How do you put out a fire on a ship? in Port News 15/05/2026 A fire on board a ship always requires a well-considered approach. What is burning and where it is burning determines how the crew and emergency services respond. It may sound surprising, but water is not always the best choice in such situations. Fire prevention on ships Prevention is better than extinguishing. To this end, the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requires ships to be fitted with smoke and heat detectors, alarm systems and fire extinguishers. The crew undergoes intensive fire safety training because, at sea, they are usually on their own. When a fire breaks out, the crew takes immediate action. They sound the alarm, locate the source of the fire and initiate initial firefighting efforts using the systems in place. At the same time, they ensure the rest of the crew are brought to safety. Protecting human life always comes first. The captain coordinates actions on board and engages external assistance when necessary. The shipping company provides remote support, calls in experts and helps with decision-making. At sea: a complex rescue operation If the crew cannot bring the fire under control in Belgian territorial waters, the captain calls the Maritime Rescue and Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Ostend, which coordinates assistance at sea. Specialised salvage companies send out tugs, cool the ship’s hull and bring experts on board. These assess the situation and take targeted action. If the incident takes place in international waters, the captain contacts the nearest rescue coordination centre. That centre coordinates the response and works with other countries and stakeholders. The ship’s flag state, the country in which the ship is registered, also supports coordination and takes part in decision-making. With fewer resources able to reach the scene quickly on the high seas, the crew puts even more effort into firefighting on board, and the shipping company calls in