Section 3 Safety equipment
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Clasifications Register Guidance Information - Guidance Note for the Classification, Safe Design, Construction and Operation of Tugs, August 2018 - Chapter 3 Statutory - Section 3 Safety equipment

Section 3 Safety equipment

Parent topic: Chapter 3 Statutory

3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT

The guidance in this Chapter has the following fire safety objectives:
  • Prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion;
  • Reduce the risk to life caused by fire;
  • Reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the tug and the environment;
  • Contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin; and
  • Provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for crew.

For easy reference, a summary of the guideline requirements for tug fire safety is included as Table 3.3.4 Fire safety Guidance.

3.1.1 Fire pumps and fire main systems

This guidance aims to ensure that any fire is effectively suppressed and swiftly extinguished in the space of origin. For this purpose, the following functional requirements should be met:
  • Fixed fire-extinguishing systems should be installed, as applicable, having due regard to the fire growth potential of the protected spaces; and
  • Fire-extinguishing appliances should be readily available.

  1. Capacity

    The total capacity of the main fire pump(s) should not be less than:

    Q = (0.145(L(B + D))1/2 + 2.170)2 , but need not exceed 25 m3/hour,

    where
    B = Greatest moulded breadth of tug, in m
    D = Moulded depth to bulkhead deck, in m
    L = Freeboard Length, in m
    Q = Total capacity, in m3/hour

  2. Fire pumps

    Generally one main power pump and one portable fire pump should be provided as specified below.
    • Sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil, and that, if they are subject to occasional duty for the transfer or pumping of fuel oil, suitable changeover arrangements are fitted.
    • A power pump is a fixed pump driven by a power source other than by hand. An independently driven power pump is independent from the main engine(s).
    • Provisions should be made for clearing sea inlet gratings of fire pump sea inlet valves. Special attention should be paid to ice clearing arrangements for tugs intended for navigation in ice (e.g. air blowing, heating).
    • Relief valves should be provided in conjunction with any fire pump if the pump is capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the water service pipes, hydrants and hoses. These valves should be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.
    • Where a centrifugal pump is provided in order to comply with this sub-Section, a non-return valve should be fitted in the pipe connecting the pump to the fire main.
  3. Portable fire pumps
    • Portable fire pumps should comply with the following:
      1. The pump should be self-priming.
      2. The total suction head and the net positive suction head of the pump should be determined taking account of actual operation, i.e. pump location when used. The net positive suction head of the pump should be realised at the deck where the pump is fitted (in practical cases on tugs this is typically the main deck).
      3. The portable fire pump, when fitted with its length of discharge hose and nozzle, should be capable of maintaining a pressure sufficient to produce a jet throw of at least 12 m, or that required to enable a jet of water to be directed on any part of the engine room or the exterior boundary of the engine room and casing, whichever is the greater.
      4. Except for electric pumps, the pump set should have its own fuel tank of sufficient capacity to operate the pump for three hours. For electric pumps, their batteries should have sufficient capacity for three hours.
      5. Except for electric pumps, details of the fuel type and storage location should be carefully considered. If the fuel type has a flashpoint below 60°C, further consideration to the fire safety aspects should be given.
      6. The pump set should be stored in a secure, safe and enclosed space, accessible from open deck and clear of the Category ‘A’ machinery space.
      7. The pump set should be easily moved and operated by two persons and be readily available for immediate use.
      8. Arrangements should be provided to secure the pump at its anticipated operating position(s).
      9. The overboard suction hose should be non-collapsible and of sufficient length, to ensure suction under all operating conditions. A suitable strainer should be fitted at the inlet end of the hose.
      10. Any diesel-driven power source for the pump should be capable of being readily started in its cold condition by hand (manual) cranking. If this is impracticable, consideration should be given to the provision and maintenance of heating arrangements, so that readily starting can be ensured.

