While berthed port side alongside in Amsterdam, Netherlands, our product/chemical tanker was discharging gasoline– one of the most flammable cargoes in the maritime industry.
At around 14:00H, an engine crew member rushed through the alleyways shouting incomprehensibly about a fire aft.
Seconds later, our neighboring vessel’s crew waved and pointed toward our stern, confirming an emergency.
The fire’s location? Our swimming pool.
How a Swimming Pool Became a Fire Hazard
During a long anchorage before arrival, our dedicated garbage room became full.
To manage waste, the crew temporarily used the swimming pool as an overflow garbage area.
This unintended storage exposed combustible waste to sunlight, rain, and varying weather- the perfect conditions for spontaneous combustion.
🚒 Fire Response
Upon arrival at the scene, one crew member was already attempting to extinguish the fire with a portable dry chemical extinguisher.
I immediately connected the nearest fire hose to the hydrant, with the bosun manning the nozzle.
Thanks to our Advanced Fire Fighting (AFF) training and monthly fire drills, the fire was extinguished quickly with no injuries.
Minutes later, the rest of the emergency response team arrived- just like the delayed “backup” scene in movies.
🔍 Investigation Findings
The engine crew first detected the fire after noticing unusual smoke entering the engine room intake fans while working in the workshop.
- Watchmen’s oversight: From the manifold area, smoke appeared to rise from the funnel, leading them to think it was normal exhaust.
- External alert: The neighboring vessel had a clear view of the stern and alerted us immediately.
Cause: Spontaneous combustion of stored garbage in the swimming pool due to prolonged exposure to weather and heat.
📋 Lessons Learned for Seafarers
⚠️ Safety Takeaways:
- Never store garbage outside designated garbage rooms– especially in exposed areas.
- Understand spontaneous combustion risks for waste containing oily rags, paper, or other flammable materials.
- Maintain situational awareness during high-risk operations like gasoline discharge.
- Train for rapid fire response. drills save lives and prevent major incidents.
- Collaborate with neighboring vessels; their perspective can spot what you can’t.
Vetting Inspection Twist
Ironically, this happened on a scheduled vetting inspection day. The inspector didn’t arrive, but our superintendent was onboard.
If the fire had occurred during inspection, we risked being banned from that oil major for up to six months for safety violations.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can garbage cause spontaneous combustion on ships?
Yes. Garbage containing oily rags, paper, and other combustible materials can ignite when stored in warm, poorly ventilated areas. Prolonged exposure to heat and weather accelerates this risk.
2. What is spontaneous combustion in maritime operations?
Spontaneous combustion occurs when certain materials, like oil-soaked rags or damp organic waste, generate heat internally through chemical reactions until they ignite without an external flame.
3. How do you fight a garbage fire onboard?
First, raise the alarm and ensure crew safety. Use portable extinguishers (dry chemical or foam) for small fires, then secure a fire hose from the nearest hydrant. Always follow your ship’s fire drill procedures.
4. What happens if a fire occurs during a vetting inspection?
A fire during a vetting inspection can lead to immediate failure and possible bans from oil companies for months. It also damages a vessel’s safety record.
5. How can seafarers prevent fires during cargo operations?
Maintain clear decks, follow designated waste disposal procedures, monitor high-risk areas, and conduct regular fire drills to ensure the crew’s rapid response capability.
Conclusion
Shipboard fires can occur in the most unexpected places- even a swimming pool. Ten years at sea have shown me that unusual scenarios can unfold without warning.
Stay vigilant, follow procedures, and never underestimate how quickly small hazards can escalate.
May the winds be in your favor.
Image Credits: intlreg.org
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