The Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum has published new Fire Drill Guidelines for Vehicle Carrying Vessels, providing vessel operators with a practical framework for developing and conducting realistic, scenario-based fire response drills.

Complementing the VCSF’s existing Fire Response – High Level Guidelines, the new guidance is designed to strengthen preparedness for vehicle fires on Pure Car Carriers , Pure Car and Truck Carriers , RoRo and Ro-Pax vessels.

The guidelines cover fire drills both at sea and in port, with scenarios ranging from initial onboard response through to incidents requiring external assistance. They place particular emphasis on early deployment of fixed firefighting systems, effective ship–shore coordination and preparing for specialist firefighting support, salvage and port of refuge planning.

Geir Jorgensen, Chair of the IG P&I Ships’ Technical Committee, said: “Industry collaboration is essential to improving fire safety. Realistic drills help ship and shore teams prepare to respond quickly and effectively, reducing the risk of a fire escalating”.

Lional Sharon, Marine Adviser at the International Chamber of Shipping, commented: “This guidance aims to provide a structured approach to conducting fire drills on board ships. As the industry faces increasingly challenging fire scenarios, they will help ensure crews are better prepared to respond effectively. By following a consistent and systematic approach, the guidelines can strengthen onboard preparedness and improve the crew’s ability to manage fire emergencies.” 

Colin Gillespie, Chair of the Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum, said: “We developed these guidelines because changing industry practice takes more than issuing guidance – it needs to be rehearsed through realistic drills so that response works when it really matters. By helping crews and shore teams practise together, we aim to embed better decision-making, coordination and a faster, more effective response to fires on vehicle carrying vessels, ultimately protecting lives.”

Designed to be principle-based rather than prescriptive, the guidelines give operators flexibility to tailor drills to their vessels and operations while promoting a consistent approach to fire preparedness across the vehicle-carrying sector.