Posted By: April 15 2025
A complete and compliant list of fire fighting equipment is essential for maintaining safety standards onboard ships.
Every vessel operating under SOLAS regulations is required to carry specific types of fire detection, suppression, and protective tools to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies at sea.
This guide outlines the most important components of shipboard fire fighting systems and their respective uses, emphasizing how they work together to form an integrated safety solution.
Fire fighting systems on ships are broadly divided into four main categories: detection equipment, suppression systems, firefighting accessories, and emergency breathing apparatus.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of each:
Smoke Detectors: Essential for early warning, these detect airborne particulates and trigger alarms.
Heat Detectors: Activate when temperatures rise above a set threshold, especially useful in machinery spaces.
IR and UV Flame Detectors: Detect light wavelengths specific to flames, ideal for high-risk areas such as engine rooms.
Fire Alarm Control Panels: Central hub that collects input from detection devices and triggers audible/visual alerts.
Portable Fire Extinguishers: Including CO2, foam, dry powder, and water types—each suited for different fire classes:
Class A (solids): Water
Class B (liquids): Foam/CO2
Class C (gases): Dry powder
Class E (electrical): CO2
Fixed Suppression Systems: Installed in engine rooms and other enclosed spaces:
CO2 Systems: Effective in displacing oxygen to suppress flames.
Foam Systems: Create a film barrier to smother flammable liquids.
Water Mist Systems: Use ultra-fine droplets for cooling and oxygen displacement.
Dry Powder Systems: Inert powders interrupt the chemical reaction of fires.
Sprinkler Systems: Networked throughout accommodation and cargo areas, activated by heat sensors.
Fire Hoses and Nozzles: Deployed manually, these direct high-pressure water to suppress open flames.
Fire Hydrants: Connect to ship’s water supply and support hose deployment.
Fire Pumps: Deliver water to hydrants and sprinklers at consistent pressure.
Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs): Provide a short-term supply of breathable air for evacuations.
Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA): Used by trained personnel for interior firefighting, includes face mask and air cylinder.
At Marinetech Safety & Shipping Corporation, we provide an extensive list of fire fighting equipment designed and approved to meet international maritime safety standards.
Our products are trusted by commercial and cargo vessels, offshore platforms, and tankers across the globe.
Smoke Detectors: Photoelectric and ionization-based units for accurate detection.
Heat Detectors: Fixed temperature and rate-of-rise models.
IR/UV Flame Detectors: With rapid detection algorithms and false-alarm prevention.
Alarm Panels: Modular systems for easy integration and monitoring.
CO2, Foam, and Water Mist Systems: With marine-grade components and control valves.
Fire Extinguishers: Available in all capacities and agent types.
SCBA and EEBD Sets: With refill services, mask fitting kits, and annual inspection support.
Fire Hoses & Reels: Compliant with SOLAS and IS standards.
Fire System Design: Custom solutions tailored to vessel layout and risk profile.
Installation & Integration: End-to-end setup with classification society approvals.
Annual Maintenance Contracts: Scheduled servicing to ensure operability.
Hydrostatic Testing: Pressure testing for CO2 cylinders and SCBA tanks.
Spare Parts Supply: Full catalog of nozzles, valves, indicators, and regulators.
Marinetech ensures all equipment in its list of fire fighting equipment meets stringent SOLAS and IMO compliance. We hold:
Classification Society Approvals (e.g., DNV, ABS, BV)
Manufacturer Training Certifications
Flag State Compliance Readiness
Our certified technicians perform on-site surveys, provide crew training sessions, and issue compliance reports, ensuring your vessel meets audit readiness at all times.
Maintaining a SOLAS-compliant list of fire fighting equipment is not just a legal necessity—it's a critical part of maritime risk management.
Each piece of equipment serves a purpose in detecting, containing, and combating fires that threaten life and cargo at sea. With the right tools and regular servicing, shipowners can greatly reduce the impact of onboard fire incidents.
To explore Marinetech's full selection of approved fire detection and suppression systems, visit https://marinetechss.com/supplies/fire-fighting-equipment-and-appliances