        • Alternatively to the guidance in Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety 3.1.1 (c) (i) .to Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety 3.1.1 (c) (x), a fixed fire pump may be fitted, which should comply with the following:

      11. The pump, its source of power and sea connection should be located in accessible positions, outside the compartment housing the main fire pump.
      12. The sea valve should be capable of being operated from a position near the pump.
      13. The room where the fire pump prime mover is located should be illuminated from the emergency source of electrical power, and should be well ventilated.
      14. Pumps required to supply water for a fixed fire-extinguishing system in the space where the main fire pump is situated, should be capable of simultaneously supplying water to this system and the fire main at the required rates.
      15. The pump may also be used for other suitable purposes, subject to the approval in each case.
      16. Pressure and quantity of water delivered by the pump should be sufficient to produce a jet of water, at any nozzle, of not less than 12 m in length. For tugs of less than 150 GT, the jet of water may be specially considered.
    • For tugs of less than 150 GT fitted with an approved fixed fire-fighting system in the engine room, portable pumps may be omitted.
    • Means to illuminate the stowage area of the portable pump and its necessary areas of operation should be provided from the emergency source of electrical power.
  4. Fire main
    • The diameter of the fire main should be based on the required capacity of the fixed main fire pump(s) and the diameter of the water service pipes should be sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water for the operation of at least one fire hose.
    • The wash deck line may be used as a fire main provided that the requirements of this sub-Section are satisfied.
    • All exposed water pipes for fire-extinguishing should be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather. The valves should be located where they will not be damaged by tug operations.
  5. Pressure in the fire main
  6. Fire hydrants
    • For tugs of less than 150 GT the number and position of the hydrants should be such that at least one jet of water may reach any part normally accessible to the crew, while the tug is being navigated and any part of any deck space when empty. Furthermore, such hydrants should be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. At least one hydrant should be provided in each Category ‘A’ machinery space.
    • For tug equal to or greater than 150 GT the number and position of hydrants should be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which should be from a single length of hose, may reach any part of the tug normally accessible to the crew while the tug is being navigated and any part of any cargo spaces when empty. Furthermore, such hydrants should be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. Other Requirements specified by the Administration will additionally be considered.
  7. Pipes and hydrants
    • Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat should not be used for fire mains. Where steel pipes are used, they should be galvanised internally and externally. Cast iron pipes are generally not acceptable. The pipes and hydrants should be so placed that the fire-hoses may be easily coupled to them. The arrangement of pipes and hydrants should be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. In tugs where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the hydrants should be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes should be arranged, as far as practicable, to avoid risk of damage by such cargo. There should be complete interchange ability of hose couplings and nozzles.
    • A valve should be fitted at each fire hydrant so that any fire-hose may be removed while the fire pump is at work.
    • Where a fixed fire pump is fitted outside the engine room, in accordance with Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.1.(c).(xi) to Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.1.(c).(xvi); an isolating valve should be fitted in the fire main so that all the hydrants in the tug, except those in the Category ‘A’ machinery space, can be supplied with water. The isolating valve should be located in an easily accessible and tenable position outside the Category ‘A’ machinery space. And the fire main should not re-enter the machinery space downstream of the isolating valve.
  8. Fire-hoses
    • Fire-hoses should be of approved non-perishable material. The hoses should be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used. Their length, in general, should not exceed 18 m. Each hose should be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Fire-hoses, together with any necessary fittings and tools, should be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections.
    • One hose should be provided for each hydrant. In addition one spare hose should be provided on board.
  9. Nozzles
    • For the purpose of this Chapter, standard nozzle sizes are 12 mm, 16 mm or 19 mm, or as near thereto as possible, so as to make full use of the maximum discharge capacity of the fire pump(s).
    • For accommodation and service spaces, the nozzle size need not exceed 12 mm.
    • The size of nozzles used in conjunction with a portable fire pump need not exceed 12 mm.
    • All nozzles should be of an approved dual purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shut-off.

