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The Maritime Industry Authority reiterates the implementation of precautionary measures to prevent fire while conducting hot works onboard ships following recent hot work-related maritime fire accident/incident
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MARINA Advisory No. 2026-54 published on October 7 reiterates the precautionary measures provided under MA No. 2022-62
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The latest advisory also provides additional safety measures that should be strictly observed before, during, and after the conduct of hot work
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) reiterates the implementation of precautionary measures to prevent fire while conducting hot works onboard ships following recent maritime fire accident/incident caused by inadequate hot work management.
MARINA Advisory (MA) No. 2026-54 published on October 7 reiterates the precautionary measures provided under MA No. 2022-62, which is in accordance with the provisions of International Maritime Organization (IMO) Maritime Security Committee/Circular.1084 (Principles for Hot Work on board all Types of Ships).
IMO defines hot work as any work requiring the use of electric arc or gas welding equipment, cutting burner equipment or other forms of naked flame, as well as heating or spark generating tools, regardless of where it is carried out on board a ship.
A fire incident on July 1, 2026 in General Santos City that left three tuna fishing vessels damaged prompted the reiteration.
Precautionary measures under MA No. 2022-62 include, among others, removing nearby combustible materials and ensuring there are no combustible materials hidden behind walls or in partitions, protecting nearby combustible materials that cannot be moved, use of flame-resistant sheets or covers to prevent hot particles passing through openings in floors and walls, appointment of a fire watch during and after the work finishes, and having fire extinguishers nearby.
Additional safety measures
In addition to the precautionary measures under MA No. 2022-62, MA No. 2026-54 provides more safety measures that all vessel crew, welders, fitters, fabricators, technicians, contractors, subcontractors, and other personnel engaged in hot work or related activities should strictly observe before, during, and after the conduct of such work. They are also reminded to comply with the shipping company’s internal controls and established safety procedures governing the safe and controlled execution of hot work and other activities requiring a permit-to-work (PTW) onboard ships.
The additional measures are:
- PTW – The company/shipowner/operator’s hot work and/or PTW checklist should be properly completed and approved prior to the commencement of any hot work activity.
- Work area inspection – The work area and nearby, adjacent, or connected spaces should be inspected for fire, explosion, and other potential hazards before the commencement of work.
- Fire prevention and protection – Appropriate fire prevention and protection measures, including readily available firefighting equipment and a designated fire watch, where required, should be provided and maintained throughout the work.
- Control of combustible materials – Flammable and combustible materials, residues, and other potential fire hazards shall be removed, isolated, or adequately protected before and during the conduct of hot work.
- Gas testing and ventilation – Where applicable, gas testing and atmosphere monitoring should be conducted to confirm that conditions are safe for hot work. Adequate ventilation should be provided and maintained throughout the activity.
- Isolation and safety controls – Where applicable, tanks, cargo spaces, pipelines, machinery, electrical systems, fuel systems, and other sources of hazardous energy or materials should be properly isolated and secured prior to the commencement of hot work.
- Supervision and monitoring – Hot work should be properly supervised and continuously monitored. The activity should be immediately suspended whenever unsafe conditions arise or when required safety measures and controls are not maintained.
- Post-work inspection – Upon completion of the hot work, the work area and nearby, adjacent, or affected spaces should be inspected and monitored for any signs of fire, heat transfer, smoldering, or re-ignition before the PTW is closed and the area is declared safe.
MA No. 2026-54 also provides a sample hot work and/or PTW checklist to serve as a reference or guidance for the proper planning, authorization, execution, and monitoring of hot work activities. The checklist may be modified/simplified, translated into the language used on board the ship or supplemented, as necessary, to address vessel-specific conditions and identified hazards.
Strict compliance with these requirements and MARINA Advisory No. 2022-62 will be strictly enforced, MA No. 2026-54 noted.—Roumina Pablo
