USCG Exam PracticeFirefighting procedures aboard small vessels
According to the emergency firefighting procedures required to be posted aboard commercial fishing vessels, what is the FIRST action you should take when a fire is discovered?
- A. Activate the fixed extinguishing system if installed
- ✓ Shut off the air supply to the fire by closing hatches, ports, doors, and ventilatorsCorrect
- C. Immediately attack the fire with a portable extinguisher
- D. Notify the Coast Guard and other vessels in the vicinity
Why B is correct
46 CFR §28.265(d)(9)(i) specifies that the first step in firefighting procedure is to shut off the air supply to the fire by closing hatches, ports, doors, ventilators, and similar openings. This is consistent with the firefighting sequence in Boatswain Manual Ch. 6 §6.3, which directs isolating the fire before attacking it.