3.1.2 Fire safety measures

The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that a fire is contained in the space of origin. For this purpose, the following functional requirements should be met:
  • The tug should be subdivided by thermal and structural boundaries;
  • Thermal insulation of boundaries should have due regard to the fire risk of the space and adjacent spaces;
  • The fire integrity of the divisions should be maintained at openings and penetrations.
  1. Structural fire protection

    Table 3.3.1 Minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks

    [Item] Space Separation by From space
    [(1)] Machinery space Class ‘A’ A-60 Accommodation / control stations / corridors / staircases / service spaces of high fire risk
    [(2)] Machinery space Class ‘A’ A-0 Other than above [item (1)]
    [(3)] Galley A-0 Unless specified otherwise
    [(4)] Service space of high fire risk other than galley B-15 Unless specified above [item (1)]
    [(5)] Corridor / staircase / escape route B-0 Unless specified above [item (1)]

    The divisions used to separate spaces not mentioned above should be of non-combustible material.

    • The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses should be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. For the purpose of applying the definition of steel or other equivalent material, as given in SOLAS, the ‘applicable fire exposure’ should be one hour. Tugs built of materials other than steel should be specially considered.
    • Stairways should be enclosed, at least at one level, by divisions and doors or hatches, in order to restrict the free flow of smoke to other decks in the tug and the supply of air to the fire. Doors forming such enclosures should be self-closing.
    • Openings in ‘A’ Class divisions should be provided with permanently attached means of closing which should be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.
    • Interior stairways serving machinery spaces, accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations should be of steel or other equivalent material.
    • Doors should be self-closing in way of Category ‘A’ machinery spaces and galleys, except where they are normally kept closed.
    • Where ‘A’ Class divisions are penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc., or for girders, beams or other structural members, arrangements should be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired. Arrangements should also prevent the transmission of heat to un-insulated boundaries at the intersections and terminal points of the divisions and penetrations by insulating the horizontal and vertical boundaries or penetrations for a distance of 450 mm.
  2. Materials
    • Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces should not be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke, toxic gases or vapours and should be of the low flame spread type in accordance with the IMO 2010 FTP Code, Annex 1, Parts 2 and 5.
    • Except in cargo spaces or refrigerated compartments of service spaces, insulating materials should be noncombustible.
    • Where pipes penetrate ‘A’ or ‘B’ Class divisions, the pipes or their penetration pieces should be of steel or other approved materials having regard to the temperature and integrity Recommendations such divisions are required to withstand.
    • Pipes conveying oil or combustible liquids through accommodation and service spaces should be of steel or other approved materials having regard to the fire risk.
    • Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat should not be used for overboard scuppers, sanitary discharges and other outlets which are close to the waterline, and where the failure of the material in the event of fire would give rise to the danger of flooding.
    • Primary deck coverings within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations should be of a type which will not readily ignite, or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures in accordance with the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Parts 2 and 6.
    • Materials used for insulating pipes, etc., in machinery spaces and other compartments containing high fire risks should be non-combustible. Vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as the insulation of pipe fittings, for cold service systems need not be of non-combustible materials, but they should be kept to the minimum quantity practicable and their exposed surfaces should have low flame spread characteristics.
  3. Surface of insulation
    • In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the surface of the insulation should be impervious to oil or oil vapours. Insulation boundaries should be arranged to avoid immersion in oil spillage.
  4. Ventilation systems
