Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Fire Drill and Fire Safety

The minimum frequency of fire drills, equipment inspection, and the mistakes that turn a routine exercise into a PSC deficiency.

SOLAS Chapter II-2 SOLAS Chapter III fire drill FSS Code

## Operational Explanation

Fire safety on board rests on two complementary pillars: equipment (detectors, fixed systems, extinguishers, breathing apparatus) maintained per the FSS Code, and the crew's ability to use it effectively, verified through realistic periodic drills.

A perfectly maintained firefighting system with a crew that does not know how to activate it quickly in a real emergency still represents a high risk: this is why the SOLAS Code imposes a minimum drill frequency, not just technical maintenance.

## Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Chapter II-2 (Fire protection, detection and extinction) for the equipment, and SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.3 for drill frequency: fire drills on board cargo ships at least every month, with rotating participation of the entire crew, and a drill within 24 hours of departure if more than 25% of the crew has not taken part in a fire drill on that ship in the previous month.

## Scope of Application

Every ship subject to SOLAS Chapter III/II-2, with additional specific requirements for passenger ships (more frequent and structured drills depending on voyage type).

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Verify that every crew member takes part in a fire drill at least once a month, on a rotating basis if necessary to ensure full coverage of shifts.
2. Conduct the drill within 24 hours of departure if more than 25% of the crew has not taken part in a fire drill on the ship in the previous month.
3. Include practical use of the equipment in the drill (breathing apparatus, hoses, extinguishers), not just simulation of the alarm.
4. Periodically verify the condition of the firefighting equipment per the FSS Code (extinguisher pressure, integrity of fixed systems, breathing apparatus expiry).
5. Record every drill (date, scenario, participants, issues identified) in the log book/SMS register.
6. Analyse issues emerging from drills to identify the need for additional training or extraordinary maintenance.

## Practical Example

Example entry: "Fire drill 07.07.2026, scenario: engine room fire. Participants: 14 of 18 crew members (4 on compensatory rest). Firefighting team response time: 6 minutes. Issue: one breathing apparatus with pressure below the minimum, replaced immediately."

## Real Cases

Investigations into serious onboard fires repeatedly show that the critical factor was not the availability of equipment, but the response time and coordination of the crew, often deficient when drills had been conducted in a purely formal manner (announcing the alarm without real mobilisation and use of the equipment).

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Drill conducted as a simple announcement, without practical use of the equipment | The crew does not gain real familiarity with emergency procedures | Always include practical use of at least some equipment in every drill
Monthly drill skipped due to operational pressures | PSC deficiency, crew unprepared in a real emergency | Schedule drills in the operational calendar with the same priority as commercial activities
Breathing apparatus or extinguishers with overdue maintenance discovered only during the drill | Equipment unavailable in a real emergency | Check firefighting equipment maintenance deadlines independently of drills, with a dedicated calendar

## PSC Observations

PSCOs may request to witness a fire drill during the inspection or to check its records; slow response times, non-functioning equipment or the absence of drill records are common, high-severity deficiencies.

## Operational Tips

- Vary the drill scenario (engine room, galley, cabin area) to prevent the crew from getting used to a single type of response.
- Use drills as an opportunity to verify the real condition of the equipment, not just the procedure.
- Always document issues that emerge, not just the overall positive outcome of the drill.

## Checklist

- Monthly fire drill conducted with rotating participation of the entire crew
- Drill within 24h of departure if >25% of the crew has not taken part in the previous month
- Practical use of equipment included in the drill
- Firefighting equipment verified per the FSS Code
- Issues emerging from drills recorded and followed by action

## FAQ

How often must a mandatory fire drill be conducted?
At least once a month for every crew member, with an additional drill within 24 hours of departure if more than 25% of the crew has not taken part in a fire drill on the same ship in the previous month.
Is a drill consisting only of announcing the alarm sufficient?
No: good practice and PSC expectations require practical use of the equipment and real mobilisation of the firefighting team, not just simulation of the alarm.
What happens if a crew member has never taken part in a fire drill on the ship?
They must be included in a drill within 24 hours of departure, per the 25% rule set out in SOLAS Chapter III; they must also receive familiarisation with the safety equipment on joining.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Musters and Abandon Ship Drill Lifeboat Inspection

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