Section 2 Fire safety measures for service craft
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Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Special Service Craft, July 2022 - Part 17 Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction - Chapter 2 Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction – Service Craft - Section 2 Fire safety measures for service craft

Section 2 Fire safety measures for service craft

2.1 General

2.1.1  Table 2.2.1 General fire protection, detection and extinction requirements is a guide to the major requirements of this Section. The Table is intended as a quick reference to the requirements and is not to be used in isolation when designing the fire safety arrangements.

2.2 Forms of construction – Structure

2.2.1  The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses may be constructed of steel, other equivalent material, see Pt 17, Ch 1, 2.1 Materials 2.1.2 or be of alternative forms of construction, see Pt 17, Ch 1, 2.1 Materials 2.1.3.

2.2.2 The structure in way of Category ‘A' machinery spaces, galleys containing appliances of significant fire risk, see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.4 Structural fire protection 2.4.2, and other high risk areas is to be protected such that the material by itself or due to insulation provided can maintain its required strength at the end of 30 minutes exposure to the standard fire test.

2.2.3 Details of the method of construction, supported by calculations and/or fire test data, demonstrating compliance with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.2 Forms of construction – Structure 2.2.2, are to be submitted.

2.2.4 For aluminium alloy structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during the specified fire exposure.

Table 2.2.1 General fire protection, detection and extinction requirements

Form of construction, see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.2 Forms of construction – Structure Steel or equivalent, or alternative forms of construction may be accepted, subject to requirements in high fire risk areas
Passive fire protection,see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.3 Forms of construction – Fire divisions Category ‘A’ machinery spaces:
  • For craft >150 gross tons: A-30/A-0
  • For craft <150 gross tons: A-0
Galleys:
  • For craft >50 gross tons: B-15
Means of escape,
see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.7 Means of escape:
  • Machinery spaces
2
  • Accommodation, etc.
2
Fixed fire detection system,
see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.13 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems
  • Fitted in all machinery spaces
  • Fitted in stairways, service spaces, machinery spaces, control stations and accommodation spaces of craft >50 gross tons with sleeping accommodation
Fire pumps,
see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system
  • 1 fixed power pump + 1 portable pump
  • For craft <150 gross tons:
    1 portable pump
Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces, see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A' machinery spaces
  • A fixed fire-extinguishing system
  • A minimum of 2, but need not exceed 5 portable foam extinguishers or equivalent
Portable fire-extinguishers in accommodation,
see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.18 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems not required by this Chapter
Sufficient to ensure that at least one will be readily available in every compartment

2.2.5 For composite structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the specified fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load is to be determined as in Ch 14, 3.7 Tests for specific materials of the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Materials).

2.2.6 For structures in contact with sea-water, the required insulation should extend to at least 300 mm below the lightest waterline, see also Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.6 Surface of insulation 2.6.1.

2.3 Forms of construction – Fire divisions

2.3.1 Fire divisions required by Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.4 Structural fire protection are to be constructed in accordance with the remaining paragraphs of this sub-Section.

2.3.2 Fire divisions using steel equivalent or alternative forms of construction may be accepted if it can be demonstrated that the material by itself, or due to insulation provided, has the fire resistance properties equivalent to ‘A' or ‘B' class divisions.

2.3.3 Insulation required by Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.3 Forms of construction – Fire divisions 2.3.2 is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise above the point at which the structure would begin to lose its strength at any time during the applicable exposure to the standard fire test. For ‘A' class divisions, the applicable exposure is 60 minutes, and for ‘B' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 30 minutes.

2.3.4 For aluminium alloy structures the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during the applicable fire exposure.

2.3.5 For composite structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the applicable fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load is to be determined as in Ch 14, 3.7 Tests for specific materials.

2.4 Structural fire protection

2.4.1 Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be enclosed by A-30 Class divisions where adjacent to accommodation spaces, or control positions and A-0 Class divisions elsewhere. For craft below 150 gross tons, Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be enclosed by A-0 Class divisions, regardless of adjacent space use.