    • Ventilation fans should be capable of being stopped and main inlets and outlets of ventilation systems closed from outside the spaces being served.
    • Ventilation ducts for Category ‘A’ machinery spaces should not pass through accommodation spaces, galleys, service spaces or control stations, unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.
    • Ventilation ducts for accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations should not pass through Category ‘A’ machinery spaces or galleys unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.
    • Ventilation arrangement for store rooms containing highly flammable products should be specially considered.
    • Ventilation systems serving Category ‘A’ machinery spaces and galley exhaust ducts should be independent of systems serving other spaces.
    • Ventilation should be provided to prevent the accumulation of gases that may be emitted from batteries.
    • Ventilation openings may be fitted in and under the lower parts of cabin, mess and dayroom doors in corridor bulkheads. The total net area of any such openings should not exceed 0,05 m2. Balancing ducts should not be permitted in fire divisions.
  5. Oil fuel arrangements
    • In a tug in which oil fuel is used, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the oil fuel should be such as to ensure the safety of the tug and persons on board.
    • Oil fuel tanks situated within the boundaries of Category ‘A’ machinery spaces should not contain oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60°C.
    • Oil fuel, lubricating oil and other flammable oils should not be carried in a forepeak tank or a tank forward of the collision bulkhead.
    • As far as practicable:
      1. oil fuel lines shall be arranged far apart from hot surfaces, electrical installations or other sources of ignition and shall be screened or otherwise suitably protected to avoid oil spray or oil leakage onto the sources of ignition. The number of joints in such piping systems shall be kept to a minimum.
      2. surfaces with temperatures above 220°C which may be impinged as a result of a fuel and/or hydraulic oil system failure shall be properly insulated. Precautions shall be taken to prevent any oil that may escape under pressure from any pump, filter or heater from coming into contact with heated surfaces.
      3. external high-pressure fuel delivery lines between the high pressure fuel pumps and fuel injectors shall be protected with a jacketed piping system capable of containing fuel from a high-pressure line failure. A suitable enclosure on engines having an output of 375 kW or less having fuel injection pumps serving more than one injector may be used as an alternative to the jacketed piping system.
  6. Special arrangements in Category ‘A’ machinery spaces and where necessary other machinery spaces
    • The number of skylights, doors, ventilators, openings in funnels to permit exhaust ventilation and other openings to machinery spaces should be reduced to a minimum consistent with the needs of ventilation and the proper and safe working of the tug.
    • Skylights should be constructed with steel frames and not to contain glass panels, unless fire-retardant glass equivalent to steel is applied. Suitable arrangements should be made to permit the release of smoke, in the event of fire, from the space to be protected.
    • Windows should not be fitted in machinery space boundaries. This does not preclude the use of glass in control rooms within the machinery spaces.
    • Means of control should be provided for:
      1. opening and closure of skylights, closure of openings in funnels which normally allow exhaust ventilation, and closure of ventilator dampers;
      2. permitting the release of smoke;
      3. closing power-operated doors or actuating release mechanism on doors other than power-operated watertight doors;
      4. stopping ventilating fans; and
      5. stopping forced and induced draught fans, oil fuel transfer pumps, oil fuel unit pumps and other similar fuel pumps.
    • The controls detailed in Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.2.(f) should be located outside the space concerned, where they will not be cut off in the event of fire in the space they serve. Such controls and the controls for any required fire-extinguishing system should be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible. Such positions should have a safe access from the open deck.
  7. Arrangements for gaseous fuel for domestic purposes

    Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel should be specially considered.

  8. Space heating

    Space heaters, if used, should be fixed in position and so constructed as to reduce fire risks to a minimum. The design and location of these units should be such that clothing, curtains or other similar materials cannot be scorched or set on fire by heat from the unit.

