AUTOMATIC FIRE DETECTION AND EXTINGUISHING
SYSTEM FOR SHIPS
Under the Theme of
“Wishlist for Revolutionary Initiatives in Shipping by Administration for a
Developed India”
Presented by Guided by
[Link] R PRIYADHARSINI MMC
Department of [Link] Nautical Science, Faculty,Department of Computer Science,
Southern Academy of Maritime Southern Academy of Maritime
Studies,Panapakkam,Chennai. Studies,Panapakkam,Chennai.
VENUE:THE INSTITUTE OF MARINE ENGINEERS (INDIA) CHENNAI BRANCH
Unit II, 3rd Floor, Raja Annamalai Building, Rukumani Lakshmipathy Salai, Egmore,
Chennai - 600008.
OVERVIEW
• This system integrates fire sensors, smoke detectors, thermal imaging cameras, and AI-based fire
classification models to detect fires in real time and determine their type, such as solid, liquid, electrical, or
gas-based fires.
1. Raises an alarm to immediately notify the crew and display the fire's exact location.
2. Identifies the fire type and determines the appropriate extinguisher required for suppression.
3. Automatically activates a fixed fire suppression system to control the fire before it spreads further.
4. Provides real-time fire data to the crew, allowing them to manually assess the situation and take over using
the correct extinguisher if necessary.
5. Continuously monitors fire conditions, ensuring that the suppression system adapts dynamically based on
fire behavior.
• By combining automation with human decision-making, this system ensures an immediate initial response to
fires, reducing potential hazards while empowering crew members with crucial real-time information. The
integration of IoT-based monitoring, AI-driven fire classification, and automated extinguishing mechanisms
significantly enhances ship safety by minimizing response time, preventing fire escalation, and ultimately
reducing the risk of loss of life and property. This innovative approach to fire safety aims to revolutionize
maritime fire management, making ships safer and more resilient against fire-related emergencies.
INTRODUCTION
• Fires onboard ships are among the most dangerous
emergencies, often escalating rapidly due to enclosed
spaces, flammable materials, and limited crew response
time.
• Traditional fire detection systems rely heavily on manual
intervention and delayed response, which can lead to severe
damage and risk to life.
• This project introduces an AI-based Automated Fire
Detection and Suppression System designed specifically for
maritime vessels.
• By combining smart sensors with artificial intelligence and
automation, the system can instantly detect, classify, and
extinguish fires in their early stages without human
assistance
• The goal is to create a faster, safer, and smarter firefighting
solution that works 24x7, reduces downtime, and saves both
lives and ship assets—while complying with IMO and
SOLAS safety standards.
Classes of Fire
•Class A (Solid Fires):
Fires involving solid combustible materials such as wood, paper, textiles, and plastics.
Extinguishing Method: Water, foam, or dry chemical powder.
•Class B (Liquid Fires):
Fires involving flammable liquids like petrol, diesel, oil, paints, or alcohol.
Extinguishing Method: Foam, dry powder, or carbon dioxide (CO₂).
•Class C (Gas Fires):
Fires caused by flammable gases such as propane, butane, methane, or LPG leaks.
Extinguishing Method: Dry powder or CO₂ extinguisher (to cut off oxygen supply).
•Class D (Metal Fires):
Fires involving combustible metals like magnesium, lithium, sodium, and aluminum.
Extinguishing Method: Specialized dry powder agents designed for metal fires.
•Class E (Electrical Fires) [Now Considered Under Class C]:
Fires originating from electrical faults, short circuits, or overheated wiring.
Extinguishing Method: CO₂ extinguisher (to avoid water conduction and electrical hazards).
•Class F (Kitchen & Cooking Oil Fires):
Fires involving cooking oils and fats, commonly found in kitchens.
Extinguishing Method: Wet chemical extinguisher (saponification process).
PROBLEM STATEMENT AND CHALLENGES
• Fire incidents on ships pose significant threats to crew safety, cargo security, and vessel integrity. Traditional fire
detection and suppression systems often suffer from delayed fire detection, making it difficult to contain the fire
before it spreads. One of the biggest challenges is the difficulty in identifying the type of fire, as different fires-
solid, liquid, electrical, or gas-based require specific extinguishing agents. Incorrect extinguisher selection can
make the fire worse instead of putting it out.
Key Challenges in Ship Fire Safety:
• Delayed fire detection
• Difficulty in identifying fire type.
• Lack of real-time monitoring.
• Dependency on human intervention.
• Environmental and legal compliance issues.
• Slow response time.
EXISTING SYSTEM PROPOSED SYSTEM
Currently, ships rely on traditional fire detection and The proposed system is designed to overcome the limitations of
suppression systems, but these have several limitations. Below existing fire detection and suppression methods on ships by
are some of the commonly used systems: integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), IoT-based sensors, and
1️.Conventional Fire Detection Systems automated suppression systems.
