🔍 Key Concepts

• Purpose of an automatic fire detection system versus a fixed fire extinguishing system • Difference between alarms/indications and automatic shutdowns or discharges • Typical location where fire detection signals are sent on a small towing vessel (wheelhouse/operating station)

💭 Think About

• Ask yourself: does a basic detection system usually put out the fire, or does it mainly warn the crew so they can take action? • Which function would be the safest to have happen automatically without human confirmation—shutting engines, starting pumps, dumping CO₂, or sounding/indicating an alarm? • On a towboat, where does the operator need to be alerted first so they can decide what to do next?

✅ Before You Answer

• Be clear on the difference between fire detection and fire extinguishing systems • Consider which option describes a warning/indication rather than an automatic firefighting response • Verify in your study materials how detection signals are normally displayed at the control/operating station on small towing vessels