  9. Means of escape
    • The purpose of this requirement is to provide means of escape so that persons on board can safely and swiftly escape to the lifeboat and life raft embarkation deck. For this purpose, the following functional requirements should be met:
      1. Safe escape routes should be provided;
      2. Escape routes should be maintained in a safe condition, clear of obstacles; and
      3. Additional aids for escape should be provided as necessary to ensure accessibility, clear marking, and adequate design for emergency situations.
    • Stairways, ladders and corridors serving crew spaces and other spaces to which the crew normally have access should be arranged so as to provide ready means of escape to a deck from which embarkation into survival craft may be effected.
    • There should be at least two means of escape, as widely separated as possible, from each section of accommodation and service spaces and control stations,
      1. The normal means of access to the accommodation and service spaces below the open deck should be arranged so that it is possible to reach the open deck without passing through spaces containing a possible source of fire (e.g. machinery spaces, storage spaces of flammable liquids).
      2. The second means of escape may be through portholes or hatches of adequate size and preferably leading directly to the open deck.
      3. Dead-end corridors having a length of more than 7 m are generally unacceptable.
      4. The escapes should be positioned either both at centreline, at centreline and at port side, at centreline and at starboard side or at starboard side and at port side. Having both escapes on one side of the tug should be avoided.
    • At least two means of escape should be provided from machinery spaces, except where the small size of a machinery space makes it impracticable. Escape should be by steel ladders that should be as widely separated as possible.

3.1.3 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems

An approved and fixed fire detection system should be installed in all Category ‘A’ machinery spaces. Manual activating units should be positioned near each emergency exit. The use of approved fire detectors connected to a group alarm system will be specially considered taking into account the size and arrangement (general layout and number of deckhouse tiers) of the tug.

3.1.4 Fire-extinguishing arrangements

The purpose of this guidance is to ensure that any fire is effectively suppressed and swiftly extinguished in the space of origin. For this purpose, the following functional requirements should be met:
  • (i) Fixed fire-extinguishing systems should be installed, as applicable, having due regard to the fire growth potential of the protected spaces; and
  • (ii) Fire-extinguishing appliances should be readily available.
  1. Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A’ machinery spaces
    • Machinery spaces of Category ‘A’ on tugs with GT greater than or equal to 150 except for vessels with a service restriction notation denoting that it is restricted to operations within protected/extended protected waters, should be provided with an approved fixed fire- extinguishing system, as specified in Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.4.(b)
  2. Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
    • Fixed fire-fighting systems where required, should be in accordance with the requirements of the IMO FSS Code.
  3. Protection of paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers
    • The Recommendations for the protection of paint lockers and flammable liquids lockers should be specially considered.
  4. Other fixed fire-extinguishing systems (not covered by this Chapter)
    • If such a system is installed, it should be of an approved type.
  5. Portable fire-extinguishers
    • The number of portable fire-extinguishers that should be carried on board are detailed in Table 3.3.2 Portable fire-extinguishers

      Table 3.3.2 Portable fire-extinguishers

      Accommodation and service spaces  
      • Tugs greater than or equal to 150 GT
      		≥ 3
      • Tugs of less than 150 GT
      		≥ 1
      Boiler rooms etc. ≥ 2
      Machinery spaces  
      (one extinguisher per every 375 kW of internal combustion engine power) ≥ 2, ≤ 6
    • All fire-extinguishers should be of approved types and designs.
    • The extinguishing media employed should be suitable for extinguishing fires in the compartments in which they are intended to be used.
    • The extinguishers required for use in the machinery spaces of tugs using oil as fuel should be of a type discharging foam, carbon dioxide gas, dry powder or other approved media suitable for extinguishing oil fires.
    • The capacity of required portable fluid extinguishers should not exceed more than 13,5 litres but not less than 9 litres. Other extinguishers should be at least as portable as the 13,5 litre fluid extinguishers, and should have a fire-extinguishing capability at least equivalent to a 9 litre fluid extinguisher.
    • The following capacities may be taken as equivalents:
      1. 9 litre fluid extinguisher (water or foam);
      2. 5 kg dry powder;
      3. 5 kg carbon dioxide.
    • A spare charge should be provided for each required portable fire-extinguisher that can be readily recharged on board. If this cannot be done, duplicate extinguishers should be provided.
    • The extinguishers should be stowed in readily accessible positions and should be spread as widely as possible and not be grouped.
    • One of the portable fire-extinguishers intended for use in any space should be stowed near the entrance to that space.
    • Accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations should 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 of the crew spaces. In any case, their number should be not less than three, except where this is impractical for very small tugs, in which case one extinguisher should be available at each deck having accommodation or service spaces, or control stations.
    • Portable fire-extinguishers using C02 are not to be used in accommodation spaces.