2.4.2 For craft greater than 50 gross tons, galleys are to be enclosed by B-15 Class divisions unless the cooking appliances contained therein have an insignificant fire risk.

  1. For the purposes of this Chapter, coffee automats, toasters, dishwashers, microwave ovens, water boilers and similar appliances each with a maximum power of 5 kW may be regarded as having an insignificant fire risk. Electrically-heated cooking plates and hot plates for keeping food warm, each of them having a maximum power of 2 kW and a surface temperature not above 150°C may also be regarded as having insignificant fire risk. If spaces containing this equipment are lockable, then means of cutting-off the power to the space are to comply with Pt 16, Ch 2, 17.6 Fire safety stops 17.6.7.

  2. Other equipment such as fat fryers, open flame cookers, etc. are to be regarded as having a significant fire risk.

2.4.3 Openings in ‘A' Class divisions are to be provided with permanently attached means of closing that are to be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.

2.4.4 Interior stairways serving machinery spaces, accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations are to be of steel or other equivalent material.

2.4.5 Doors are to be self-closing in way of Category ‘A' machinery spaces.

2.4.6 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 are to be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired.

2.4.7 Where the structure or ‘A' Class divisions are required to be insulated, it is to be ensured that the heat from a fire is not transmitted through the intersections and terminal points of the divisions or penetrations to uninsulated boundaries. Where the insulation installed does not achieve this, arrangements are to be made to prevent this heat transmission by insulating the horizontal and vertical boundaries or penetrations for a distance of 450 mm.

2.5 Materials

2.5.1 Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces are not to be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke, toxic gases or vapours and are to be of the low flame spread type. Reference is also to be made to the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 2 - Smoke and Toxicity Test and Part 5 - Test for Surface Flammability.

2.5.2 Except in refrigerated compartments of service spaces, all insulation (e.g. fire and comfort) is to be of non-combustible materials.

2.5.3 Pipes penetrating ‘A' Class divisions are to be of approved materials having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand.

2.5.4 Pipes conveying oil or combustible liquids through accommodation and service spaces are to be of approved materials having regard to the fire risk.

2.5.5 Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to 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 danger of flooding.

2.5.6 Primary deck coverings within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations are to be of a type that will not readily ignite, or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures. Reference is also to be made to the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 2 - Smoke and Toxicity Test and Part 6 - Test for Primary Deck Coverings.

2.5.7 Vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as insulation of pipe fittings for cold service systems need not be non-combustible, but they are to be kept to the minimum quantity practicable and their exposed surfaces are to have low flame spread characteristics.

2.5.8 All waste receptacles are to be constructed of non-combustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.

2.6 Surface of insulation

2.6.1 In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the surface of insulation is to be impervious to oil or oil vapours. Insulation boundaries are to be arranged to avoid immersion in oil spillages.

2.7 Means of escape

2.7.1 Stairways, ladders and corridors serving crew spaces and other spaces to which the crew normally have access are to be arranged so as to provide ready means of escape to a deck from which disembarkation may be effected.

2.7.2 Where reasonable and practicable, and having regard to the number of crew and size of space, at least two means of escape, as widely separated as possible, are to be provided from each section of accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations.

  1. The normal means of access to the accommodation and service spaces below the open deck is to be arranged so that it is possible to reach the open deck without passing through intervening spaces containing a possible source of fire.

  2. The second means of escape may be through portholes, or hatches of adequate size, leading to the open deck.

  3. No dead-end corridors having a length of more than 7 m will be accepted. A 'dead-end corridor' is a corridor or part of a corridor from which there is only one escape route.

2.7.3 At least two means of escape are to be provided from machinery spaces, except where the small size of the machinery space makes it impractical. Escape is to be by steel ladders that are as widely separated as possible.

2.8 Ventilation systems

2.8.1 Ventilation fans are to be capable of being stopped, and main inlets and outlets of ventilation systems closed, from outside the spaces being served, see also Pt 16, Ch 2, 17.6 Fire safety stops.

