What action should be taken first when a fire is detected?

Sounding the alarm is the appropriate initial action when a fire is detected because it alerts everyone in the vicinity to the danger and initiates emergency procedures. This action ensures that all personnel are aware of the situation and can begin to evacuate or prepare to respond appropriately. It also activates fire response protocols, including notifying the ship’s crew and emergency response teams.

Promptly sounding the alarm is crucial because it can save lives and minimize damage by ensuring that timely assistance can be rendered. Following the alarm, various protocols come into play, which might include attempting to extinguish the fire, evacuating personnel, or reporting to the officer of the deck, but these actions come after the initial alert has been made. Prioritizing the alert ensures that everyone is informed and ready to react to the situation, ultimately enhancing the effectiveness of the response.