201969 Fluorescent lights a fire

16 Oct 2019 MARS

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?