Part C – Suppression of Fire
Regulation 10 – Fire-Fighting
1. Purpose
The purpose of this regulation is to suppress and swiftly extinguish a fire in the space of origin. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met:
1.1 fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, having due regard to the fire growth potential of the protected spaces; and
1.2 fire-extinguishing appliances shall be readily available.
2. Water supply systems
Ships shall be provided with fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses complying with the applicable requirements of this regulation.
2.1 Fire mains and hydrants
2.1.1 General
Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not be used for fire mains and hydrants unless adequately protected. The pipes and hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them. The arrangement of pipes and hydrants shall be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. Suitable drainage provisions shall be provided for fire main piping. Isolation valves shall be installed for all open deck fire main branches used for purposes other than fire fighting. In ships where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the hydrants shall be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo.
2.1.2 Ready availability of water supply
The arrangements for the ready availability of water supply shall be:
2.1.2.1 in passenger ships:
2.1.2.1.1 of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards such that at least one effective jet of water is immediately available from any hydrant in an interior location and so as to ensure the continuation of the output of water by the automatic starting of one required fire pump;
2.1.2.1.2 of less than 1,000 gross tonnage by automatic start of at least one fire pump or by remote starting from the navigation bridge of at least one fire pump. If the pump starts automatically or if the bottom valve cannot be opened from where the pump is remotely started, the bottom valve shall always be kept open; and
2.1.2.1.3 if fitted with periodically unattended machinery spaces in accordance with regulation II-1/54, the Administration shall determine provisions for fixed water fire-extinguishing arrangement for such spaces equivalent to those required for normally attended machinery spaces;
2.1.2.2 in cargo ships:
2.1.2.2.1 to the satisfaction of the Administration; and
2.1.2.2.2 with a periodically unattended machinery space or when only one person is required on watch, there shall be immediate water delivery from the fire main system at a suitable pressure, either by remote starting of one of the main fire pumps with remote starting from the navigation bridge and fire control station, if any, or permanent pressurization of the fire main system by one of the main fire pumps, except that the Administration may waive this requirement for cargo ships of less than 1,600 gross tonnage if the fire pump starting arrangement in the machinery space is in an easily accessible position.
2.1.3 Diameter of fire mains
The diameter of the fire main and water service pipes shall be sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum required discharge from two fire pumps operating simultaneously, except that in the case of cargo ships the diameter need only be sufficient for the discharge of 140 m³/h.
2.1.4 Isolating valves and relief valves
2.1.4.1 Isolating valves to separate the section of the fire main within the machinery space containing the main fire pump or pumps from the rest of the fire main shall be fitted in an easily accessible and tenable position outside the machinery spaces. The fire main shall be so arranged that when the isolating valves are shut all the hydrants on the ship, except those in the machinery space referred to above, can be supplied with water by another fire pump or an emergency fire pump. The emergency fire pump, its seawater inlet, and suction and delivery pipes and isolating valves shall be located outside the machinery space. If this arrangement cannot be made, the sea-chest may be fitted in the machinery space if the valve is remotely controlled from a position in the same compartment as the emergency fire pump and the suction pipe is as short as practicable. Short lengths of suction or discharge piping may penetrate the machinery space, provided they are enclosed in a substantial steel casing or are insulated to “A-60” class standards. The pipes shall have substantial wall thickness, but in no case less than 11 mm, and shall be welded except for the flanged connection to the sea inlet valve.
2.1.4.2 A valve shall be fitted to serve each fire hydrant so that any fire hose may be removed while the fire pumps are in operation.
2.1.4.3 Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with fire pumps if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the water service pipes, hydrants and hoses. These valves shall be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.
2.1.4.4 In tankers, isolation valves shall be fitted in the fire main at the poop front in a protected position and on the tank deck at intervals of not more than 40 m to preserve the integrity of the fire main system in case of fire or explosion.
2.1.5 Number and position of hydrants
2.1.5.1 The number and position of hydrants shall be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which shall be from a single length of hose, may reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated and any part of any cargo space when empty, any ro-ro space or any vehicle space in which latter case the two jets shall reach any part of the space, each from a single length of hose. Furthermore, such hydrants shall be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces.
