- (a) List THREE types of fixed fire suppression installations commonly found on vessels.(3)
(b) Describe EACH method by which the THREE listed in part (a) extinguish fire.(4)
(c) State, with reasons, ONE advantage and ONE disadvantage of EACH.(3)
(a) Three types of fixed fire suppression installations commonly found on vessels (3)
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) flooding system
- Foam fire suppression system
- Water mist (or sprinkler) system
(b) Methods of extinguishing fire (4)
- CO₂ flooding system – smothers the fire by displacing oxygen in the space below the level required to support combustion.
- Foam system – forms a stable blanket over flammable liquids, excluding oxygen and preventing re-ignition while also providing some cooling.
- Water mist/sprinkler system – cools the fire by absorbing heat (latent heat of vaporisation) and reduces oxygen at the flame front through steam generation.
(c) Advantages and disadvantages (3)
CO₂ flooding system
- Advantage: Very effective for enclosed machinery spaces, quick knock-down of fire.
- Disadvantage: Highly dangerous to personnel due to asphyxiation risk.
Foam system
- Advantage: Highly effective on oil and fuel fires (class B).
- Disadvantage: Requires significant storage space for foam concentrate and may cause damage/contamination of machinery spaces.
Water mist/sprinkler system
- Advantage: Safe for personnel and effective on a wide range of fires.
- Disadvantage: Large quantities of water may damage equipment and affect vessel stability if not drained properly.