Ship with danger of explosion
From Chemical Spill Response
Many flammable gases/vapours need oxygen to ignite and burn. Thus, while inerted cargo tanks contain no oxygen, escaping gas/vapour will mix with air to form a flammable or explosive mixture. Again, a holed tank can also admit air and thus create an explosive mixture within the tank.
If an ignition source, such as a spark or a flame is added, the gas mixture explodes, causing great danger to the ship and crew. Yet again, If a gas mixture in a cargo hold explodes, the other holds may be damaged, causing more vapour to mix with air.
Ships likely to transport flammable gases or liquids are fitted with explosion proof equipment, decreasing the chance of sparks.