2.1.5.2 In addition to the requirements in paragraph 2.1.5.1, passenger ships shall comply with the following:
2.1.5.2.1 in the accommodation, service and machinery spaces, the number and position of hydrants shall be such that the requirements of paragraph 2.1.5.1 may be complied with when all watertight doors and all doors in main vertical zone bulkheads are closed; and
2.1.5.2.2 where access is provided to a machinery space of category A at a low level from an adjacent shaft tunnel, two hydrants shall be provided external to, but near the entrance to, that machinery space. Where such access is provided from other spaces, in one of those spaces two hydrants shall be provided near the entrance to the machinery space of category A. Such provision need not be made where the tunnel or adjacent spaces are not part of the escape route.
2.1.6 Pressure at hydrants
With the two pumps simultaneously delivering water through the nozzles specified in paragraph 2.3.3, with the quantity of water as specified in paragraph 2.1.3, through any adjacent hydrants, the following minimum pressures shall be maintained at all hydrants:
2.1.6.1 for passenger ships:
4,000 gross tonnage and upwards 0.40 N/mm² less than 4,000 gross tonnage 0.30 N/mm²
2.1.6.2 for cargo ships:
6,000 gross tonnage and upwards 0.27 N/mm² less than 6,000 gross tonnage 0.25 N/mm²
and
2.1.6.3 the maximum pressure at any hydrant shall not exceed that at which the effective control of a fire hose can be demonstrated.
2.1.7 International shore connection
2.1.7.1 Ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards shall be provided with at least one international shore connection complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code.
2.1.7.2 Facilities shall be available enabling such a connection to be used on either side of the ship.
2.2 Fire pumps
2.2.1 Pumps accepted as fire pumps
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 oil fuel, suitable change-over arrangements are fitted.
2.2.2 Number of fire pumps
Ships shall be provided with independently driven fire pumps as follows:
2.2.2.1 in passenger ships of:
4,000 gross tonnage and upwards at least three less than 4,000 gross tonnage at least two
2.2.2.2 in cargo ships of:
1,000 gross tonnage and upwards at least two
less than 1,000 gross tonnage at least two power-driven pumps, one of which shall be independently driven.
2.2.3 Arrangement of fire pumps and fire mains
2.2.3.1 Fire pumps
The arrangement of sea connections, fire pumps and their sources of power shall be as to ensure that:
2.2.3.1.1 in passenger ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, in the event of a fire in any one compartment, all the fire pumps will not be put out of action; and
2.2.3.1.2 in passenger ships of less than 1,000 gross tonnage and in cargo ships, if a fire in any one compartment could put all the pumps out of action, there shall be an alternative means consisting of an emergency fire pump complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code with its source of power and sea connection located outside the space where the main fire pumps or their sources of power are located.
2.2.3.2 Requirements for the space containing the emergency fire pump
2.2.3.2.1 Location of the space
The space containing the fire pump shall not be contiguous to the boundaries of machinery spaces of category A or those spaces containing main fire pumps. Where this is not practicable, the common bulkhead between the two spaces shall be insulated to a standard of structural fire protection equivalent to that required for a control station.
2.2.3.2.2 Access to the emergency fire pump
No direct access shall be permitted between the machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power. When this is impracticable, the Administration may accept an arrangement where the access is by means of an airlock with the door of the machinery space being of “A-60” class standard and the other door being at least steel, both reasonably gastight, self-closing and without any hold-back arrangements. Alternatively, the access may be through a watertight door capable of being operated from a space remote from the machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire pump and unlikely to be cut off in the event of fire in those spaces. In such cases, a second means of access to the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power shall be provided.
2.2.3.2.3 Ventilation of the emergency fire pump space
Ventilation arrangements to the space containing the independent source of power for the emergency fire pump shall be such as to preclude, as far as practicable, the possibility of smoke from a machinery space fire entering or being drawn into that space.
2.2.3.3 Additional pumps for cargo ships
In addition, in cargo ships where other pumps, such as general service, bilge and ballast, etc., are fitted in a machinery space, arrangements shall be made to ensure that at least one of these pumps, having the capacity and pressure required by paragraphs 2.1.6.2 and 2.2.4.2, is capable of providing water to the fire main.
