Emergency equipment: what SIRE 2.0 inspectors ask and find
Crew may be asked to start the emergency generator or emergency fire pump and show escape routes, so it pays to have practised it.
Do this before the inspector arrives: Practise starting the emergency generator and fire pump.
What the inspector wants to see
- Know how to start the emergency generator and put it on load
- Every location the emergency fire pump starts from
- Escape routes known and marked
Questions inspectors ask about Emergency equipment
You hear the emergency alarm at 0200. What do you do?
Go to your muster station. That is the answer the inspector wanted to hear from crew.
Could you start the emergency generator if asked?
Inspectors asked deck officers, the Pumpman and the Bosun to start it, so deck staff must know how.
How do you know the fixed foam is suitable for the cargo carried?
IBC Code chapter 17, column L, gives the fire-fighting media for each cargo.
How do you know the foam mixer is set correctly?
The foam analysis report shows the concentrate type (1%, 3% or 6%); the mixer must be set to that value.
By when must PFOS-containing firefighting foam be removed?
SOLAS II-2/10, as amended by MSC.532(107), bans PFOS foam from 1 January 2026.
Can an EEBD use a filter-type respirator?
No.
There are 32 Emergency equipment questions in NilObs, with spaced repetition so the ones you miss come back. Practise them free.
Real Emergency equipment observations, and how to avoid them
Interviewee was not familiar with where the ship's fire doors were, what they were for or how they operated.
Avoid it: Walk the fire control plan and be ready to explain fire door types, locations and how they close.
Four forecastle light fittings each had one of two tubes burnt out, including an emergency light at the entrance.
Avoid it: Replace failed lamps promptly and test emergency lighting during routine checks.
The officer in charge of forecastle safety inspections admitted missing the four defective light fittings.
Avoid it: Switch on and check all lighting, including emergency lights, during forecastle inspections.
A 20 m fire hose was found where the safety plan required a 15 m hose; hoses had been mixed up after pressure testing.
Avoid it: After hose testing, return each hose to its listed location with the correct length.
The switch linking the fire alarm to accommodation ventilation shutdown was left on bypass instead of normal; reset during the inspection.
Avoid it: Check fire alarm interlock and bypass switches are in the normal position during safety rounds.
The first aid kit on the bridge had no eye pad.
Avoid it: Check first aid kits against their contents list and restock after use.
One of the main deck emergency lights was not working.
Avoid it: Test emergency lighting regularly and replace failed lamps straight away.
Seizings on six fire and foam hoses had deteriorated and the binding wires were corroded.
Avoid it: Inspect hose couplings and seizings during fire equipment checks and renew corroded bindings.
Who answers for Emergency equipment
Chief Officer, Third Officer, Chief Engineer, Second Engineer, Third Engineer, Fourth Engineer, Electro-Technical Officer, Fitter, Cook, Technical Superintendent, Training Officer, Other role. NilObs picks the questions and the daily drill for your role.
Rehearse Emergency equipment before your next inspection.
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