Introduction

 A fire on a ship is one of the most dangerous incidents which can happen on board. If
the fire is detected in good time, the crew can prevent larger damages by taking
immediate measures – such as fighting the fire by use of a fire hose under breathing
protection.
 If the fire has already spread, professional aid is absolutely needed, which can be
rendered via helicopter or by ship.

Spread of fire
Once started a fire can spread in three ways: convection, conduction and radiation.

A-Convection :
Convection is the most dangerous way in which fire can spread through a property. The heat
generated by a fire naturally rises, but in an enclosed space such as an office, this heat
becomes trapped when it hits the ceiling. The heat then travels horizontally, spreading the fire
across the entire space.
B-Conduction :
Conduction refers to the spread of fire through direct contact between materials. Some
materials are better conductors of heat than others, metal is a good example. A fire spreading
through conduction in a commercial property might involve heat transferring through
structural materials such as steel beams. Combustible elements which come into contact with
the beams can ignite, and fire can spread from there. Conduction can be responsible for the
spread of fire between rooms in larger buildings, as well as the failure of load-bearing
structural supports.

C-Radiation :
Radiation transfers heat via electromagnetic waves in the air. Heat transmits in every direction
until it reaches an object which absorbs it. Radiation can spread fire from building to building,
igniting combustible materials nearby, and can also penetrate through windows, gaining
access to the interior of adjacent properties