2.2.4 Capacity of fire pumps
2.2.4.1 Total capacity of required fire pumps
The required fire pumps shall be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water, at the pressure specified in paragraph 2.1.6, as follows:
2.2.4.1.1 pumps in passenger ships: the quantity of water is not less than two thirds of the quantity required to be dealt with by the bilge pumps when employed for bilge pumping; and
2.2.4.1.2 pumps in cargo ships, other than any emergency pump: the quantity of water is not less than four thirds of the quantity required under regulation II-1/21 to be dealt with by each of the independent bilge pumps in a passenger ship of the same dimension when employed in bilge pumping, provided that in no cargo ship need the total required capacity of the fire pumps exceed 180 m³/h.
2.2.4.2 Capacity of each fire pump
Each of the required fire pumps (other than any emergency pump required in paragraph 2.2.3.1.2 for cargo ships) shall have a capacity not less than 80% of the total required capacity divided by the minimum number of required fire pumps but in any case not less than 25 m³/h, and each such pump shall in any event be capable of delivering at least the two required jets of water. These fire pumps shall be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions. Where more pumps than the minimum of required pumps are installed, such additional pumps shall have a capacity of at least 25 m³/h and shall be capable of delivering at least the two jets of water required in paragraph 2.1.5.1.
2.3 Fire hoses and nozzles
2.3.1 General specifications
2.3.1.1 Fire hoses shall be of non-perishable material approved by the Administration and shall be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used. Each hose shall be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Hoses specified in this chapter as “fire hoses” shall, together with any necessary fittings and tools, be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections. Additionally, in interior locations in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, fire hoses shall be connected to the hydrants at all times. Fire hoses shall have a length of at least 10 m, but not more than:
2.3.1.1.1 15 m in machinery spaces;
2.3.1.1.2 20 m in other spaces and open decks; and
2.3.1.1.3 25 m for open decks on ships with a maximum breadth in excess of 30 m.
2.3.1.2 Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.
2.3.2 Number and diameter of fire hoses
2.3.2.1 Ships shall be provided with fire hoses, the number and diameter of which shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
2.3.2.2 In passenger ships, there shall be at least one fire hose for each of the hydrants required by paragraph 2.1.5 and these hoses shall be used only for the purposes of extinguishing fires or testing the fire-extinguishing apparatus at fire drills and surveys.
2.3.2.3 In cargo ships:
2.3.2.3.1 of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall be one for each 30 m length of the ship and one spare, but in no case less than five in all. This number does not include any hoses required in any engineroom or boiler room. The Administration may increase the number of hoses required so as to ensure that hoses in sufficient number are available and accessible at all times, having regard to the type of ship and the nature of trade in which the ship is employed. Ships carrying dangerous goods in accordance with regulation 19 shall be provided with three hoses and nozzles, in addition to those required above; and
2.3.2.3.2 of less than 1,000 gross tonnage, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall be calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2.3.2.3.1. However, the number of hoses shall in no case be less than three.
2.3.3 Size and types of nozzles
2.3.3.1 For the purposes of this chapter, standard nozzle sizes shall 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.
2.3.3.2 For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 mm need not be used.
2.3.3.3 For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the nozzle size shall be such as to obtain the maximum discharge possible from two jets at the pressure mentioned in paragraph 2.1.6 from the smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 mm need not be used.
2.3.3.4 Nozzles shall be of an approved dual-purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shutoff.
3. Portable fire extinguishers
3.1 Type and design
Portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
3.2 Arrangement of fire extinguishers
3.2.1 Accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers of appropriate types and in sufficient number to the satisfaction of the Administration. Ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall carry at least five portable fire extinguishers.
3.2.2 One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stowed near the entrance to that space.
3.2.3 Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall not be placed in accommodation spaces. In control stations and other spaces containing electrical or electronic equipment or appliances necessary for the safety of the ship, fire extinguishers should be provided whose extinguishing media are neither electrically conductive nor harmful to the equipment and appliances.