3.1.5 Fire-fighting equipment

Fire-fighting equipment should be available as detailed below:
  1. Fire-fighter’s outfit (which includes an axe)
    • For all vessels of 150 GT or greater at least two fire-fighter’s outfits complying with the Requirements of the IMO FSS Code, should be provided on board.
    • For vessels of less than 150 GT at least one fire-fighter’s outfit complying with the Requirements of the IMO FSS Code, should be provided on board. Except for vessels of less than 150 GT with a service restriction notation denoting that it is restricted to operations within protected/ extended protected waters, where no fire-fighter’s outfit is required, however a Firefighters axe should still be carried.
  2. Fire control plans
    • In all tugs, general arrangement plans should be permanently exhibited for the guidance of the tug's officers, using graphical symbols that are in accordance with IMO Resolution A.952(23), which show clearly for each deck the control stations, the various fire sections enclosed by steel or ‘A’ Class divisions, together with particulars of:
      • The fire detection and fire-alarm systems;
      • Fixed fire-fighting system;
      • The fire-extinguishing appliances;
      • The means of access to different compartments, decks, etc.;
      • The position of the fireman's outfits;
      • The ventilating system, including particulars of the fan control positions, the position of dampers and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section; and
      • The location and arrangement of the emergency stop for the oil fuel unit pumps and for closing the valves on the pipes from oil fuel tanks.
    • Alternatively, the details may be set out in a booklet, a copy of which should be supplied to each officer, with one copy at all times available on board in an accessible position.
    • The plans and booklets should be kept up to date, any alterations being recorded thereon as soon as practicable. Description in such plans and booklets should be in the official language of the Flag State and in the language as shown inTable 3.3.3 Language in fire control plan. In addition, instructions concerning the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installations on board for the fighting and containment of fire should be kept under one cover, readily available in an accessible position.

      Table 3.3.3 Language in fire control plan

      Notations Language
      tug, escort tug English
      tug, escort tug with a service restriction notation Official language(s) of the Administration(s) concerned with the tug’s service, or language(s) recognised by such Administration(s).

      However, description in such plans and booklets for tugs engaged in domestic service only may be in the official language of the Flag State only.

    • In general, on all vessels greater than or equal to 150 GT, a duplicate set of fire-control plans or a booklet containing such plans should be permanently stored in a prominently marked weather tight enclosure outside the deckhouse for the assistance of shore-side fire-fighting personnel.
    • For vessels with a service restriction notation denoting that it is restricted to operations within protected/extended protected waters the duplicate set of the fire-control plan may be stored at a shore side facility.

3.1.6 Alternative design and arrangements for fire safety

The purpose of this guidance is to provide a methodology for alternative design and arrangements for fire safety.
  1. General
    • Fire safety design and arrangements that deviate from Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.1 to Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.6, should meet the following fire safety objectives and the functional Recommendations.
    • When fire safety design or arrangements deviate from the requirements of this Chapter, engineering analysis, evaluation and approval of the alternative design and arrangements should be carried out in accordance with this part of the guidance. Reference can be made to MSC/Circ.1002 ‘Guidelines on alternative design and arrangements for fire safety’.
  2. Engineering analysis
    • The engineering analysis should be prepared and submitted, based on the guidelines developed by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and should include, as a minimum, the following elements:
      1. determination of the tug type and space(s) concerned;
      2. identification of recommendation(s) with which the tug or the space(s) will not comply;
      3. identification of the fire and explosion hazards of the tug or the space(s) concerned:
        • identification of the possible ignition sources;
        • identification of the fire growth potential of each space concerned;
        • identification of the smoke and toxic effluent generation potential for each space concerned;
        • identification of the potential for the spread of fire, smoke or of toxic effluents from the space(s) concerned to other spaces;
      4. determination of the required fire safety performance criteria for the tug or the space(s) concerned:
      5. detailed description of the alternative design and arrangements, including a list of the assumptions used in the design and any proposed operational restrictions or conditions; and
      6. technical justification demonstrating that the alternative design and arrangements meet the required fire safety performance criteria.
  3. Evaluation of the alternative design and arrangements
    • The engineering analysis required in Ch 3, 3.1 Fire safety for tugs of less than 500 GT 3.1.6.(b) should be appraised by the relevant body (e.g. Class) taking into account the guidelines developed by the IMO.
    • A copy of the documentation, as appraised, indicating that the alternative design and arrangements comply with this regulation should be carried on board the tug.
  4. Re-evaluation due to change of conditions
    • If the assumptions or operational restrictions that were stipulated in the alternative design and arrangements are changed, the engineering analysis should be carried out considering the updated condition and should be submitted for evaluation.

