MSS Case April: Misdeclared container caused fire

It was early morning and from the bridge the Master saw a large cloud of smoke issuing from the forward part of the vessel. At the same time the fire detection system for cargo hold 3 sounded on the bridge. The master described the smoke as being white at first and then greyish. The Chief Officer, however, described the smoke as being 'dark grey, almost black´.

The ventilation fans for the cargo holds were stopped. The fans for the cargo hold 3 were not operating at that time but natural ventilation was being provided for the holds as the covers for the vents were open.

Read more about the consequences of not declaring dangerous cargo in the latest Monthly Safety Scenario.

Download the MSS case for April here»

For more Loss Prevention information, please contact: 
Joakim Enström, Loss Prevention Officer
E-mail: joakim.enstrom@swedishclub.com

Each month the Club's Loss Prevention team issues a new safety scenario to assist members in their efforts to comply with international safety regulations and follow best practices. 

When discussing the case, please consider that the actions taken at the time made sense for all involved. Do not only judge, but also ask why you think these actions were taken, and could this happen on your vessel?