3.2.4 Fire extinguishers shall be situated ready for use at easily visible places, which can be reached quickly and easily at any time in the event of a fire, and in such a way that their serviceability is not impaired by the weather, vibration or other external factors. Portable fire extinguishers shall be provided with devices which indicate whether they have been used.
3.3 Spare charges
3.3.1 Spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first ten extinguishers and 50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged on board. Not more than sixty total spare charges are required. Instructions for recharging shall be carried on board.
3.3.2 For fire extinguishers which cannot be recharged on board, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in paragraph 3.3.1 above shall be provided in lieu of spare charges.
4. Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
4.1 Types of fixed fire-extinguishing systems
4.1.1 A fixed fire-extinguishing system required by paragraph 5 below may be any of the following systems:
4.1.1.1 a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code;
4.1.1.2 a fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code; and
4.1.1.3 a fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
4.1.2 Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system not required by this chapter is installed, it shall meet the requirements of the relevant regulations of this chapter and the Fire Safety Systems Code.
4.1.3 Fire-extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301, and 2402 and perfluorocarbons shall be prohibited.
4.1.4 In general, the Administration shall not permit the use of steam as a fire extinguishing medium in fixed fire-extinguishing systems. Where the use of steam is permitted by the Administration, it shall be used only in restricted areas as an addition to the required fire-extinguishing system and shall comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety System Code.
4.2 Closing appliances for fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
Where a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is used, openings which may admit air to, or allow gas to escape from, a protected space shall be capable of being closed from outside the protected space.
4.3 Storage rooms of fire-extinguishing medium
When the fire-extinguishing medium is stored outside a protected space, it shall be stored in a room which is located behind the forward collision bulkhead, and is used for no other purposes. Any entrance to such a storage room shall preferably be from the open deck and shall be independent of the protected space. If the storage space is located below deck, it shall be located no more than one deck below the open deck and shall be directly accessible by a stairway or ladder from the open deck. Spaces which are located below deck or spaces where access from the open deck is not provided shall be fitted with a mechanical ventilation system designed to take exhaust air from the bottom of the space and shall be sized to provide at least 6 air changes per hour. Access doors shall open outwards, and bulkheads and decks, including doors and other means of closing any opening therein, which form the boundaries between such rooms and adjacent enclosed spaces shall be gastight. For the purpose of the application of tables 9.1 to 9.8, such storage rooms shall be treated as fire control stations.
4.4 Water pumps for other fire-extinguishing systems
Pumps, other than those serving the fire main, required for the provision of water for fire extinguishing systems required by this chapter, their sources of power and their controls shall be installed outside the space or spaces protected by such systems and shall be so arranged that a fire in the space or spaces protected will not put any such system out of action.
5. Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces
5.1 Machinery spaces containing oil-fired boilers or oil fuel units
5.1.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
Machinery spaces of category A containing oil-fired boilers or oil fuel units shall be provided with any one of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems in paragraph 4.1. In each case, if the engine-room and boiler room are not entirely separate, or if fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine-room, the combined engine and boiler rooms shall be considered as one compartment.
5.1.2 Additional fire-extinguishing arrangements
5.1.2.1 There shall be in each boiler room or at an entrance outside of the boiler room at least one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
5.1.2.2 There shall be at least two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent in each firing space in each boiler room and in each space in which a part of the oil fuel installation is situated. There shall be not less than one approved foam type extinguisher of at least 135 l capacity or equivalent in each boiler room. These extinguishers shall be provided with hoses on reels suitable for reaching any part of the boiler room. In the case of domestic boilers of less than 175 kW an approved foam type extinguisher of at least 135 l capacity is not required.
5.1.2.3 In each firing space there shall be a receptacle containing at least 0.1 m³ sand, sawdust impregnated with soda, or other approved dry material, along with a suitable shovel for spreading the material. An approved portable extinguisher may be substituted as an alternative.
5.2 Machinery spaces containing internal combustion machinery
5.2.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
Machinery spaces of category A containing internal combustion machinery shall be provided with one of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems in paragraph 4.1.
