Chapter 6 - Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction

6.1 Fire Safety Objectives and Functional Requirements

Fire Safety Objectives

(1) The fire safety objectives of this Chapter are to-

• (a) prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion;

• (b) reduce the risk to life caused by fire;

• (c) reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the ship and the environment;

• (d) contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin; and

• (e) provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew.

Functional Requirements

(2) In order to achieve the fire safety objectives set out in Section (1), the following functional requirements are embodied in the paragraphs of this Chapter as appropriate-

• (a) division of the ship into main vertical and horizontal zones by thermal and structural boundaries;

• (b) separation of accommodation spaces from the remainder of the ship by thermal and structural boundaries;

• (c) restricted use of combustible materials;

• (d) detection of any fire in the zone of origin;

• (e) containment and extinction of any fire in the space of origin;

• (f) protection of means of escape and access for firefighting; and

• (g) ready availability of fire-extinguishing appliances.

Achievement of the Fire Safety Objectives

(3) The fire safety objectives set out in Section (1) shall be achieved by ensuring compliance with the prescriptive requirements specified in this Chapter, or by alternative design and arrangements which comply with section 6.14 and a ship shall be considered to meet the functional requirements set out in Section (2) and to achieve the fire safety objectives set out in Section (1) when either-

• (a) the ship's design and arrangements, as a whole, comply with the relevant prescriptive requirements in this Chapter;

• (b) the ship's design and arrangements, as a whole, have been reviewed and approved in accordance with section 6.14; or

• (c) part(s) of the ship's design and arrangements have been reviewed and approved in accordance with section 6.14 and the remaining parts of the ship comply with the relevant prescriptive requirements in this Chapter.

6.2 Probability of Ignition

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to prevent the ignition of combustible materials or flammable liquids. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met-

• (a) means shall be provided to control leaks of flammable liquids;

• (b) means shall be provided to limit the accumulation of flammable vapours;

• (c) the ignitability of combustible materials shall be restricted;

• (d) ignition sources shall be restricted; and

• (e) ignition sources shall be separated from combustible materials and flammable liquids.

Arrangements for Oil Fuel, Lubrication Oil, other Flammable Oils and Gaseous Fuels

(2) The following limitations shall apply to the use of oil as fuel-

• (a) except as otherwise permitted by this paragraph, no oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C shall be used;

• (b) in emergency generators, oil fuel with a flashpoint of not less than 43°C may be used;

• (c) the use of oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60°C but not less than 43°C may be permitted (e.g. for feeding the emergency fire pump's engines and the auxiliary machines which are not located in the machinery spaces of category A subject to the following-

  • (i) fuel oil tanks except those arranged in double bottom compartments shall be located outside of machinery spaces of category A;

  • (ii) provisions for the measurement of oil temperature are provided on the suction pipe of the oil fuel pump;

  • (iii) stop valves and/or cocks are provided on the inlet side and outlet side of the oil fuel strainers; and

  • (iv) pipe joints of welded construction or of circular cone type or spherical type union joint are applied as much as possible.

(3) In a ship in which oil fuel is used, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilization of the oil fuel shall be such as to ensure the safety of the ship and persons onboard and shall at least comply with Sections (4) through (22) inclusive.

(4) As far as practicable, parts of the oil fuel system containing heated oil under pressure exceeding 0.18 N/mm² shall not be placed in a concealed position such that defects and leakage cannot readily be observed and the machinery spaces in way of such parts of the oil fuel system shall be adequately illuminated.

(5) The ventilation of machinery spaces shall be sufficient under normal conditions to prevent accumulation of oil vapour.

(6) Fuel oil, lubrication oil and other flammable oils shall not be carried in forepeak tanks.

(7) The following provisions shall apply to the structure and location of oil fuel tanks-

• (a) as far as practicable, oil fuel tanks shall be part of the ship's structure and shall be located outside machinery spaces of category A;

• (b) where oil fuel tanks, other than double bottom tanks, are necessarily located adjacent to or within machinery spaces of category A, at least one of their vertical sides shall be contiguous to the machinery space boundaries, and shall preferably have a common boundary with the double bottom tanks, and the area of the tank boundary common with the machinery spaces shall be kept to a minimum; and

• (c) where tanks are situated within the boundaries of machinery spaces of category A they shall not contain oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60°C. The use of free-standing oil fuel tanks shall be prohibited in category A machinery spaces.

