9.4 Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses
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Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - 1979 MODU Code – Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units – Resolution A.414(XI) - Chapter 9 – Fire Safety - 9.4 Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses

9.4 Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses

  9.4.1

  • .1 At least two independently driven power pumps should be provided, each arranged to draw directly from the sea and discharge into a fixed fire main. However, in units with high suction lifts, booster pumps and storage tanks may be installed, provided such arrangements will satisfy all the requirements of this paragraph.

  • .2 At least one of the required pumps should be dedicated for fire-fighting duties and be available for such duties at all times.

  • .3 The arrangements of the pumps, sea suctions and sources of power should be such as to ensure that a fire in anyone space would not put both the required pumps out of action.

  • .4 The capacity of the required pumps should be appropriate to the fire-fighting services supplied from the fire main. However, the total capacity of the pumps need not exceed 180 cubic metres per hour. Where more pumps than required are installed, their capacity should be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  • .5 Each pump should be capable of delivering at least one jet simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants, hoses and 19 millimetre nozzles while maintaining a minimum pressure of 0.35 newtons per square millimetre at any hydrant. In addition, where a foam system is provided for protection of the helicopter deck, the pump should be capable of maintaining a pressure of 0.7 newtons per square millimetre at the foam installation.

  • .6 Where either of the required pumps is located in a space not normally manned and in the opinion of the Administration is relatively far removed from working areas, suitable provision should be made for remote start-up of that pump and remote operation of associated suction and discharge valves.

  • .7 Except as provided in 9.4.1.2, sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil.

  • .8 Every centrifugal pump which is connected to the fire main should be fitted with a non-return valve.

  • .9 Relief valves should be provided in conjunction with all pumps connected to the fire main if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the fire main, hydrants and hoses. Such valves should be so placed and adjusted asto prevent excessive pressure in the fire main system.

  9.4.2

  • .1 A fixed fire main should be provided and be so equipped and arranged as to meet the requirements of this paragraph and 9.4.3.

  • .2 The diameter of the fire main and water service pipes should be sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum required discharge from the required fire pumps operating simultaneously.

  • .3 With the required fire pumps operating simultaneously, the pressure maintained in the fire mains should be to the satisfaction of the Administration and be adequate for the safe and efficient operation of all equipment supplied therefrom.

  • .4 The fire main should where practicable be routed clear of hazardous areas and be arranged in such a manner as to make maximum use of any thermal shielding or physical protection afforded by the structure of the unit.

  • .5 The fire main should be provided with isolating valves located so as to permit optimum utilization in the event of physical damage to any part of the main.

  • .6 The fire main should not have connexions other than those necessary for fire-fighting purposes.

  • .7 All practical precautions consistent with having water readily available should be taken to protect the fire main against freezing.

  • .8 Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat should not be used for fire mains and hydrants unless adequately protected. The pipes and hydrants should be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them.

  • .9 A cock or valve should be fitted to serve each fire hose so that any fire hose may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.

  9.4.3

  • .1 The number and position of the 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 fire hose, may reach any part of the unit normally accessible to those on board while the unit is being navigated or is engaged in drilling operations. A hose should be provided for every hydrant.

  • .2 Fire hoses should be of material approved by the Administration and 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 maximum length should be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Every fire hose should be provided with a dual purpose nozzle and the necessary couplings. Fire hoses should together with any necessary fittings and tools be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connexions.

  9.4.4 Nozzles should comply with the following requirements:

  • .1 Standard nozzle sizes should be 12 millimetres, 16 millimetres and 19 millimetres or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the discretion of the Administration.

  • .2 For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 millimetres need not be used.

  • .3 For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the nozzle size should be such as to obtain the maximum discharge possible from two jets at the pressure specified in 9.4.1.5 from the smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 millimetres need not be used.

  9.4.5

  • .1 The unit should be provided with at least one international shore connexion complying with Regulation 5(h) of Chapter II-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention.

  • .2 Facilities should be available enabling such a connexion to be used on any side of the unit.

Parent topic: Chapter 9 – Fire Safety
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