5.2.2 Additional fire-extinguishing arrangements
5.2.2.1 There shall be at least one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
5.2.2.2 There shall be in each such space approved foam-type fire extinguishers, each of at least 45 l capacity or equivalent, sufficient in number to enable foam or its equivalent to be directed on to any part of the fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems, gearing and other fire hazards. In addition, there shall be provided a sufficient number of portable foam extinguishers or equivalent which shall be so located that no point in the space is more than 10 m walking distance from an extinguisher and that there are at least two such extinguishers in each such space. For smaller spaces of cargo ships the Administration may consider relaxing this requirement.
5.3 Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines
5.3.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
In spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines used for main propulsion or other purposes having in the aggregate a total output of not less than 375 kW, one of the fireextinguishing systems specified in paragraph 4.1 shall be provided if such spaces are periodically unattended.
5.3.2 Additional fire-extinguishing arrangements
5.3.2.1 There shall be approved foam fire extinguishers, each of at least 45 l capacity or equivalent, sufficient in number to enable foam or its equivalent to be directed on to any part of the pressure lubrication system, on to any part of the casings enclosing pressure-lubricated parts of the turbines, engines or associated gearing, and any other fire hazards. However, such extinguishers shall not be required if protection, at least equivalent to that required by this subparagraph, is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire-extinguishing system fitted in compliance with paragraph 4.1.
5.3.2.2 There shall be a sufficient number of portable foam extinguishers or equivalent which shall be so located that no point in the space is more than 10 m walking distance from an extinguisher and that there are at least two such extinguishers in each such space, except that such extinguishers shall not be required in addition to any provided in compliance with paragraph 5.1.2.2.
5.4 Other machinery spaces
Where, in the opinion of the Administration, a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed in paragraphs 5.1, 5.2 and 5.3, there shall be provided in, or adjacent to, that space such a number of approved portable fire extinguishers or other means of fire extinction as the Administration may deem sufficient.
5.5 Additional requirements for passenger ships
In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, each machinery space of category A shall be provided with at least two suitable water fog applicators.*
* A water fog applicator might consist of a metal L-shaped pipe, the long limb being about 2 m in length, capable of being fitted to a fire hose, and the short limb being about 250 mm in length, fitted with a fixed water fog nozzle or capable of being fitted with a water spray nozzle.
5.6 Fixed local application fire-fighting systems
5.6.1 Paragraph 5.6 shall apply to passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and above and cargo ships of 2,000 gross tonnage and above.
5.6.2 Machinery spaces of category A above 500 m³ in volume shall, in addition to the fixed fire-extinguishing system required in paragraph 5.1.1, be protected by an approved type of fixed water based or equivalent local application fire-fighting system, based on the guidelines developed by the Organization.‡ In the case of periodically unattended machinery spaces, the fire-extinguishing system shall have both automatic and manual release capabilities. In the case of continuously manned machinery spaces, the fire-extinguishing system is only required to have a manual release capability.
‡ Refer to the Guidelines for the approval of fixed water-based local application fire-fighting systems for use in category A machinery spaces (MSC/Circ.913).
5.6.3 Fixed local application fire-extinguishing systems are to protect areas such as the following without the necessity of engine shutdown, personnel evacuation, or sealing of the spaces:
5.6.3.1 the fire hazard portions of internal combustion machinery used for the ship’s main propulsion and power generation;
5.6.3.2 boiler fronts;
5.6.3.3 the fire hazard portions of incinerators; and
5.6.3.4 purifiers for heated fuel oil.
5.6.4 Activation of any local application system shall give a visual and distinct audible alarm in the protected space and at continuously manned stations. The alarm shall indicate the specific system activated. The system alarm requirements described within this paragraph are in addition to, and not a substitute for, the detection and fire alarm system required elsewhere in this chapter.
6. Fire-extinguishing arrangements in control stations, accommodation and service spaces
6.1 Sprinkler systems in passenger ships
6.1.1 Passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers shall be equipped with an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code in all control stations, accommodation and service spaces, including corridors and stairways. Alternatively, control stations, where water may cause damage to essential equipment, may be fitted with an approved fixed fire-extinguishing system of another type. Spaces having little or no fire risk such as voids, public toilets, carbon dioxide rooms and similar spaces need not be fitted with an automatic sprinkler system.