2.8.2 Ventilation ducts for Category ‘A' machinery spaces and exhaust ducts for galleys of significant fire risk are not to pass through accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.

2.8.3 Ventilation ducts for accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations are not to pass through Category ‘A' machinery spaces unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.

2.8.4 Store-rooms containing highly flammable products are to be provided with ventilation arrangements that are separate from other ventilation systems. Ventilation is to be arranged to prevent the build-up of flammable vapours at high and low levels. The inlets and outlets of ventilators are to be positioned so that they do not draw from or vent into an area which would cause undue hazard, and are to be fitted with spark arresters.

2.8.5 Ventilation systems serving Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be independent of systems serving other spaces.

2.8.6 All enclosed spaces containing free-standing fuel tanks are to be ventilated independently of systems serving other spaces.

2.8.7 Ventilation is to be provided to prevent the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of flammable gas that may be emitted from batteries. The requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 12.5 Thermal management and ventilation are to be complied with.

2.8.8 Ventilation openings may be fitted in and under the lower parts of cabin and public space doors in corridor bulkheads. Ventilation grills are to be of non-combustible material. The total net area of any such openings is not to exceed 0,05 m2. Bridging ducts are not allowed in fire divisions.

2.8.9 For additional requirements for the ventilation of domestic gaseous fuel, see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.11 Arrangements for gaseous fuel for domestic purposes.

2.9 Fuel arrangements

2.9.1 In service craft in which fuel oil is used, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel oil are to be such as to ensure the safety of the service craft and persons on board. For details, see Pt 15, Ch 3 Machinery Piping Systems.

2.9.2 Fuel oil tanks situated within the boundaries of Category ‘A' machinery spaces are not to contain fuel oil having a flashpoint of less than 60oC.

2.9.3 Fuel oil, lubricating oil and other flammable oils are not to be carried in fore peak tanks.

2.10 Special arrangements in machinery spaces and, where necessary, other spaces

2.10.1 Openings are to be provided with closing appliances constructed so as to maintain the fire integrity of the machinery space boundaries.

2.10.2 The type of equipment installed and the layout of the craft are to take account of the risk and spread of fire. Special attention is to be paid to the surroundings of open flame devices, hot areas and main and auxiliary machinery, oil and fuel overflows, and uncovered oil and fuel pipes.

2.10.3 Fuel filling, storage, venting and supply systems are to be installed so as to minimise the risk of fire and explosion.

2.10.4 Machinery components and accessories that require frequent maintenance and inspection are to be readily accessible.

2.10.5 Windows are not to be fitted in machinery space boundaries. This does not preclude the use of glass in control rooms within the machinery spaces.

2.10.6 In Category ‘A' machinery spaces means of control are to be provided for:

  1. closure of openings which normally allow exhaust ventilation, and closure of ventilator dampers;

  2. permitting the release of smoke;

  3. stopping ventilating fans; and

  4. stopping forced and induced draught fans, fuel oil transfer pumps, fuel oil unit pumps and other similar fuel pumps.

2.10.7 The controls required in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.10 Special arrangements in machinery spaces and, where necessary, other spaces 2.10.6 are to be located outside the space concerned, in a position 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 are to be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible. Such positions are to have a safe access from the open deck. See also Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.5 Control of pumps 4.5.1 and Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.9 Valves on deep tanks and their control arrangements 4.9.2.

2.11 Arrangements for gaseous fuel for domestic purposes

2.11.1 Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel is to be such that, having regard to the hazards of fire and explosion which the use of such fuel may entail, the safety of the service craft and the persons onboard is preserved. The installation is to be in accordance with recognised National or International Standards.

2.11.2 Storage lockers for gas cylinders are to be provided with:

  1. effective ventilation

  2. an outward-opening door accessible directly to the open deck; and

  3. gas-tight boundaries, including doors and other means of closing any openings therein, which form boundaries between such lockers and adjoining spaces.

