9.4.1 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 9.4.1 to 9.4.9.
9.4.2 At least one of the required pumps should
be dedicated for fire-fighting duties and be available for such duties
at all times.
9.4.3 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.
9.4.4 The capacity of the required pumps should
be appropriate to the fire-fighting services supplied from the fire
main. Where more pumps than required are installed, their capacity
should be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
9.4.5 Each pump should be capable of delivering
at least one jet simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants,
hoses and 19 mm nozzles while maintaining a minimum pressure of 0.35
N/mm2 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 N/mm2 at the
foam installation. If the water consumption for any other fire protection
or fire-fighting purpose should exceed the rate of the helicopter
deck foam installation, this consumption should be the determining
factor in calculating the required capacity of the fire pumps.
9.4.6 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.
9.4.7 Except as provided in 9.4.2, sanitary, ballast,
bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided
that they are not normally used for pumping oil.
9.4.8 Every centrifugal pump which is connected
to the fire main should be fitted with a nonreturn valve.
9.4.9 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
as to prevent excessive pressure in the fire main system.
9.4.10 A fixed fire main should be provided and
be so equipped and arranged as to meet the requirements of 9.4.10
to 9.4.20.
9.4.11 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.
9.4.12 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.
9.4.13 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.
9.4.14 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.
9.4.15 The fire main should not have connections
other than those necessary for firefighting purposes.
9.4.16 All practical precautions consistent with
having water readily available should be taken to protect the fire
main against freezing.
9.4.17 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.
9.4.18 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 operating.
9.4.19 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.
9.4.20 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, together with any necessary fittings
and tools, should be ready for use at any time and should be kept
in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections.
9.4.21 Nozzles should comply with the following
requirements:
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.1 Standard nozzle sizes should be 12 mm, 16 mm
and 19 mm or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles
may be permitted at the discretion of the Administration .
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.2 For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle
size greater than 12 mm need not be used.
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.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 9.4.5 from the
smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 mm need
not be used.
9.4.22 The surface unit should be provided with
at least one international shore connection complying with regulation
II-2/19.3 and 19.4 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention.
9.4.23 Facilities should be available enabling
such a connection to be used on any side of the unit.