6.1.2 In passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, when a fixed smoke detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code is provided only in corridors, stairways and escape routes within accommodation spaces, an automatic sprinkler system shall be installed in accordance with regulation 7.5.3.2.
6.2 Sprinkler systems for cargo ships
In cargo ships in which method IIC specified in regulation 9.2.3.1.1.2 is adopted, an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system shall be fitted in accordance with the requirements in regulation 7.5.5.2.
6.3 Spaces containing flammable liquid
6.3.1 Paint lockers shall be protected by:
6.3.1.1 a carbon dioxide system, designed to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 40% of the gross volume of the protected space;
6.3.1.2 a dry powder system, designed for at least 0.5 kg powder/m³
6.3.1.3 a water spraying or sprinkler system, designed for 5 l/m² min. Water spraying systems may be connected to the fire main of the ship; or
6.3.1.4 a system providing equivalent protection, as determined by the Administration.
In all cases, the system shall be operable from outside the protected space.
6.3.2 Flammable liquid lockers shall be protected by an appropriate fire-extinguishing arrangement approved by the Administration.
6.3.3 For lockers of a deck area of less than 4 m², which do not give access to accommodation spaces, a portable carbon dioxide fire extinguisher sized to provide a minimum volume of free gas equal to 40% of the gross volume of the
space may be accepted in lieu of a fixed system. A discharge port shall be arranged in the locker to allow the discharge of the extinguisher without having to enter into the protected space. The required portable fire extinguisher shall be stowed adjacent to the port. Alternatively, a port or hose connection may be provided to facilitate the use of fire main water.
6.4 Deep-fat cooking equipment
Deep-fat cooking equipment shall be fitted with the following:
6.4.1 an automatic or manual fire-extinguishing system tested to an international standard acceptable to the Organization;*
* Refer to the recommendations by the International Organization for Standardization, in particular publication ISO 15371:2000, Fire-extinguishing systems for protection of galley deep fat cooking equipment.
6.4.2 a primary and backup thermostat with an alarm to alert the operator in the event of failure of either thermostat;
6.4.3 arrangements for automatically shutting off the electrical power upon activation of the fire-extinguishing system;
6.4.4 an alarm for indicating operation of the fire-extinguishing system in the galley where the equipment is installed; and
6.4.5 controls for manual operation of the fire-extinguishing system which are clearly labelled for ready use by the crew.
7. Fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces
7.1 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems for general cargo
7.1.1 Except as provided for in paragraph 7.2, the cargo spaces of passenger ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall be protected by a fixed carbon dioxide or inert gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code or by a fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system which gives equivalent protection.
7.1.2 Where it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that a passenger ship is engaged on voyages of such short duration that it would be unreasonable to apply the requirements of paragraph 7.1.1 and also in ships of less than 1,000 gross tonnage, the arrangements in cargo spaces shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, provided that the ship is fitted with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to the cargo spaces.
7.1.3 Except for ro-ro and vehicle spaces, cargo spaces on cargo ships of 2,000 gross tonnage and upwards shall be protected by a fixed carbon dioxide or inert gas fireextinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, or by a fire-extinguishing system which gives equivalent protection.
7.1.4 The Administration may exempt from the requirements of paragraphs 7.1.3 and 7.2, cargo spaces of any cargo ship if constructed, and solely intended for, the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber, non-combustible cargoes or cargoes which, in the opinion of the Administration, constitute a low fire risk.* Such exemptions may be granted only if the ship is fitted with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to the cargo spaces. When such exemptions are granted, the Administration shall issue an Exemption Certificate, irrespective of the date of construction of the ship concerned, in accordance with regulation I/12(a)(vi), and shall ensure that the list of cargoes the ship is permitted to carry is attached to the Exemption Certificate.
* Refer to the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes, emergency schedule B14, entry for coal, and to the List of solid bulk cargoes which are non-combustible or constitute a low fire risk or for which a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is ineffective (MSC/Circ.671).
7.2 Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems for dangerous goods
A ship engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods in any cargo spaces shall be provided with a fixed carbon dioxide or inert gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code or with a fire-extinguishing system which, in the opinion of the Administration, gives equivalent protection for the cargoes carried.
