Transient fire load aboard aluminum ferries is studied to determine the contribution of baggage on increasing compartment overhead temperatures. Single-point and average temperature maximums are compared to critical values.

A survey of passenger ferry vessels determined the baggage type, carriage rate, and baggage weights to quantify the fire load aboard the vessels. Ferry vessels were examined for potential problem locations.

Fire Dynamics Simulator (FDS) by the National institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was used to model an aluminum ferry compartment. Multiple scenarios are simulated with spread based on a critical heat flux ignition data.

The survey determined that the majority of fully loaded aluminum ferries attain higher fuel loads than allowed by Coast Guard requirements. Simulations revealed that the current level of baggage compromises the structural integrity of the aluminum on an average ferry. It is recommended that regulatory changes be made to ensure protection of life and property.