• Journal of Advanced Marine Engineering and Technology
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• v.40 no.9
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• pp.852-858
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• 2016

To safeguard the accommodation spaces on cargo ships from fire, structural fire protection provisions introduced by SOLAS and these measures retard the propagation of flames and smoke. SOLAS also specifies provisions for fire fighting drills. These provisions are a combination of regulations regarding structure and equipment and those dealing with the human element for the fire protection and effective responses in the event of fire. Requirements related to the human element play a supporting role to the requirements for structure and equipment because the present accommodation structure and equipment are insufficient for extinguishing a fire, therefore, fire-extinguishing activity performed by crew members is essential. To reduce human error and ensure effective fire fighting, it is necessary to install a fire-fighting system and improve the fire fighting process. The fundamental concept of fire fighting exercises is to commence fire fighting before the fire grows too big to extinguish. It is essential to relocate the storage place of fire fighting equipment to expedite the fire-fighting exercise. This study was carried out to reduce human risk for this purpose, the fire control station was relocated to a site that could be accessed from the open deck. Further, two sets of a fire fighter's outfit were stored at the same site. This relocation eliminated the risk of the crew reentering to operate the fire fighting system in the fire control station and allowed the crew to pick up the fire fighters' outfits quickly in the event of a fire. In addition, it was proposed that the IIC method be made mandatory. This method is combination of automatic fire detection system and sprinkler system which can reduce the risk of the fire fighting exercises for the crew and to suppress fire in the initial stage. This study was carried out to provide a foundation to the possible amendment of the relevant SOLAS regulations and national legislation.