VCSF Releases New Guidelines for Fire Drills on Vehicle Carriers

The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) has published new guidelines for fire drills on vehicle carriers, offering operators a practical framework for developing and carrying out realistic, scenario-based fire response exercises.

The new guide complements the VCSF's existing guidelines on fire response and is designed to strengthen emergency preparedness for this type of incident on Pure Car Carriers (PCC), Pure Car and Truck Carriers (PCTC), RoRo and Ro-Pax vessels.

The guidelines cover drills conducted both at sea and in port, with scenarios ranging from initial onboard response to incidents requiring external assistance. Particular emphasis is placed on the early deployment of fixed fire-extinguishing systems, effective ship-to-shore coordination, and preparedness for specialist firefighting and salvage support, as well as place-of-refuge planning.

Geir Jorgensen, Chair of the IG P&I Ship Technical Committee, noted that industry-wide collaboration is essential to improving fire safety and that realistic drills help both onboard and shore-based teams respond quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of a fire spreading. Meanwhile, Lional Sharon, Maritime Adviser at the International Chamber of Shipping, highlighted that the guide aims to provide a structured, systematic approach to drills, which will help crews be better prepared to face increasingly complex fire scenarios.

Colin Gillespie, Chair of the VCSF, explained that the guidelines were developed because changing industry practice takes more than issuing recommendations, as they must be practised through realistic drills so that the response works when it truly matters. He added that by helping crews and shore-based teams train together, the aim is to build stronger decision-making, greater coordination, and a faster, more effective response to fires on vehicle carriers, thereby protecting human lives.