QUESTION 12.2.1

Life-saving and fire-fighting readiness in sub-zero temperatures

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGCargo Control Room, Exterior Decks, Main Deck

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether winterisation procedures and repeated onboard checks keep life-saving appliances, fire-fighting systems, escape routes and emergency equipment immediately operable at the lowest expected temperature.

Ready onboard

0/7 complete

TEMPERATURE BASISIdentify the lowest expected air temperature and compare it with the certified or maker-stated operating limits of exposed LSA and FFA equipment.FIRE AND FOAM LINESDrain from designated low points, close drains after verification and protect hydrants, monitors, nozzles and moving parts unless an approved heating or recirculation arrangement keeps the system operable.SURVIVAL CRAFTKeep lifeboats, liferafts, release arrangements and embarkation routes free of ice; verify cold-start fuel, batteries, heaters, antifreeze and drained spray or cooling arrangements as fitted.PORTABLE EQUIPMENTRelocate or replace extinguishers, eyewash arrangements and other temperature-sensitive equipment without leaving required stations unprotected.HEAT TRACINGFunction-test heaters, trace heating and insulation serving safety systems and monitor the spaces or lines they protect.ACCESSRemove snow and ice from escape routes, fire stations, air intakes, fire flaps and access to survival craft.PERIODIC ROUNDSRecord repeated checks during exposure, including temperatures, ice accretion, drain status, equipment movement and corrective action.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1Where are the lowest drain points for the deck fire and foam mains?

Identify them physically and explain the drain, verification and reclosing sequence that leaves the system ready for immediate use.

2How will this lifeboat engine start at the forecast temperature?

Show the correct fuel, battery condition, heater use, oil or cold-start instructions and a recent cold-weather readiness check.

3What prevents the lifeboat spray or cooling system from freezing?

Explain the fitted drain, antifreeze or heating arrangement and show its verified status.

4What happened to water or foam extinguishers exposed on deck?

Confirm their rated temperature is suitable or show how they were relocated and replaced by an appropriate extinguisher at the required position.

5How are eyewash and decontamination arrangements maintained?

Describe the heating, relocation or other approved measure that provides usable fluid without creating a freezing injury risk.

6How often are safety systems checked during exposure?

State the risk-based interval and show time-stamped rounds that cover operability, ice removal and failed heating or protection.

Where an observation may arise

NO WINTERISATION CONTROL

The procedure or checklist did not identify LSA and FFA systems vulnerable to the expected temperature.

FROZEN FIRE SYSTEM

Water remained in an unheated fire, foam, water-curtain or spray-system dead leg, or a hydrant or monitor could not be operated.

SURVIVAL CRAFT UNREADY

Ice accretion, unsuitable fuel, weak batteries, frozen doors or undrained systems prevented immediate use.

TEMPERATURE RATING

A liferaft, extinguisher, hose, protective aid or other item was not suitable for the lowest expected temperature.

REMOVED WITHOUT REPLACEMENT

Temperature-sensitive emergency equipment was relocated but the required station was left without equivalent protection.

FAILED HEATING

Trace heating, insulation or a space heater relied upon instead of draining was defective or not monitored.

ACCESS BLOCKED

Snow or ice obstructed an escape route or access to fire-fighting or life-saving equipment.

Master's practical note

Test the weakest point in each protection chain. A warm machinery space does not prove that an exposed release pin, drain pocket, fire nozzle or lifeboat door will move at the forecast temperature.

Equipment boundary and references

Equipment boundary: This conditional question applies where ice class, winterisation class, a Polar Ship Certificate or routine sub-zero trading is declared. Follow maker limitations and the vessel's approved arrangements where heating replaces draining.

References

OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 2, Version 1.0, Question 12.2.1
IMO Polar Code, Part I-A Chapters 6, 7 and 8
SOLAS Chapter II-2
SOLAS Chapter III
OCIMF The Use of Large Tankers in Seasonal First-Year Ice and Severe Sub-Zero Conditions

Last reviewed: 2026-09-12