Third Mate’s Responsibilities for Fire-Fighting and Life-Saving Equipment Maintenance
The Third Mate plays a critical role in maintaining the life-saving and fire-fighting equipment on a vessel, ensuring that all systems are operational and ready for immediate use in case of an emergency. Their main task is to regularly inspect all systems and equipment that may be required to save lives and protect the ship from fires.
Types of Inspections and Their Frequency
The equipment inspections on board are divided into different categories based on the time allocated for their completion: weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual checks. These inspections are conducted in strict compliance with the requirements of the international SOLAS convention (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea).
Weekly Inspections conducted by the Third Mate include:
- Breathing Apparatus (BA Bottles) and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs)
- Inspection of fire safety doors
- Examination of fire hoses, hydrants, and fire-fighting kits
- Checking life-saving equipment, such as life jackets with lights, life boats, life rafts, and man-overboard buoys
- Testing portable fire extinguishers and visual signaling devices
- Testing the main fire-fighting hose and valves for isolation
Monthly Inspections include the same elements as the weekly checks, plus:
- Testing hydraulic release mechanisms for life-saving equipment
- Full inspection of pyrotechnic devices (signal rockets, smoke flares) and checking equipment for life boats, including water and provisions
- Testing portable communication devices, such as GMDSS VHF radios
Quarterly Inspections involve deeper checks, including:
- Examination of fire systems and verification of water supply connections to the shore (International Shore Connection)
- Inspection of emergency rescue equipment and immersion suits
Documentation and Record Keeping
All inspections performed by the Third Mate are documented in specific checklists, which are kept on board. These checklists are stored in separate folders, and maintaining these records serves as direct evidence that inspections were conducted. Without these reports, the ship may be considered unprepared for an emergency, which could lead to fines or other penalties from port state control.
There is also a status report that visually displays when inspections were carried out and the expiration dates of equipment. This document helps track the readiness of life-saving and fire-fighting equipment.
Maintenance of Life-Saving Equipment
Life boats and rafts are checked for the functionality of all mechanisms, including engines, which must be tested weekly. Inspections of oars, life-saving winches, emergency ladders, and boarding equipment are also carried out. Periodically, the water and provisions in life boats are checked and replenished.
Fire-Fighting Equipment Maintenance
Fire-fighting equipment requires regular inspections, including checking the functionality of fire alarms and detectors, CO2 systems, fire hoses, and pumps. Portable fire extinguishers are serviced annually, while hydraulic testing is conducted every five years.
Immersion suits are pressure-tested every three years (for new suits) and every two years for older suits to ensure their integrity.
Conclusion
The Third Mate’s role in maintaining fire-fighting and life-saving equipment is a continuous process that requires meticulous and regular inspection of all systems. Proper record-keeping in checklists and folders is an essential aspect that confirms the completion of mandatory procedures. Only through these measures can the crew and passengers be assured of safety, and the vessel be prepared for any challenges at sea.