USCG Exam PracticeFirefighting, damage control, and emergency response
A fire breaks out in the engine room of a small passenger vessel. After alerting the crew and isolating the fire, what is the correct next step in the firefighting sequence?
- A. Immediately ventilate the space to clear combustion gases before attacking the fire.
- ✓ Shut off fuel and electrical supply to the affected space, then attack with the appropriate extinguisher.Correct
- C. Attack the fire at the base of the flames with water, then shut off fuel supply.
- D. Activate the fixed extinguishing system before shutting off fuel or ventilation.
Why B is correct
The Boatswain's Manual Ch. 6 §6.3 establishes the firefighting sequence as: alert the crew, isolate the fire (close hatches, ventilation), shut off fuel and electrical to the affected space, then attack with the appropriate extinguisher. Ventilation after extinguishment is the final step, performed carefully to prevent re-ignition.