201969 Fluorescent lights a fire
While at anchor the vessel’s fire alarm sounded on one of the lower decks. The OOW sent the duty seaman down to investigate. The crew member found a deck-head fluorescent light releasing smoke. The appropriate circuit breakers were closed and the light was smothered, extinguishing the nascent fire.
The company investigation found that a poor quality capacitor had overheated and caused the fire.
Lessons learned
- For quick and effective firefighting, it is important that all crew members know where electrical breakers are located for each area. Is this included on your vessel’s familiarisation routine?