Key points: Fire originated at the base or lower end of the C-Loop space of the Iron Chieftain’s self-unloading system probably due to a failed bearing; Dedicated fire detection and fixed fire-extinguishing systems were not fitted in the self-unloading system spaces and were not required to be; Lack of international standards or regulations concerning the use of dedicated fire detection and fixed fire extinguishing systems in cargo handling spaces of self-unloading bulk carriers greatly reduced the opportunity for the fire to be detected and extinguished early. A fire on board a bulk carrier that took five days to contain and extinguish highlights the lack of adequate regulatory requirements and standards to address the known risk of fire on-board self-unloading ships, an ATSB investigation has found.