FOR the non-mariner, the sea can seem to be a scary environment, and storms and huge waves come to mind. Of course, the power of the sea must be respected and never underestimated.

However, the one danger that frightens most seafarers more than anything else is not the sea but fire. If a blaze starts on a ship and gets out of control, the risks to the crew, the ship, cargo and the environment can be enormous.

And, tragically, there were two grim reminders of this just last week. Eleven people are feared dead after a fire swept through the roll on-roll off (Ro-Ro) passenger vessel Euroferry Olympia in the Ionian Sea near the Greek island of Corfu.