Guidelines for Port State Control Officers on Fire Safety

This guide provides comprehensive guidance for Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) regarding the Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) focused on fire safety. It outlines the purpose of the CIC, which is to address recurring deficiencies in fire safety during inspections. The document emphasizes the importance of ensuring that ships comply with the mandatory fire safety requirements established by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) and the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code). It details common causes of shipboard fires, including engine room incidents and maintenance issues, and highlights the environmental risks associated with such fires. The guide also includes a series of questions for PSCOs to consider during inspections, ensuring that they assess critical areas effectively. Additionally, it provides specific requirements and recommendations for maintaining safety equipment, such as emergency escape routes and fire doors, to enhance overall fire safety performance on vessels.