What common shipboard equipment aids in fire suppression?

Fire pumps are essential components of a ship's firefighting system. They are specifically designed to provide high-pressure water to suppress fires effectively. These pumps are often connected to a network of fire hoses, nozzles, and other firefighting equipment, enabling crew members to direct a powerful stream of water toward a fire, helping to extinguish it quickly and efficiently.

The operation of fire pumps is critical in various firefighting scenarios on board, especially in areas where other methods may not be as effective or safe. Their ability to quickly mobilize water from different sources, such as the ship's seawater intake, makes them an invaluable resource for fire suppression on vessels.

While fire blankets, first aid kits, and smoke detectors all play important roles in safety and emergency response, they do not serve the primary function of actively suppressing fires in the manner that fire pumps do. Fire blankets provide a means to smother small fires, but for larger incidents, fire pumps are the fundamental equipment used for tackling significant fire outbreaks.