• Smoke and Heat Detectors 1. AI-Based Fire Detection & Classification
• Flame Detectors
• Smart heat, smoke, and flame sensors detect fire in its early
2️. Manual Fire Suppression Systems stage.
• Portable Fire Extinguishers • AI identifies fire type (solid, liquid, gas, or electrical) and its
• Fire Hoses and Sprinklers location.
3️. Fixed Fire Suppression Systems 2. Automated Suppression System
• CO₂ Suppression System ▪ Water sprinklers for solid fires
• Foam-Based System ▪ CO₂ suppression for electrical and fuel fires.
• Gas-Based Systems (Halon, FM-200, Inert Gas) ▪ Foam-based system for oil and chemical fires.
4️. Alarm and Monitoring Systems 3. IoT-Enabled Alerts & Monitoring
• Fire Alarm Panels • Instant alerts notify crew members and control centres.
• Emergency Lighting & Evacuation Systems
• Fire details.
ADVANTAGES OVER EXISTING SYSTEMS
• Faster response time – Detects and suppresses fire
automatically.
• Reduces human error – AI identifies fire type accurately.
• Smart decision-making – AI selects the most effective
extinguisher.
• 24/7 monitoring – IoT integration ensures real-time fire
tracking.
• Enhanced ship safety – Prevents fire spread and
minimizes crew risk.
• Less Crew Risk – Reduces the need for hum
• Emergency Backup Measures – If the fire is not fully
controlled, AI deploys additional suppression methods an
firefighters to enter hazardous areas.
• Data Logging & Analysis – Stores fire incident data for
future improvements and Safety enhancements.
COMPONENTS USED
• AI Camera – Image processing to detect flame or smoke.
• Flame Sensor – Detects flame wavelength.
• Smoke Sensor (MQ2)-Detects smoke presence.
• Temperature Sensor (DHT11) – Measures heat rise.
• Gas Sensor (MQ135) – Detects flammable or toxic gases.
• Microcontroller (Arduino or Raspberry Pi) – Brain of the
system.
• Relay Module – Triggers alarm and suppression.
• Extinguishing system – CO2 or foam-based.
• Buzzer + Display – Gives alert and info.
INSTALLATION & WORKING OF THE SYSTEM
Installation on Vessel – Zone Setup:
1. Divide the ship into key fire-prone zones:
▪️Engine Room
▪️Cargo Hold
▪️Galley
▪️Electrical Control Rooms
▪️Accommodation Area
2. Install components in each zone:
▪️One AI-based camera facing the area
▪️Smoke sensor (MQ2) for smoke particles
▪️Flame sensor for UV/IR flame spectrum
▪️Temperature sensor (DHT11) for heat rise
▪️Gas sensor (MQ135) for combustible gases
▪️Buzzer and LED indicator for local alert
▪️All sensors connected to one microcontroller (Raspberry Pi / Arduino)
3. Central Monitoring Unit:
▪️Located on bridge or control panel
▪️Receives data from all zones.
▪️Has LCD display showing zone, fire type,
status.
▪️Controls the relay module that activates
suppression system.
4. Suppression System Setup:
▪️Each zone has pre-installed fire
suppression units (CO2, foam, etc.)
▪️Relay triggers correct suppression
method based on fire type
▪️For example, Class E → CO2; Class B →
Foam, etc.
WORKING PROCESS
Step 1: Fire Starts in a Zone
Example: Engine Room – small spark or flame erupts.
Step 2: Sensors & AI Camera Start Detecting
▪️AI Camera sees flame shape/smoke → starts processing image.
▪️Flame Sensor detects UV/IR light from the flame.
▪️Smoke Sensor (MQ2) senses smoke particles in air.
▪️Temperature Sensor (DHT11) shows sudden heat rise.
▪️Gas Sensor (MQ135) detects flammable gases like LPG, CO, etc.
All sensor values go to the Microcontroller instantly.
Step 3: AI Confirms Fire + Identifies Fire Type
▪️AI cross-verifies image + sensor data = fire confirmed
▪️Fire Type and Clue
CLASS A - High smoke, low gas
CLASS B - High gas + flame pattern
CLASS C - Gas+ no smoke, strong flame
CLASS E - No gas/smoke, near wiring panel, high heat
Step 4: System Alerts Crew + Displays Details
▪️LCD/Monitor displays: "FIRE DETECTED – ZONE 1 – CLASS B – FOAM SUPPRESSION“
▪️Buzzer sounds loudly in that zone.
▪️Voice alert: “Fire in Engine Room. Use Foam Suppression.”
