A dramatic fire on a ship results in the death of a young cadet. This film resembles a detective mystery as a fire investigator analyzes the damage and interviews the crew.
We can tell by the attitude of the investigator, Jan Henderson, that he believes that something is not quite right. The Captain and the crew sense this, and become worried and resentful.
After his investigations are completed, Henderson makes his report th the owners of the vessel. It is there that we learn that, although this film seems to be about a fire on board ship, it is, in fact, about a much bigger subject. Fire Down Below is about safety of life at sea. It covers many of the issues raised by the ISM Code and STCW - the importance of a safety culture on board ship, correct record-keeping, maintainance procedures and the individual responsibility of everyone on board ship.
It covers many of the issues raised by the ISM Code and STCW - the importance of a safety culture on board ship, correct record-keeping, maintainance procedures and the individual responsibility of everyone on board ship.