Table 3.3.4 Fire safety Guidance

Type notation Tug, escort tug
Service restrictions (unrestricted) Specified coastal service, or Specified operating or service areas Protected or Extended Protected waters service
fire pumps      
≥ 150 gt      
independently driven power pumps 1 1 1
power pumps 1 1 -
hand pumps - - 1
< 150 gt      
independently driven power pumps - - -
power pumps 1 1 1
hand pumps 1 1 -
portable or fixed emergency fire pump 11,2 11,2 -
fire hydrants      
≥ 150 gt      
Sufficient number and so located that at least the number of powerful water jets can reach any normally accessible part of tug 2 2 2
< 150 gt      
Sufficient number and so located that at least the number of powerful water jets can reach any normally accessible part of tug 1 1 1
fire hoses (length3) number of hydrants + 1 spare hose number of hydrants + 1 spare hose number of hydrants + 1 spare hose
with coupling and nozzles X X X
fire nozzles      
dual purpose (spray/jet) with 12 mm jet and integral shut-off; jet may be reduced to 10 mm and shut-off omitted for hand pump hoses X X X
portable fire-extinguishers      
Accommodation and service spaces      
≥ 150 gt ≥ 3 ≥ 3 ≥ 3
< 150 gt ≥ 1 ≥ 1 ≥ 1
Boiler rooms, etc. ≥ 2 ≥ 2 ≥ 2
machinery spaces (one extinguisher per 375 kW of internal combustion engine power4 (capacity 45 l fluid or equivalent) ≥ 2 , ≤ 6 ≥ 2 , ≤ 6 ≥ 2 , ≤ 6
fixed fire-extinguishing systems      
≥ 150 gt      
Category ‘A’ machinery spaces X X -
fixed fire detection system (Category ‘A’ spaces) X X X
complete fireman’s outfit      
≥ 150 gt ≥ 2 ≥ 2 ≥ 2
< 150 gt ≥ 1 ≥ 1 -
fireman’s axe 1 1 1
fire control plan 1 on display + 1 in WT locker 1 on display + 1 in WT locker 1 on display + 1 in WT locker
means of escape      
accommodation and service spaces 2 2 2
machinery spaces5 2 2 2
Notes:
  1. For tugs of less than 150 GT fitted with an approved fixed fire-fighting system in the engine room, portable pumps may be omitted.
  2. When a portable / emergency fire pump is fitted, (independent) power pump may be omitted.
  3. Sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used.
  4. Alternatives may be proposed taking into consideration the size of the tug and the installed power.
  5. Unless the small size of the machinery space makes it impractical.

3.2 Life-saving appliances for tugs of less than 500 GT

3.2.1 Life-saving appliance requirements.

The guideline requirements for life-saving appliances for tugs and escort tugs are detailed in Table 3.3.5 Guidance for life-saving appliances (LSA).