(8) No oil fuel tank shall be situated where spillage or leakage therefrom can constitute a fire or explosion hazard by falling on heated surfaces.

(9) Oil fuel pipes, which, if damaged, would allow oil to escape from a storage, settling or daily service tank having a capacity of 500 litres and above situated above the double bottom, shall be provided with a remote means of closing as follows-

• (a) subject to Section (b) the tank shall be fitted with a cock or valve directly on the tank capable of being closed from a safe position outside the space concerned in the event of a fire occurring in the space in which such tanks are situated;

• (b) in the special case of deep tanks situated in any shaft or pipe tunnel or similar space, whilst valves on the tank shall be fitted, control in the event of fire may be effected by means of an additional valve on the pipe or pipes outside the tunnel or similar space, provided that if such an additional valve is fitted in the machinery space, it shall be operated from a position outside that space;

• (c) the controls for remote operation of the valve for the emergency generator fuel tank shall be in a separate location from the controls for remote operation of other valves for tanks located in machinery spaces.

(10) Safe and efficient means of ascertaining the amount of oil fuel contained in any oil fuel tank shall be provided.

(11) Where sounding pipes are used-

• (a) they shall not terminate in any space where the risk of ignition of spillage from the sounding pipe might arise and in particular, they shall not terminate in passenger or crew spaces; and

• (b) as a general rule they shall not terminate in machinery spaces provided that where the Administration considers that this requirement is impracticable, it may permit termination of sounding pipes in machinery spaces on condition that all of the following requirements are met-

  • (i) an oil-level gauge is provided meeting the requirements of Section (12);

  • (ii) the sounding pipes terminate in locations remote from ignition hazards unless precautions are taken, such as the fitting of effective screens, to prevent the oil fuel in the case of spillage through the terminations of the sounding pipes from coming into contact with a source of ignition;

  • (iii) the terminations of the sounding pipes are fitted with self-closing blanking devices and with a small-diameter self-closing control cock located below the blanking device for the purpose of ascertaining, before the blanking device is opened, that oil fuel is not present; and

  • (iv) provisions are made so as to ensure that any spillage of oil fuel through the control cock involves no ignition hazard.

(12) Other oil-level gauges may be used in place of sounding pipes provided such gauges shall not require penetration below the top of the tank and their failure or overfilling of the tanks shall not permit release of fuel.

(13) The means prescribed in Section (12) which are acceptable to the Administration shall be maintained in the proper condition to ensure their continued accurate functioning in service.

(14) Provisions shall be made to-

• (a) prevent overpressure in any oil tank or in any part of the oil fuel system, including the filling pipes served by pumps onboard; and

• (b) to ensure that air and overflow pipes and relief valves shall discharge to a position where there is no risk of fire or explosion from the emergence of oils and vapour and such pipes shall not lead into crew, machinery, passenger or similar spaces.

(15) Oil fuel pipes and their valves and fittings shall conform to the following requirements-

• (a) they shall be of steel or other approved material provided that, subject to Section (b), restricted use of flexible pipes shall be permissible in positions where the Administration is satisfied that they are necessary;

• (b) flexible pipes permitted under Section (a), and their end attachments, shall be of approved fire-resisting materials of adequate strength and shall be constructed to the satisfaction of the Administration; and

• (c) where valves fitted to oil fuel tanks are subject to static pressure, steel or spheroidal-graphite cast iron may be accepted provided that ordinary cast iron valves may be used in piping systems where the design pressure is lower than 7 bar and the design temperature is below 60°C.

(16) External high-pressure fuel delivery lines between the high-pressure fuel pumps and fuel injectors shall be protected with a jacketed piping system which-

• (a) shall incorporate an outer pipe into which the high-pressure fuel pipe is placed, forming a permanent assembly;

• (b) shall be capable of containing fuel from a high-pressure line failure; and

• (c) shall include a means for collection of leakages and be provided with an alarm in case of a fuel line failure.

