While in port working cargo a fire is reported on the forward car deck. The Captain sounds the general alarm, the crew musters and starts fighting the fire. As Chief Engineer you inform the Captain that shore side fire fighting assistance needs to be called, how would you proceed?

Correct Answer: Option A — Continue fighting the fire and use the ship's Fire Control Plan and coordinate with shore side fire fighters upon their arrival to extinguish the fire.

SOLAS and USCG emergency procedures mandate continuing firefighting efforts using shipboard equipment and the Fire Control Plan while coordinating with arriving shoreside responders. Abandoning containment is contrary to safety management rules.