Nautical Term: AFFF
Definition of AFFF
Aqueous Film Forming Foam, often referred to as AFFF, is a specialized type of fire extinguishing foam. Its unique characteristic is the ability to form an aqueous film on the surface of water, which helps to reduce the spread of the fire on the water’s surface.
For instance, suppose a cargo ship catches fire in the middle of the ocean. In such a scenario, the use of AFFF would be highly effective. The firefighters would aim to direct the jets of AFFF towards the fire on the ship’s deck. Once the AFFF comes into contact with the fire, the AFFF’s unique film-forming ability would kick in, creating a protective barrier over the water’s surface and smothering the fire.
In conclusion, AFFF, or Aqueous Film Forming Foam, is a vital and indispensable firefighting tool used in situations where fires have spread over large bodies of water, such as oceans, lakes, or rivers. Its ability to form a protective film over the water’s surface makes it a highly effective tool in preventing the spread of fires on the water.
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