Table 3.3.5 Guidance for life-saving appliances (LSA)

Type notation Tug, escort tug
Service restrictions (unrestricted) Specified coastal service, or Specified operating or service areas Protected or Extended Protected waters service
life rafts      
100% capacity on each side / easy side to side transfer

or

150% capacity on each side

 X X 1
hydrostatic releases X X 1
illumination and operating instructions X X 1
MOB arrangement      
rescue boat X2 X2 -
Jason’s cradle X X X
search light X X X
lifebuoys      
with smoke/light 2 1 1
with light 1 1 1
with lifeline 1 1 1
lifejackets with lights      
each person on board X X X
immersion suit      
each person on board X3 X3 -
other equipment      
rocket parachute flares 12 6 -
red hand flares 6 2 2
smoke signals 2 buoyant 2 2
line throwing apparatus 1 1 -
general alarm X X X
communication system      
to engine room / accommodation / deck X X X
documentation on board      
fire and safety plan X X X
training and instruction manual X X X
SOLAS life-saving table4 X X X
muster list and emergency instructions X X X
Notes:
  1. A float free buoyant apparatus should be provided.
  2. The tug’s operational working area, manoeuvrability, size, freeboard and propulsion arrangement may be taken into consideration for the evaluation of the applicability of the requirement for a rescue boat.
  3. If the tug is constantly engaged in warm climates (refer to MSC Circ.1046) where, in the opinion of the Administration thermal protection is unnecessary, immersion suits may need not to be carried on board.
  4. An illustrated table describing the life-saving signals should be readily available to the officer of the watch of every tug to all tugs on all voyages. The signals should be used by tugs or persons in distress when communicating with life-saving stations, maritime rescue units and aircraft engaged in search and rescue operations.

3.3 Radio installation for tugs of less than 300 GT

3.3.1 Radio installation Guidelines.

The guidelines for Radio installations for tugs and escort tugs are detailed in Table 3.3.6 Guidance for radio installation.

Table 3.3.6 Guidance for radio installation

Type notation Tug, escort tug
Service restrictions (unrestricted) Specified coastal service, or Specified operating or service areas Protected or Extended Protected waters service
general guidance      
≥ 300 gt      
SOLAS (A1+A2+A3+A4, as applicable) X X X
< 300 gt      
no duplication of equipment required X X X
specific guidance      
VHF / DSC 1 1 1
SART1 1 1 1
EPIRB / satellite 1 1 (A2+A3) -
EPIRB / VHF - 1 (A1) -
NAVTEX 1 1 -
MF / DSC 1 -2 -
INMARSAT C 1 -2 -
GMDSS porto 1 1 1
electrical power supply dedicated radio battery emergency battery emergency battery
Notes:
  1. SART may not be required if the 406 MHZ EPIRB provided has a 121.5 MHz frequency transmitting capability and is of the non-float free type for placing in a life raft.
  2. MF / DSC or INMARSAT C depending on region.

3.4 Navigation equipment for tugs of less than 500 GT

3.4.1 Navigation equipment requirements

Table 3.3.7 Guidance for navigation equipment

Type notation Tug, escort tug
Service restrictions (unrestricted) Specified coastal service, or Specified operating or service areas Protected or Extended Protected waters service
general requirements      
SOLAS Ch V should to be taken into account for all tugs on all voyages the administration should determine to what extent the provisions of SOLAS Ch V do not apply to the following tugs:
  • tugs below 150 GT on any voyage
  • tugs below 150 GT not engaged on international voyages1
 X X X
specific requirements      
radar 1 1 -
magnetic compass 12 12 1
gyro compass 12 12 -
GPS compass 12 12 -
GPS 2 1 1
AIS 1 1 1
nautical charts / ECDIS 1 1 1
daylight signalling lamp 1 1 1
echo sounding 1 1 1
IAMSAR 1 1 1
code of signals 1 1 1
Notes:
  1. International voyage: voyage from a country to which the SOLAS Convention applies to a port outside such country, or conversely.
  2. Optional 2 out of 3
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