CHIRP Maritime draws lessons learned from an incident where a fire extinguisher on a Ro-Ro ferry was rendered inaccessible due to a poorly placed ratchet strap securing cargo.
Initial report
As the reporter prepared to disembark a Ro-Ro, they noticed that a heavy-duty ratchet strap impeded access to a fire extinguisher. The strap secured a wheeled dolly supporting drop trailers on the car deck. The ratchet strap was pulled taut over the extinguisher, meaning it would have to be released before it could be used.
The reporter could not investigate further because they were about to drive off in their vehicle. They did notice that other frames were available to secure the dolly.
CHIRP comment
Obstructing access to essential safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, poses a significant risk during emergencies. Due to the fuel in the vehicles, the fire hazards on Ro-Ro ferries are exceptionally high. SOLAS clearly states that fire safety equipment must remain unobstructed and ready for use.
While securing cargo equipment is critical, the wheeled dolly support arrangements should have been incorporated into the ship’s design. If the supports were an additional item of cargo gear used by the company, their securing should have been planned to make alternative securing points available. This highlights the importance of regular deck inspections to ensure safety equipment remains unobstructed and accessible.
Fortunately, within 24 hours of CHIRP bringing this incident to the management company, they audited their entire fleet and confirmed that the issue had been resolved. The company’s speed of response was impressive, and CHIRP wants to thank them for their proactive stance on safety.
Key Issues relating to this report
Situational Awareness– The individual securing the dolly did not recognise the potential danger of blocking the fire extinguisher, highlighting a failure to consider safety equipment accessibility during a fire response.
Key Takeaways
Seafarers: “If it is blocked, it is as good as broken.”
Always ensure fire extinguishers and emergency gear are easy to see and reach—no exceptions. A few seconds lost in a fire can cost lives. Think before you secure anything: Will the lashing arrangements get in the way when it matters most?
Ship managers: “Securing cargo gear should never compromise use of safety equipment.”
Local shortcuts can creep in over time. Reinforce clear guidelines: emergency equipment must always stay visible and accessible. Encourage crews to double-check, not just tie down and move on.
Regulators: “Passengers see things inspections can miss.”
Blocked safety gear during regular sailings suggests a cultural lapse. Unannounced checks in real-world conditions could reveal issues that do not appear during formal inspections. Passenger feedback can be a valuable safety signal.
Lessons learned
Local Practices- The dolly could have been secured using alternative frames, suggesting a lack of adherence to best practices or established procedures to ensure safety equipment remains unobstructed.
Over-confidence- There is a degree of overconfidence in securing cargo equipment without considering the potential consequences of accessing safety equipment in an emergency.
Communication- Are the crew approachable and welcoming or intimidating to passengers?
