Fire detection systems for the millennium

This paper addresses some new developments in the field of marine fire detection systems. Traditional fire detection principles have been advanced, and new technologies such as smoke and flame detection using closed circuit television and optical fibre real time temperature sensing have been developed. Detection systems have also been enhanced using digital protocol knowledge based expert systems and multi-sensor detectors, and alarm actions developed through the Operator Interface have become more advanced. The use of new technology is becoming more widespread as ship operators increasingly use risk management based philosophies rather than relying on prescriptive SOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea) regulations to protect their vessels.