Protection of vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces
Provides additional safety measures
.1 fire protection systems shall be provided to adequately protect the ship from the fire hazards associated with vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces;
.2 ignition sources shall be separated from vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces; and
.3 vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces shall be adequately ventilated.
2.1.2 On all ships, vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion may be carried in cargo spaces other than vehicle, special category or ro-ro spaces, provided that all the following conditions are met:
.1 the vehicles do not use their own propulsion within the cargo spaces;
.2 the cargo spaces are in compliance with the appropriate requirements of regulation 19; and
.3 the vehicles are carried in accordance with the IMDG Code, as defined in regulation VII/1.1.
3 Precaution against ignition of flammable vapours in closed vehicle spaces, closed ro-ro spaces and special category spaces
3.1 Ventilation systems
3.1.1 Capacity of ventilation systems
There shall be provided an effective power ventilation system sufficient to give at least the following air changes:
.1 Passenger ships
Special category spaces 10 air changes per hour
Closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces other than special category spaces for ships carrying more than 36 passengers
10 air changes per hour
Closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces other than special category spaces for ships carrying not more than 36 passengers
6 air changes per hour
.2 Cargo ships 6 air changes per hour
The Administration may require an increased number of air changes when vehicles are being loaded and unloaded.
3.1.3 Indication of ventilation systems
Means shall be provided on the navigation bridge to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity.
3.1.4 Closing appliances and ducts
3.1.4.1 Arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shutdown and effective closure of the ventilation system from outside of the space in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.
3.1.4.2 Ventilation ducts, including dampers, within a common horizontal zone shall be made of steel. In passenger ships, ventilation ducts that pass through other horizontal zones or machinery spaces shall be “A-60” class steel ducts constructed in accordance with regulations 9.7.2.4.1.1 and 9.7.2.4.1.2.
3.1.5 Permanent openings
Permanent openings in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of the space shall be so situated that a fire in the cargo space does not endanger stowage areas and embarkation stations for survival craft and accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the cargo spaces.
4 Detection and alarm
4.1 Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems
Except as provided in paragraph 4.3.1, there shall be provided a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code. The fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire. The type of detectors and their spacing and location shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration taking into account the effects of ventilation and other relevant factors. After being installed the system shall be tested under normal ventilation conditions and shall give an overall response time to the satisfaction of the Administration.
4.2 Sample extraction smoke detection systems
Except open ro-ro spaces, open vehicle spaces and special category spaces, a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code may be used as an alternative of the fixed fire detection and fire alarm system required in paragraph 4.1.
4.3 Special category spaces
4.3.1 An efficient fire patrol system shall be maintained in special category spaces. However, if an efficient fire patrol system is maintained by a continuous fire watch at all times during the voyage, a fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems is not required.
4.3.2 Manually operated call points shall be spaced so that no part of the space is more than 20 m from a manually operated call point, and one shall be placed close to each exit from such spaces.