2.11.3 Arrangements for storage on open deck will be specially considered.

2.12 Space heaters

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

2.13 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems

2.13.1 A fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system is to be installed in all Category ‘A' machinery spaces and is to comply with the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 1, 2.8 Fire detection and fire alarm systems.

2.13.2 In craft over 50 gross tons, where sleeping accommodation is provided on board, a fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system is to be installed in all stairways, service spaces, machinery spaces, control stations and accommodation spaces (except toilets, bathrooms, void spaces, etc.). The fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system is to be installed in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 4, 2 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems.

2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system

2.14.1  Application:

  1. Every service craft is to be provided with a fire pump(s), fire mains, hydrants and hoses as required by this Chapter.

  2. For very small service craft, where it is not considered possible to fit a fire pump, the arrangements will be specially considered.

2.14.2  Capacity of fire pumps. The capacity of the fixed main fire pump(s) is not to be less than:

but need not exceed 25m3/hour

where
B = greatest moulded breadth of craft, in metres
D = moulded depth to bulkhead deck, in metres
L R = Rule length of craft, as defined in Pt 3, Ch 1, 6.2 Principal particulars 6.2.1, in metres
Q = total capacity in m3 /hours.

2.14.3  Fire pumps:

  1. In service craft of 150 tons gross or more, a minimum of one fixed power pump and one portable pump, complying with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, are to be provided.

  2. For service craft of less than 150 tons gross, one portable pump or alternative as required by Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, is to be provided.

  3. 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.

  4. In service craft classed for navigation in ice, the fire pump sea inlet valves are to be provided with ice clearing arrangements, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.8 Other hull notations 3.8.1.

  5. Relief valves are to be provided in conjunction with any fire pumps if the pump is capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the water service pipes, hydrants and hoses. These valves are to be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.

  6. Where centrifugal pumps are provided in order to comply with this Section, a non-return valve is to be fitted in the pipe connecting each pump to the fire main.

2.14.4  Portable fire pumps

  1. Except for electric pumps, which will be specially considered, portable fire pumps are to comply with the following:

    1. The pump is to be self priming.

    2. The suction head in operation is not to exceed 4,5 m.

    3. The portable fire pump is to be fitted with a length of discharge hose and nozzle 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. The jet throw required need not exceed the length of the craft.

    4. The pump set is to have its own fuel tank of sufficient capacity to operate the pump for three hours.

    5. Details of the fuel type and storage location are to be submitted. If the fuel type has a flashpoint below 60oC, further consideration will be given to the fire safety aspects.

    6. The pump set is to 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 is to be easily moved and operated by two persons and be readily available for immediate use.

    8. Arrangements are to be provided to secure the pump at its anticipated operating position(s).

    9. The overboard suction hose is to be non-collapsible and of sufficient length to cater for the craft's motion under all operational conditions. A suitable strainer is to be fitted at the inlet end of the hose.

    10. Any diesel-driven power source for the pump is to be capable of being readily started in its cold condition down to a temperature of 0oC by hand (manual) cranking.

  2. If it is not possible to comply with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, an additional fixed fire pump will be required, which is to comply with the following:

    1. The pump, its source of power and sea connection are to be located in accessible positions outside the Category ‘A' machinery space, or in a different space to the main fire pump, if the main fire pump is located outside the Category ‘A' machinery space. In the case of craft defined in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.3.(b), the pump may be situated in the Category ‘A' machinery space, if so desired.

    2. The sea valve is to be capable of being operated from a position near the pump.

    3. The space where the fire pump prime mover is located is to be illuminated from the emergency source of electrical power, except for craft defined in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.3.(b), and is to be well ventilated.

    4. If the pump is required to supply water for a fixed fire-extinguishing system in the space where the main fire pumps are situated, it is to be capable of simultaneously supplying water to this system and the fire main at the required rates.

    5. The pump may also be used for other suitable purposes, subject to approval in each case.

    6. The pressure and quantity of water delivered by the pump is to be sufficient to produce a jet of water at any nozzle of not less than 12 m.

