.1 An approved fire detection system based on
the self-monitoring principle and including facilities for periodical
testing should be installed in periodically unattended machinery spaces.
.2 This fire detection system should be so designed
and the detectors so positioned as to detect rapidly the onset of
fire in any part of these spaces and under any normal conditions of
operation of the machinery and variations of ventilation as required
by the possible range of ambient temperatures. Except in spaces of
restricted height and where their use is specially appropriate, detection
systems using only thermal detectors should not be permitted. The
detection system should initiate audible and visual alarms distinct
in both respects from any other system not indicating fire, in sufficient
places to ensure that the alarm is heard and observed on the bridge
and by a responsible engineer officer. When the bridge is unmanned
the alarm should sound in a place where a responsible person will
be on duty. After installation the system should be tested under varying
conditions of engine operation and ventilation. The fire detection
system where electrically supplied, should be fed automatically from
an emergency source of power by a separate feeder if the main source
of power fails.
.3 Incipient fires in scavenging air belts of
main propelling engines should be detected and alarmed, unless the
Administration considers this to be unnecessary in a particular case.
.4 Internal combustion engines of 2.25 megawatts
and above or having cylinders of more than 300 millimetres bore should
be protected against crankcase explosions by the provision of oil
mist detectors or equivalent.
.5 Fire in boiler air supply casings and exhausts
(uptakes) should be detected and arrangements for an alarm be given,
unless the Administration considers this to be unnecessary in a particular
case.