What should be announced upon declaring a fire at sea?

When a fire is declared at sea, it is essential to communicate the situation clearly and effectively to ensure the safety of all personnel on board. The announcement "Now, Fire, Fire, Fire" followed by the classification of the fire type provides the necessary information for the crew to respond appropriately. This type of communication serves to alert everyone on the vessel to the gravity of the situation and prepares the crew for the specific actions they need to take based on the class of fire involved.

First responders will need to know the class of the fire to use the appropriate extinguishing methods, as different types of fires require different approaches for effective containment and mitigation. Clearly announcing the nature of the fire helps to prioritize action and mobilizes the appropriate fire-fighting resources without unnecessary confusion.

In contrast, announcements that signal an evacuation or abandonment—such as calling for a "Mayday" or instructing all hands to abandon ship—are reserved for more extreme circumstances where immediate evacuation is necessary. These calls should not be made lightly, as they could potentially cause panic and disrupt organized emergency responses. The cautionary announcement regarding restricted areas may also be relevant in some situations, but it does not directly address the immediate threat that a fire poses. Thus, the proper procedure when