    7. In the case of craft defined in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.3.(b), a fire main, hydrants and hoses are to be installed in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.5

  3. Means to illuminate the stowage area of the portable pump and its necessary areas of operation are to be provided from the emergency source of electrical power.

  4. If preferred, a pump complying with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b) may be fitted instead of a portable pump complying with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.

2.14.5  Fire main:

  1. The diameter of the fire main is to be based on the required capacity of the fixed main fire pump(s). The diameter of the water service pipes are to be sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water for the operation of at least one fire-hose.

  2. The wash deck line may be used as a fire main provided that the requirements of this Section are satisfied.

  3. All exposed water pipes for fire-extinguishing are to be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather. The valves are to be located where they will not be damaged by cargo.

2.14.6  Pressure in the fire main. When the fixed main fire pump, or the fire pump described in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b), is delivering the quantity of water required by Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.2 through the fire main, fire hoses and nozzles, the pressure maintained at any hydrant is to be sufficient to produce a jet throw at any nozzle of not less than 12 m.

2.14.7  Number and position of hydrants. The number and position of the hydrants are to be such that at least one jet of water is to reach any part normally accessible to the crew while the service craft is being navigated and any part of any cargo space when empty. Furthermore, such hydrants are to be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. At least one hydrant is to be provided in each machinery space.

2.14.8  Pipes and hydrants:

  1. Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to be used for fire mains. Where steel pipes are used, they are to be galvanised internally and externally. Cast iron pipes are not acceptable. The pipes and hydrants are to be so placed that the fire-hoses may be easily coupled to them. The arrangements of pipes and hydrants are to be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. In service craft where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the hydrants are to be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes are to be arranged, as far as practicable, to avoid risk of damage by such cargo. Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the service craft, there is to be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

  2. A valve is to be fitted at each fire hydrant so that any fire-hose may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.

  3. Where an additional fixed fire pump is fitted in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b) or Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(d):

    1. An isolating valve is to be fitted in the fire main so that all the hydrants in the service craft, except those in the Category ‘A' machinery space containing the main fire pump, can be supplied with water by the additional fixed fire pump. The isolating valve is to be located in an easily accessible and tenable position outside the Category ‘A' machinery space; and

    2. The fire main is not to re-enter the machinery space downstream of the isolating valve.

2.14.9  Fire-hoses:

  1. Fire-hoses are to be of approved non-perishable material. The hoses are to 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, is not to exceed 18 m. Each hose is to be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Fire-hoses, together with any necessary fittings and tools, are to be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections.

  2. The number of fire-hoses to be provided, each complete with couplings and nozzles, is to be one for each 15 m length of the service craft, or part thereof, but need not exceed the number of hydrants provided. This number does not include any hoses required in any engine room. If necessary, the number of hoses is to be increased so as to ensure that hoses in sufficient numbers are available and accessible at all times.

2.14.10  Nozzles:

  1. For the purpose of this Chapter, standard nozzle sizes are to be 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).

  2. For accommodation and service spaces, the nozzle size need not exceed 12 mm.

  3. The size of nozzles intended for use in conjunction with a portable fire pump need not exceed 12 mm.

  4. All nozzles are to be of an approved dual purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shut-off.

2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A' machinery spaces

2.15.1 Except where provided for in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A' machinery spaces 2.15.2, Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be provided with:

  1. one of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems given in Pt 17, Ch 4, 3 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces; and

  2. at least two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent, see Pt 17, Ch 4, 6.3 Capacity 6.3.2. Where internal combustion machinery is installed, an additional portable extinguisher is to be provided for every 375 kW of power output, but the total number of such additional extinguishers need not exceed five.

2.15.2 Where the size of the machinery space precludes access under normal operating conditions, provision is to be made such that a manually-released extinguishing medium, of a type allowed in Pt 17, Ch 4 System and Equipment Specifications, can be remotely discharged into the space. Such arrangements may utilize a portable extinguisher of adequate size. Details of the arrangements with supporting calculations are to be submitted for approval.

