Firefighters must remember that cargoes can be very varied. Some are inherently dangerous, while others may become so when they react to heat or water. Some cargoes, although not chemically dangerous, pose a risk to the safety of the vessel and, indirectly, to life, because they affect the vessel’s stability by moving about or by swelling as a result of absorbing water.
Conversely, the inappropriate use of a fire extinguishing medium, or using the wrong medium, can cause unnecessary damage to cargo.
Removing or moving cargo from the vessel or any adjoining compartments as part of the incident plan should form part of any joint decision making process, which may include:
- The ship’s master or nominated representative
- Harbour master
- Port authorities
- Local authorities
- Owners
- Insurers
Refer to Hazardous Materials.