Page 46: of Marine News Magazine (February 2017)

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FIRE & SAFETY as well as, of course, ? re and explosion investigation expertise. cause of many engine room ? res often evolves solely into

In addition to this multi-disciplinary team of experts, an engineering exercise. Other resources may also need to there may also be other experts, surveyors and personnel be brought to bear, such as metallurgy, fuel chemistry, etc. representing various interested parties and authorities at- Often the actions of the crew in ? re-? ghting operations tending the scene. This all needs to be managed effectively need to be investigated. This requires the ? re investigator to ensure the scene is not compromised and only appropri- to have both interviewing skills and the ability to gain a ate and accurate information is provided to other attend- rapid and full understanding of the ship’s ? re and safety ing interested parties. equipment, aided by the input of a marine engineer.

Complex Fire and Explosion Scenarios The Cost of Poor Evidence

Many ? res and explosions on board ships occur within In addition to assembling the right investigation team, the cargo spaces during carriage of bulk or containerised meticulous and painstaking collection, examination, pres- cargoes, either as a result of the hazardous nature of the ervation and assessment of evidence provides the highest cargo itself (e.g. bulk DRI, bulk coal or containerized calci- likelihood of ultimately explaining the cause of a ? re or um hypochlorite) or because of operations and equipment explosion incident. This best practice approach will help associated with cargo carriage (e.g. fumigant explosions/? re prevent the change or loss of invaluable evidence, some- or ? res caused by buried cargo lights). In this instance, a ? re thing that can be dif? cult, or even impossible, to rectify expert with a working knowledge of cargo matters should at a later date. This, in turn, can have a signi? cant impact draw on the expertise of a cargo scientist who can ensure on the outcome of the investigation. For example, if an the investigation reaches a timely and successful conclusion. investigator does not identify critical evidence, or fails to

In another scenario, if a ? re occurs in an engine room, a collect evidence appropriately, their investigation may not ? re investigator can examine the scene and determine the add probative value if a case proceeds to litigation.

seat of the ? re, source of the fuel, ignition source and map As legal proceedings are likely to begin months, or even the ? re development, growth and spread. However, most years after the event, the opportunity to collect additional engine room ? res are a consequence of some machinery evidence has often passed before errors in an investigation or operation failure so to understand how the affected sys- are discovered. In addition to this, the collection of inac- tems operate, and why a machinery malfunction or human curate or inconclusive evidence may necessitate a new expert error may have occurred to cause the ? re or explosion, the to review the investigation. These costs will be in addition to ? re expert will need the support of a marine engineer in the the costs associated with appointing the surveyor or inexpe- ? rst place. Hence, the forensic investigation into the root rienced investigator who was not ultimately able to provide the service required by the client or during legal proceedings.

Fire damage to the ? oor of a container as seen during discharge.

Reducing Long-Term Costs

Although some owners and operators may be reluctant to commit to a perceived higher initial cost, appointing a quali? ed, recognized and experienced ? re investigator or in- vestigation team from the outset is likely to offer signi? cant- ly better value for money in the long term. The collection, preservation, and analysis of all necessary evidence, manag- ing all parties in attendance at an incident, and presenting evidence clearly and accurately in court is essential to stream- line the investigation process and therefore minimise long term costs. A quali? ed, experienced and multi-disciplinary team is likely to be the quickest route to a successful result.

David Myers is part of Brookes Bell’s