Step 5: Automatic Suppression System Activated
▪️Based on fire type, correct extinguisher is triggered
▪️Fire Type and Action Taken:
CLASS A - Water / Foam released
CLASS B - Foam / Dry Powder
CLASS C - Dry Powder released
CLASS E - CO2 gas released safely
Step 6: Fire is Controlled
▪️Sensors monitor the zone → if smoke/temp drop, fire control.
▪️Event details stored for report/logging.
▪️If needed, crew can stop or trigger manually using control panel.
PYTHON CODE
import random
import time
def detect_fire():
zones = ["Engine Room", "Cargo Hold", "Control Room", "Storage Area"]
fire_types = {"A": "Water/Foam", "B": "Foam/Dry Powder", "C": "Dry Powder", "E": "CO2 Gas"}
zone = [Link](zones)
fire_detected = [Link]([True, False])
if fire_detected:
fire_class = [Link](list(fire_types.keys()))
extinguisher = fire_types[fire_class]
print("\n ALERT: Fire detected! ")
print(f"Location: {zone}")
print(f"Fire Classification: Class {fire_class}")
print(f"Recommended Action: Use {extinguisher} suppression system")
[Link](2)
activate_suppression_system(zone, fire_class)
else:
print("\n No fire detected. System is operating normally.")
def activate_suppression_system(zone, fire_class):
suppression_methods = {
"A": "Activating Water/Foam Sprinklers",
"B": "Releasing Foam/Dry Powder",
"C": "Deploying Dry Powder",
"E": "Discharging CO2 Gas"
print(f"\n Initiating Fire Suppression in {zone}...")
[Link](2)
if fire_class in suppression_methods:
print(f"{suppression_methods[fire_class]} in {zone}")
print("Monitoring fire status... ")
[Link](3)
fire_extinguished = [Link]([True, False])
if fire_extinguished:
print("\n Fire successfully extinguished. System reset.")
else:
print("\nFire not fully controlled. Manual intervention required!")
detect_fire()
Expected Output
ALERT: Fire detected!
Location: Cargo Hold
Fire Classification: Class B
Recommended Action: Use Foam/Dry Powder suppression
system Initiating Fire Suppression in Cargo Hold...
Releasing Foam/Dry Powder in Cargo Hold
Monitoring fire status...
Fire successfully extinguished. System reset.
CODE EXPLANATION
1. Fire Detection (detect_fire()
Randomly selects a zone from predefined areas like Engine Room, Cargo Hold, Control Room, or Storage Area.
• Randomly determines if a fire is present (True/False).
• If no fire is detected, the system displays:
• "No fire detected. System is normal."
• If fire is detected:
• The system assigns a fire class (A, B, C, or E).
• Calls the activate_suppression_system() function to initiate fire control
2. Suppression System Activation (activate_suppression_system())
• Accepts fire location and fire class as inputs.
• Uses a predefined dictionary to map fire classes to their suppression methods:
• Class A → Activates Water/Foam Sprinklers,Class B → Releases Foam/Dry Powder,Class C → Deploys Dry Powder
Class E → Discharges CO2 Gas
• Displays a real-time suppression activation message based on the fire type.
CONCLUSION
•The Automated Fire Detection and Suppression System for vessels presents a smart, scalable, and life-saving solution
that addresses one of the most dangerous emergencies at sea fire. By combining AI-based detection, intelligent
classification, and instant suppression, the system reduces human dependency, minimizes damage, and enhances safety
onboard.
•This system not only ensures rapid response to fire but also aligns with international maritime safety standards like
IMO and SOLAS. Its modular structure allows for easy installation across different compartments, making it suitable
for all types of ships, from cargo vessels to passenger liners.
•In short, this project brings together technology and safety, making maritime firefighting faster, smarter, and more
reliable.
"Safety doesn't happen by accident. Innovation saves lives when time is everything."
FUTURE ENHANCEMENT
In Future, this system can evolve into a smart fire control network with:
• Wireless monitoring across all ship zones.
• AI that predicts fire risks before they occur.
• Mobile app alerts for crew anywhere onboard.
• Auto-updates from real-time fire data.
• Integration with shore-based emergency teams.
• Support for next-gen smart and autonomous ships.
• This system aims to be a key part of smart maritime safety for a Developed India.
• Self-healing system for circuits.
• Ship-wide emergency coordination.
• Blockchain for secure fire data storage.
REFERENCES
.
1 International Maritime Organization (IMO) - Fire Safety Regulations
[Link]
2. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) - Fire Classification and Suppression
Systems
[Link]
3. Research Papers on AI-Based Fire Detection Systems
Example: Deep Learning-Based Fire Detection for Maritime Safety
Available at: IEEE Xplore
4. IoT and Sensor-Based Fire Detection Systems
Source: IoT-Based Smart Fire Detection and Prevention
Available at: ScienceDirect
5. Automated Fire Suppression Technologies in Ships
Integration of AI and Robotics in Marine Fire Safety
Available at: SpringerLink
THANK YOU