8. Cargo tank protection
8.1 Fixed deck foam fire-extinguishing systems
8.1.1 For tankers of 20,000 tonnes deadweight and upwards, a fixed deck foam fireextinguishing system shall be provided complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, except that, in lieu of the above, the Administration, after having given consideration to the ship’s arrangement and equipment, may accept other fixed installations if they afford protection equivalent to the above, in accordance with regulation I/5. The requirements for alternative fixed installations shall comply with the requirements in paragraph 8.1.2.
8.1.2 In accordance with paragraph 8.1.1, where the Administration accepts an equivalent fixed installation in lieu of the fixed deck foam fire-extinguishing system, the installation shall:
8.1.2.1 be capable of extinguishing spill fires and also preclude ignition of spilled oil not yet ignited; and
8.1.2.2 be capable of combating fires in ruptured tanks.
8.1.3 Tankers of less than 20,000 tonnes deadweight shall be provided with a deck foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
9. Protection of cargo pump-rooms in tankers
9.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems
Each cargo pump-room shall be provided with one of the following fixed fire-extinguishing systems operated from a readily accessible position outside the pump-room. Cargo pumprooms shall be provided with a system suitable for machinery spaces of category A.
9.1.1 A carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions the Fire Safety Systems Code and with the following:
9.1.1.1 the alarms giving audible warning of the release of fire-extinguishing medium shall be safe for use in a flammable cargo vapour/air mixture; and
9.1.1.2 a notice shall be exhibited at the controls stating that, due to the electrostatic ignition hazard, the system is to be used only for fire extinguishing and not for inerting purposes.
9.1.2 A high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, provided that the foam concentrate supply is suitable for extinguishing fires involving the cargoes carried.
9.1.3 A fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.
9.2 Quantity of fire-extinguishing medium
Where the fire-extinguishing medium used in the cargo pump-room system is also used in systems serving other spaces, the quantity of medium provided or its delivery rate need not be more than the maximum required for the largest compartment.
10. Fire-fighter’s outfits
10.1 Types of fire-fighter’s outfits
Fire-fighter’s outfits shall comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code.
10.2 Number of fire-fighter’s outfits
10.2.1 Ships shall carry at least two fire-fighter’s outfits.
10.2.2 In addition, in passenger ships there shall be provided:
10.2.2.1 for every 80 m, or part thereof, of the aggregate of the lengths of all passenger spaces and service spaces on the deck which carries such spaces or, if there is more than one such deck, on the deck which has the largest aggregate of such lengths, two fire-fighter’s outfits and, in addition, two sets of personal equipment, each set comprising the items stipulated in the Fire Safety Systems Code. In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, two additional fire-fighter’s outfits shall be provided for each main vertical zone. However, for stairway enclosures which constitute individual main vertical zones and for the main vertical zones in the fore or aft end of a ship which do not contain spaces of categories (6), (7), (8) or (12) defined in regulation 9.2.2.3, no additional fire-fighter’s outfits are required; and
10.2.2.2 on ships carrying more than 36 passengers, for each pair of breathing apparatus, one water fog applicator which shall be stored adjacent to such apparatus.
10.2.3 In addition, in tankers, two fire-fighter’s outfits shall be provided.
10.2.4 The Administration may require additional sets of personal equipment and breathing apparatus, having due regard to the size and type of the ship.
10.2.5 Two spare charges shall be provided for each required breathing apparatus. Passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and cargo ships that are equipped with suitably located means for fully recharging the air cylinders free from contamination need carry only one spare charge for each required apparatus. In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, at least two spare charges for each breathing apparatus shall be provided.
10.3 Storage of fire-fighter’s outfits
10.3.1 The fire-fighter’s outfits or sets of personal equipment shall be kept ready for use in an easily accessible location that is permanently and clearly marked and, where more than one fire-fighter’s outfit or more than one set of personal equipment is carried, they shall be stored in widely separated positions.
10.3.2 In passenger ships, at least two fire-fighter’s outfits and, in addition, one set of personal equipment shall be available at any one position. At least two fire-fighter’s outfits shall be stored in each main vertical zone.