FIRE ON BOARD: Unraveling Fire Risks At Sea!

By: Erich Mamites




As we set sail into the Fire Prevention Month of March, it's essential to navigate the treacherous waters of fire safety, especially aboard ships where the stakes are high and the dangers aplenty. Here, we unveil three common causes of shipboard fires that every seafarer should be well-versed in:


Electrical Malfunctions: 




Imagine a maze of wiring snaking its way through the bowels of the ship, powering essential equipment from navigation systems to galley appliances. Electrical malfunctions, such as short circuits or overloaded circuits, can ignite fires faster than a cannonball off the starboard bow. Keep things in check by conducting routine inspections, preventing overloading circuits, ensuring proper wiring, and providing crew training on electrical safety.



Careless Smoking: 




Even on the vast expanse of the open sea, the dangers of smoking cannot be overstated. One misplaced cigarette butt or unattended pipe can transform a peaceful deck into a fiery tragedy. Remember, proper disposal of smoking materials is paramount to preventing onboard blazes. Enforce no-smoking policies, provide designated smoking areas with proper receptacles, educate crew members on dangers, and monitor compliance.



Engine Room Mishaps: 




Below deck, where the roar of engines exist, lies the heart of the vessel—the engine room. Unfortunately, it's also a hotspot for potential fire disasters. Oil leaks, fuel spills, or mechanical failures can all kindle flames faster than you can imagine. To avoid this disaster, maintain equipment regularly, contain and clean up spills promptly, install fire detection systems, and practice emergency shutdown procedures.


As we commemorate Fire Prevention Month this March, let these three common causes of shipboard fires serve as beacons of caution. Through awareness, preparedness, and adherence to strict safety protocols, we can ensure smooth sailing on the high seas without the threat of fiery tempests. Let us secure the hatches, store away any potential fire hazards, and strive to prevent flames as we navigate through the maritime world!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Kabataan Pa Ba ang Pag-asa ng Bayan?

Image
EDITORIAL Cartoon by Garner Sereñina You’ve probably heard it before: “Iba na talaga ang kabataan ngayon.” It’s a familiar refrain from older generations, often accompanied by a tsk or a resigned sigh. But is this just another way of dismissing the new generation, or is there something more troubling beneath the surface? Recent events have brought this issue into sharp focus. During a recent Filipino reality show episode, a participant flubbed a basic fact about Dr. José Rizal, calling him “Joe Joe” and “J Rizz.” This blunder, while seemingly trivial, has sparked a torrent of online criticism and highlights a troubling trend about our education system. The reality is stark and alarming: despite efforts to get more children into school, the Philippines is experiencing a severe learning crisis. According to a report by Inquirer.net, over 90 percent of Filipino students cannot read and understand age-appropriate text by age 10. This isn’t just a minor hiccup; it’s a full-blown crisis that...
Read more

Anchor Publication's Inaugural Summit Marks Relaunch with 'LAOM' Magazine Debut and Achievements Celebration

Image
The Anchor Publication, the official student publication of the University of Cebu – Maritime Education and Training Center, held its inaugural Anchor Summit to celebrate the relaunch, revival, achievements, and accomplishments of the organization. A highlight of the event was the launch of Anchor’s newest magazine, “LAOM.” The Summit began with formal opening remarks by Campus Director and Dean of the College of Maritime Education, Capt. Gerry D. Enjambre. “Always remember to maintain your integrity and show students that you are deserving of their trust,” Capt. Enjambre advised the campus scribes. Anchor’s Technical Adviser, Mr. Richard Lagus Jr., and Legal Adviser OIC-NW, Dave Polistico, expressed their gratitude. This was followed by an oath-taking ceremony and the recitation of the Journalists’ Creed, led by Associate Editor, Ms. Jaryl Catipay. Managing Editor Ms. Kaith Anne Aniban and Research and Planning Director Mr. Kurstein Paul Quirante presented the Accomplishment Report...
Read more

"UNSA MANI DONG, MARITIME KA, DILI?"

Image
 EDITORIAL Cartoon by Matthew Barcenas Like a flock of birds swooping toward a hill of grains, METC cadets crowd around the university’s main gate every morning—shoulder-to-shoulder, haircuts all over the place. It’s a sight that immediately raises a question: what happened to the days of adhering to proper grooming standards? Proper appearance and attire might not seem like a big deal, but in a university, especially a maritime school, it’s crucial. Uniforms, haircuts, and even rules against earrings or tattoos aren’t just about control—they’re about creating an environment that fosters discipline. When everyone follows the same rules, it stops the endless comparisons and allows students to focus on the stuff that actually matters—self-improvement, growth, and preparing for the real world (Ståhlberg, J., et al., 2019). At the University of Cebu-METC, cadets know the drill. The haircut rules aren’t suggestions—they’re requirements, with regular inspections to keep everyone in ...
Read more