‘Lessons not being learned’ on engine fires warns Braemar‘Lessons not being learned’ on engine fires warns Braemar

Temple gave the damning verdict following a review of incidents in 2013. “Last year we attended a significant number of engine-room fires - the industry is still experiencing far too many unnecessary casualties where flammable liquids in engine rooms are finding their way onto hot spots,” he said. “On many of the vessels I visit, these hot spots are only too easy to find, with thermal imaging photographs readily identifying these defects.”

Badly-maintained engine rooms can be incredibly dangerous for crew, Temple argued, drawing attention to the “continuing neglect” of areas where flammable liquids can escape from pressurised fuel, lubrication and cooling systems, as well as surfaces in excess of 220 degrees celcius left uninsulated, in disregard of IACS rules and SOLAS. “Basic maintenance is all that is required.

“Engine room crew should carry out regular inspection of pipes and associated fittings; they should refit brackets and lagging when carrying out maintenance; leaks should be repaired quickly before a drip becomes a spray; spares for HP fuel pipes should be available, and leakage alarm systems should be tested regularly.

“Prevention is as straightforward as that.”