Regulation 56 - Location and separation of spaces
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Regulation 56 - Location and separation of spaces

Parent topic: Part D - Fire Safety Measures for Tankers

56 Construction of "cofferdams" and prohibition of containment of cargo, wastes and goods

 The expression "cofferdam" means, for the purpose of this regulation, an isolating space between two adjacent steel bulkheads or decks. The minimum distance between the two bulkheads or decks should be sufficient for safe access and inspection. In order to meet the single failure principle, in the particular case when a corner-to-corner situation occurs, this principle may be met by welding a diagonal plate across the corner (see the figure 56 in the appendix). No cargo, wastes or other goods should be contained in cofferdams.

56.1 Pump-rooms for ballast or oil fuel transfer

 Pump-rooms solely for ballast or for oil fuel transfer need not comply with the requirements of regulation II-2/63.

56.3 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in spaces forward of cargo areas

 The following interpretation should be applied only to accommodation spaces, main cargo control stations, control station, service spaces and machinery spaces forward of the cargo area.

Fire-extinguishing arrangements in the spaces mentioned below should be in accordance with the following requirements:

  • 1 one portable fire extinguisher should be arranged in machinery spaces other than those of category A. In case that they contain internal combustion machinery, one approved foam-type extinguisher of at least 45 l capacity or equivalent should be arranged in addition to portable fire extinguishers. If operation of a semi-portable fire extinguisher is impracticable, this fire extinguisher may be replaced by two additional portable fire extinguishers; and

  • .2 the interpretations of regulation II-2/6.7 should be applied in accommodation and service spaces.

56.4.1 Cofferdams in combination carriers

 The cofferdams required adjacent to slop tanks should be spaces not used for cargo or ballast and should not be connected to piping systems serving oil cargo or ballast.

56.4.2 Systems for transfer of slops

 The system for transfer of slops to the open deck should be permanently installed. When the transfer system is used for slop transfer in the dry cargo mode, it should have no connection to other systems. Separation from other systems by means of removal of spool pieces may be accepted. The slop transfer manifold on deck should be provided with a shut-off valve and a blank flange.

56.6 Construction of coamings

 Coamings of a suitable height should have a height of at least 0.3 m.

56.7 Insulation of portions which face the cargo area and in the case of sides of superstructures and deckhouses

 For the portions which face the cargo area and in the case of the sides of superstructures and deckhouses referred to in paragraph 7 of the regulation, A-60 standard insulation should be provided up to the underside of the deck of the navigation bridge. The distance of 3 m should be measured horizontally and parallel to the middle line of the ship from the boundary which faces the cargo area at each deck level

56.8.2 Gastightness test for navigation bridge external doors and windows

 The navigation bridge external doors and windows which are located within the limits of regulation II-2/56.8.1 should be tested for gas tightness. If a water hose test is applied, the following may be taken as a guide:

  • nozzle diameter: minimum 12 mm;
  • water pressure just before the nozzle: not less than 2 bar; and
  • distance between the nozzle and the doors or windows: maximum 1.5 m.
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