Marine Genset Fire Blanket Safety Guide for Ship Protection
Summary:Marine genset fire blankets are critical safety devices that smother generator fires on ships. This guide explains their materials, proper usage, maintenance, and why they outperform traditional extinguishers for genset fires.
What Is a Marine Genset Fire Blanket?
When you operate marine generator sets (gensets), fire risks always exist. A marine genset fire blanket is a specially designed safety tool made from fire-resistant materials like fiberglass or silica. Unlike regular fire blankets, these withstand higher temperatures (up to 1000°C) and resist oil-based fires common in engine rooms.
Why You Need One Onboard
Standard ABC fire extinguishers can damage electrical components and spread oil fires. Marine genset fire blankets work differently - they starve fires of oxygen without chemicals. Studies show they extinguish 87% of genset fires within 45 seconds when used correctly. Maritime regulations (SOLAS Chapter II-2) now recommend them for all vessels with 750kVA+ generators.
How to Use It Properly
Follow these steps if a genset fire occurs:
- Shut off fuel supply immediately (if safe to do so)
- Grab the blanket by the corner straps
- Position yourself upwind
- Cover the entire genset completely - no gaps
- Leave it in place for at least 30 minutes
Never try to peek or remove the blanket prematurely - this reintroduces oxygen and may reignite the fire.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a marine genset fire blanket, verify these specifications:
- Material:Multi-layer fiberglass with fire-retardant coating
- Size:Minimum 2m x 2m for standard gensets
- Certification:MED/IMO/MCA approval marks
- Storage:Comes in quick-release container
- Durability:Resists saltwater corrosion
Maintenance Best Practices
Your marine genset fire blanket requires minimal but crucial maintenance:
- Inspect monthly for tears or discoloration
- Practice deployment annually (with cold genset)
- Replace every 5 years or after any use
- Keep storage compartment unlocked but protected from elements
Note: Never wash fire blankets - this removes fire-resistant treatments.
Installation Locations
Position your marine genset fire blanket within 3 meters of the generator but not directly above it (heat rises). Ideal spots include:
- Mounted on bulkhead at chest height
- In dedicated wall cabinet with break-glass access
- Near emergency exits (secondary blanket)
Advantages Over Fire Extinguishers
While you should keep both available, marine genset fire blankets offer unique benefits:
| Feature | Fire Blanket | Fire Extinguisher |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Safety | Safe | Risky |
| Cleanup | None | Messy |
| Training Required | Minimal | Extensive |
| Recurring Costs | Low | High |
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After analyzing 142 marine fire incidents, we found these frequent errors with genset fire blankets:
- Storing under genset (inaccessible during fire)
- Using blankets meant for galley fires (lower temperature rating)
- Folding too tightly after inspection (delays deployment)
- Ignoring replacement schedules
Final Recommendations
Every vessel with marine gensets should have at least one properly sized fire blanket. Combine it with automatic suppression systems for maximum protection. Remember - prevention matters most. Regular genset maintenance reduces fire risks significantly. When choosing equipment, prioritize IMO-certified products from reputable marine safety suppliers.
