Section 1 Fire safety and appliances

1.1.1 For fire and safety aspects, ACVs are categorised as follows:

• Light ACV where less than or equal to 1000 kg and up to and including 12 persons;
• Small ACV where greater than 1000 kg and up to and including 12 persons and less than 24 m in length;
• Large ACV where greater than 12 passengers or greater than or equal to 24 m in length.

where length is as defined in Ch 1, 1.2 Definitions and symbols.

1.1.2 For the Large ACV category, refer to the High Speed Craft Code (2000) 2008.

1.2.1 In general Light ACVs are fitted with air cooled engines which are difficult to enclose fully in airtight boxes, therefore a minimum of two multi-purpose portable fire-extinguishers should be provided as the fire-extinguishing medium.

1.2.2 At least one portable fire-extinguisher is to be located so that it can easily be reached from the main steering position of the ACV and the other within close proximity of the machinery space.

1.2.3 ACVs should be fitted with fire-extinguishers to a recognised Standard, each with minimum fire rating of 13A/113B, or smaller extinguishers giving the equivalent fire rating.

1.3.1 On Small ACVs and as far as reasonably practicable the boundary or enclosure box of the machinery space should, with special consideration given to fire flaps, be arranged to contain the fire-extinguishing medium, i.e. the machinery space should be capable of being closed down in order that the fire-extinguishing medium cannot escape. Any fans located within, or feeding a machinery space, should be capable of being stopped from outside the space in the event of a fire.

1.3.2 Fire-extinguishing, suitable for the capacity of the engine space, should be provided. A person should not be required to enter the machinery space in order to extinguish a fire.

1.3.3 Combustible materials and liquids should not be stowed in the machinery space. If non-combustible materials are stowed in the engine space, they should be adequately secured against falling on machinery, and cause no obstruction to access to or from the space.

1.3.4 For Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP) Construction, machinery space boundaries should prevent the passage of smoke and flame for 30 minutes, and be fitted with materials of an approved type. Fire tests should be conducted in accordance with Annex 1, Pt 11 of the FTP Code.

1.3.5 For Aluminium and Wood Construction, machinery space boundaries should have an equivalent level of fire protection as per Ch 5, 1.3 Small ACVs where the total installed power exceeds 750kW 1.3.4.

1.4.1 Thermal or acoustic insulation fitted inside the machinery space should be of a non-combustible material.

1.4.2 The thermal or acoustic insulation will be considered as being a non-combustible material in accordance with the FTP Code Annex 1, Part1.

1.4.3 Insulation should be protected against impregnation by flammable vapours and liquids. Where insulation is cut, the edges should be protected against such impregnation, e.g. by the use of non-combustible tape. Where the insulation is vulnerable to damage, it should be protected.

1.5.1 Fire detection should be fitted in accordance with FSS Code, Chapter 9.

1.5.2 The fire detectors should be appropriate to the hazard identified and should give an audible warning that can be heard in the space concerned, and in the control position, when the ACV is in operation.

1.6.1 Enclosed interior spaces are to be provided with a sufficient number of portable fire-extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher will be readily available for use in every compartment.

1.6.2 Portable fire-extinguishers should be stowed in readily accessible positions.

1.6.3 Portable fire-extinguishers intended for use in the space are to be stowed near the entrance to that space. At least one portable fire-extinguisher is to be located within reach of the main steering position of the ACV.

1.6.4 Where cooking facilities are provided a portable fire-extinguisher of a type appropriate to the energy source used is to be located in a position readily accessible for use in the event of a fire.

1.6.5 Where a risk of fire is identified in a cooking area one fire blanket of a recognised Standard is to be provided within close proximity to the area.

1.7.1 ACVs should be fitted with a minimum of two multi-purpose portable fire-extinguishers to a recognised Standard, each with minimum fire rating of 13A/113B, or smaller extinguishers giving the equivalent fire rating.

1.8.1 Upholstery composites (fabric in association with any backing or padding material) used throughout the ACV including open decks should be approved in accordance with the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 8, or equivalent.

1.8.2 Organic foams used in upholstered furniture and mattresses should be of the combustion modified type.

1.8.3 Suspended textile materials such as curtains or drapes should be approved in accordance with the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 7, or equivalent.