Shipboard Fire Control & Command

Fire at sea is not a single event.
It is a developing situation-shaped by time, decisions, and control.

Shipboard Fire Control & Command is a professional reference work focused on the operational reality of firefighting in maritime environments.

This book goes beyond basic procedures and standard training. It examines how fires develop onboard ships-and how control is established, maintained, and sometimes lost.

What this book delivers

• A clear understanding of fire behaviour in complex ship environments
• Practical approaches to containment, control, and escalation
• Leadership and decision-making under pressure
• Insight into modern risks, including lithium batteries, vehicle fires, and new cargo challenges
• Lessons drawn from real incidents and operational experience

More than firefighting

This is not just a technical manual.

It is a book about command-about recognising critical moments, maintaining control, and acting decisively when situations evolve beyond procedures.

Who this book is for

• Ship officers and commanders
• Fire teams and safety personnel
• Maritime instructors and training centres
• Shipping companies and operational organisations

Part of the Maritime Operational Fire Series

• Basic Maritime Firefighting
• Advanced Maritime Firefighting
• Shipboard Fire Control & Command

Aligned with, but not limited to

• STCW Basic Firefighting
• STCW Advanced Firefighting
• IMO Model Courses

This book is designed to support training-and to go beyond compliance.

About the Author

Rolf Karlsson is a Captain and Maritime Safety Instructor with decades of operational experience at sea, including real-world firefighting and crisis management situations.

His work focuses on leadership, decision-making, and training that reflects real operational conditions-not just procedures.

Final line

Because when control is at risk-decisions define the outcome.