Posted: May 19th, 2023
A Risk-Based Fire and Rescue Management System in Marine Transport
A Risk-Based Fire and Rescue Management System in Marine Transport
Marine transport is a vital sector of the global economy, as it facilitates the movement of goods and people across oceans and seas. However, marine transport also faces various risks, such as fire, collision, piracy, terrorism, and environmental hazards. Fire is one of the most common and dangerous threats to marine transport, as it can cause severe damage to ships, cargo, crew, passengers, and the environment. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO), there were 174 fire incidents on board ships in 2019, resulting in 10 fatalities and 33 injuries (IMO, 2020).
To prevent and mitigate the impact of fire on marine transport, a risk-based fire and rescue management system is essential. A risk-based approach means that the fire and rescue resources and strategies are allocated and implemented according to the level of risk and the potential consequences of fire. A risk-based fire and rescue management system consists of four main components: risk assessment, risk reduction, risk control, and risk monitoring (ISO, 2018).
Risk assessment is the process of identifying and analyzing the sources, causes, probabilities, and impacts of fire on marine transport. Risk assessment helps to prioritize the fire hazards and vulnerabilities, and to determine the acceptable level of risk. Risk reduction is the process of implementing measures to eliminate or minimize the fire hazards and vulnerabilities. Risk reduction measures include fire prevention, fire protection, fire detection, fire suppression, and fire safety education. Risk control is the process of responding to and managing the fire incidents that occur on board ships. Risk control measures include fire fighting, rescue operations, emergency communication, evacuation, and recovery. Risk monitoring is the process of evaluating and reviewing the performance and effectiveness of the risk-based fire and rescue management system. Risk monitoring helps to identify the gaps, weaknesses, strengths, and opportunities for improvement.
A risk-based fire and rescue management system in marine transport can provide several benefits, such as enhancing the safety and security of ships, cargo, crew, passengers, and the environment; reducing the economic losses and liabilities caused by fire; improving the compliance with national and international regulations and standards; increasing the resilience and sustainability of marine transport; and strengthening the reputation and competitiveness of marine transport operators.
References
IMO (2020). Casualty statistics and investigations. Retrieved from https://www.imo.org/en/OurWork/Safety/Regulations/Pages/Casualty-Statistics.aspx
ISO (2018). ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines. Retrieved from https://www.iso.org/standard/65694.html