolidated edition published in 2015 by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention.
Brief Explanation
The FSS Code (2015 Edition) is a comprehensive technical standard that specifies the design, construction, performance, testing, and approval requirements for fire safety systems installed on ships.
Key Features
- Covers all major fire safety systems, including:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Fixed fire-extinguishing systems (CO₂, foam, water mist, etc.)
- Automatic sprinkler systems
- Fire pumps, hydrants, and hoses
- Portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers
- Provides uniform international standards to ensure ships comply with SOLAS fire protection requirements.
- Serves as a reference for shipbuilders, classification societies, and maritime authorities.
Purpose
The main objective of the FSS Code (2015 Edition) is to enhance fire safety onboard ships by ensuring that all fire protection systems are effective, reliable, and internationally standardized.
FSS Code 2026 Edition
The New FSS Code edition due in 2026 refers to the latest consolidated edition of the Fire Safety Systems Code to be published by the International Maritime Organization, incorporating all amendments adopted up to recent Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) sessions.
What is the 2026 FSS Code Edition?
- It is an updated consolidated publication of the FSS Code that includes all amendments up to 2024–2025 and those entering into force from 1 January 2026.
- This edition replaces earlier consolidated versions (like 2015 and later updates) by providing a fully revised and up-to-date reference for ship fire safety systems.
Key Updates Included
The 2026 edition reflects important amendments such as:
- Enhanced fire safety requirements for ro-ro and vehicle carrier ships
- Improvements in:
- Fire detection and alarm systems
- Water mist and fire-extinguishing systems
- Fire control and monitoring standards
- New technical requirements for heat/smoke detectors and system performance
Applicability
- Applies mainly to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026
- Some requirements may also apply to existing ships (with retrofit deadlines, e.g., by 2028)
IMSBC CODE:
The IMSBC Code (International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code) is a mandatory code adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention.
Brief Explanation
The IMSBC Code provides international guidelines for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes by sea, except for grain (which is covered under a separate Grain Code). It aims to prevent accidents such as cargo shifting, liquefaction, fire hazards, and structural damage to ships.
Key Features
- Classifies bulk cargoes into three groups:
- Group A – Cargoes that may liquefy (e.g., iron ore fines)
- Group B – Cargoes with chemical hazards (e.g., coal)
- Group C – Cargoes that are neither liable to liquefy nor chemically hazardous
- Provides requirements for loading, stowage, trimming, and discharge
- Specifies moisture limits (TML – Transportable Moisture Limit) for certain cargoes
- Includes safety precautions, testing procedures, and emergency measures
Purpose
The main objective of the IMSBC Code is to ensure safe transport of solid bulk cargoes and protect:
- Ship stability
- Crew safety
- Marine environment
The reference for the IMSBC Code – 2016 Edition is as follows:
- International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, 2016 Edition, published by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention.
“Reference is made to the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code, 2016 Edition, published by the IMO under the SOLAS Convention.”
Note:
- The 2016 Edition is a consolidated version that includes amendments adopted up to that period.
- The IMSBC Code is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VI for the safe carriage of solid bulk cargoes (other than grain).
The latest IMSBC Code edition (2025) is the most recent consolidated version of the International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes Code published by the International Maritime Organization.
IMSBC Code – 2025 Edition (Latest)
- Title: International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code and Supplement, 2025 Edition
- Published: November 2025
- Publisher: IMO
- Content: Includes Amendment 08-25 (latest amendments)
Key Features
- Incorporates Amendment 08-25, the latest update to the Code
- Provides updated:
- Cargo schedules
- Safety procedures
- Classification of bulk cargo hazards
- Continues to give guidance on:
- Safe loading, stowage, carriage, and discharge of solid bulk cargoes
Applicability
- Voluntary application: From 1 January 2026
- Mandatory entry into force: From 1 January 2027
Purpose
The 2025 edition ensures that shipping practices remain updated with:
- New types of cargoes
- Improved safety standards
- Prevention of hazards like liquefaction and cargo shifting
International Grain Code:
The International Grain Code (commonly called the Grain Code) is a mandatory code adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention.
Brief Explanation
The International Grain Code provides requirements for the safe carriage of grain in bulk on ships. Grain cargo can shift during a voyage, which may cause loss of stability and capsizing, so the Code ensures proper precautions are taken.
Key Features
- Applies to grain cargoes such as wheat, rice, maize, barley, etc.
- Specifies stability criteria to prevent excessive heeling due to cargo shift
- Requires preparation of a grain loading plan
- Includes methods to reduce cargo shifting, such as:
- Trimming of cargo
- Use of shifting boards, feeders, and securing arrangements
- Provides calculation procedures for heeling moments and stability
Purpose
The main aim of the Grain Code is to maintain ship stability and safety while carrying grain in bulk by minimizing the risk of cargo movement.
The reference to the International Grain Code (1991) is as follows:
- International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, 1991 (International Grain Code), adopted by the International Maritime Organization under the SOLAS Convention.
Statement
“Reference is made to the International Code for the Safe Carriage of Grain in Bulk, 1991 (International Grain Code), adopted by the IMO under the SOLAS Convention.”
Note
- The Grain Code is mandatory under SOLAS Chapter VI.
- It provides stability requirements and precautions to prevent shifting of grain cargo during sea transport.
The latest amendment to the International Grain Code (1991), adopted by the International Maritime Organization through MSC.552(108), becomes effective on 1 January 2026.
Amendment
This amendment introduces updates and clarifications to the Grain Code to improve the safe carriage of grain in bulk, particularly focusing on ship stability and modern operational practices.
Key Points
- Refinement of stability requirements to better address risks from grain shifting
- Updated calculation methods for heeling moments and intact stability
- Clarifications in loading and securing procedures to ensure uniform application
- Alignment with current ship design standards and safety practices
Purpose
The amendment aims to:
- Enhance ship stability safety margins
- Reduce risks of capsizing due to cargo shift
- Ensure the Code remains up-to-date with modern shipping practices