2.16 Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces

2.16.1 Where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed in Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A' machinery spaces and Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.17 Machinery spaces in craft which are constructed mainly or wholly of alternative forms of construction, there is to be provided in, or adjacent to, that space a satisfactory number of approved portable fire-extinguishers or other approved means of fire-extinction.

2.17 Machinery spaces in craft which are constructed mainly or wholly of alternative forms of construction

2.17.1 Machinery spaces in craft which are constructed mainly or wholly with alternative forms of construction that contain internal combustion machinery, are to comply with the fire-extinguishing requirements for Category ‘A' machinery spaces, see Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in Category ‘A' machinery spaces 2.15.1.

2.18 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems not required by this Chapter

2.18.1 Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system not required by this Chapter is installed, the arrangement is to comply with the relevant requirements of this Chapter.

2.19 Portable fire-extinguishers

2.19.1 All portable fire-extinguishers are to comply with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 6 Fire-extinguishers (portable and non-portable).

2.19.2 The portable fire-extinguishers are to be stowed in readily accessible positions.

2.19.3 One of the portable fire-extinguishers intended for use in any space is to be stowed near the entrance to that space.

2.19.4 At least one portable fire-extinguisher is to be located so that it can easily be reached from the main steering position of the craft.

2.19.5 Accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations 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.

2.19.6 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.

2.20 Fire blanket

2.20.1 A fire blanket is to be installed in all galleys.

2.21 Protection of paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers

2.21.1 Paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers with a deck area 4 m2 or over are to be provided with a fixed fire-extinguishing system enabling the crew to extinguish a fire without entering the space. One of the following systems is to be provided:

  • A carbon dioxide system designed for 40 per cent of the gross volume of the space.
  • A dry powder system designed to discharge 0,5 kg powder per cubic metre of gross volume of the space.
  • A water spray system designed to give a coverage of 5 litres per square metre of deck area per minute. Water spray systems may be connected to the fire main.

2.21.2 Consideration will be given to the acceptance of other arrangements which provide equivalent protection.

2.21.3 Lockers having a deck area of less than 4 m2 may be protected by carbon dioxide or dry powder portable extinguishers located near the entrance to the locker.

2.22 Arrangements where deep-fat cooking equipment is installed

2.22.1 Where deep-fat cooking equipment is installed in high speed craft, all installations are to be fitted with:

  1. an automatic or manual fixed extinguishing system type approved in accordance with ISO 15371, Ships and marine technology-Fire extinguishing systems for protection of galley deep-fat cooking equipment-Fire tests, or an acceptable alternative National or International Standard, for protection of the deep-fat cooking equipment;

  2. a primary and back up thermostat with an alarm to alert the operator in the event of failure of either thermostat;

  3. means to automatically shut off the deep-fat cooking equipment electrical power upon activation of the fire-extinguishing system;

  4. an alarm for indicating operation of the fire-extinguishing system in the galley where the equipment is installed; and

  5. controls for manual operation of the fire-extinguishing system which are clearly labelled for ready use by the crew.

    Control and electrical engineering arrangements are to be in accordance with the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 1 Control Engineering Systems and Pt 16, Ch 2 Electrical Engineering, as applicable.

2.23 Helicopter decks

2.23.1 The requirements of IMO Resolution A.855(20) – Standards for On-Board Helicopter Facilities – (Adopted on 27 November 1997) are to be complied with having due regard to the hazards involved.

2.23.2 If a helicopter hangar is not provided and if two fireman's outfits are supplied as per Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.24 Fireman's outfit 2.24.1, then the fireman's outfits required by IMO Resolution A.855(20) – Standards for On-Board Helicopter Facilities – (Adopted on 27 November 1997) need not be provided.

2.24 Fireman's outfit

2.24.1 All service craft of 350 gross tons or more and having enclosed spaces which are normally accessible, are to carry at least two fireman's outfits complying with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 4 Fireman's outfits.

2.25 Fire-control plans

2.25.1 Fire control plans are to meet the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 5 Fire-control plans.


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