(17) Oil fuel lines shall-

• (a) not be located immediately above or near units of high temperature, including boilers, steam pipelines, exhaust manifolds, silencers or other equipment required to be protected by Sections (21) and (22);

• (b) as far as practicable, be arranged so as to be far apart from hot surfaces, electrical installations or other sources of ignition;

• (c) be screened or otherwise suitably protected to avoid oil spray or oil leakage onto the sources of ignition; and

• (d) be arranged such that the number of joints in such piping systems shall be kept to a minimum.

(18) Components of a diesel engine fuel system shall be designed considering the maximum peak pressure which shall be experienced in service, including any high-pressure pulses which are generated and transmitted back into the fuel supply and spill lines by the action of fuel injection pumps and connections within the fuel supply and spill lines shall be constructed having regard to their ability to prevent pressurized oil fuel leaks while in service and after maintenance.

(19) In multi-engine installations which are supplied from the same fuel source, means of isolating the fuel supply and spill piping to individual engines shall be provided and such means of isolation shall not affect the operation of the other engines and shall be operable from a position not rendered inaccessible by a fire on any of the engines.

(20) Where the Administration may permit the conveying of oil and combustible liquids through accommodation and service spaces, the pipes conveying oil or combustible liquids shall be of a material approved by the Administration having regard to the fire risk.

(21) Surfaces with temperatures above 220°C which may be impinged as a result of a fuel system failure shall be properly insulated.

(22) Precautions shall be taken to prevent any oil that may escape under pressure from any pump, filter or heater from coming into contact with heated surfaces.

(23) The arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of oil used in pressure lubrication systems shall be such as to ensure the safety of the ship and persons onboard and the arrangements made in machinery spaces of category A, and whenever practicable in other machinery spaces, shall at least comply with the provisions of Sections (7) to (10), (14), (15), (17), (21) and (22), provided that-

• (a) this does not preclude the use of sight-flow glasses in lubricating systems provided that they are shown by testing to have a suitable degree of fire resistance; and

• (b) sounding pipes may be authorised in machinery spaces and the requirements of Sections (11)(b)(i) and (11)(b)(iii) need not be applied provided that that the sounding pipes are fitted with appropriate means of closure.

(24) The provisions of Section (9) shall also apply to lubricating oil tanks having a capacity of 500 litres or more, storage tanks on which valves are closed during the normal operation mode of the ship, or where it is determined that an unintended operation of a quick-closing valve on the oil lubricating tank would endanger the safe operation of the main propulsion and essential auxiliary machinery.

(25) The arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of other flammable oils employed under pressure in power transmission systems, control and activating systems and heating systems shall-

• (a) be such as to ensure the safety of the ship and persons onboard;

• (b) shall be fitted with suitable oil collecting arrangements for leaks below hydraulic valves and cylinders;

• (c) where means of ignition are present, at least comply with the provisions of Sections (8), (10), (13), (21), and (22), and with the provisions of Sections (14) and (15) in respect of strength and construction.

(26) The arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of fuels having a flashpoint of less than 60⁰C for use in vehicles and pleasure craft shall be such as to ensure the safety of the ship and persons onboard and such arrangements shall at least comply with the provisions of Section 5 of Annex H.

(27) In addition to the requirements of Sections (2) to (4), the oil fuel and lubricating oil systems in a periodically unattended machinery space shall comply with the following-

• (a) where daily service oil fuel tanks are filled automatically, or by remote control, means shall be provided to prevent overflow spillages. Other equipment which treats flammable liquids automatically (e.g., oil fuel purifiers) which, whenever practicable, shall be installed in a special space reserved for purifiers and their heaters, shall have arrangements to prevent overflow spillages; and

• (b) where daily service oil fuel tanks or settling tanks are fitted with heating arrangements, a high temperature alarm shall be provided if the flashpoint of the oil fuel can be exceeded.

(28) Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel shall be such that, having regard to the hazards of fire and explosion which the use of the fuel may entail, the safety of the ship and the persons onboard is preserved and the installation shall be in accordance with recognised national or international standards acceptable to the Administration.

(29) Storage lockers for gas cylinders shall be provided with-

• (a) effective ventilation;

• (b) an outward-opening door accessible directly to the open deck;

• (c) gas-tight boundaries, including doors and other means of closing any openings therein, which form boundaries between such lockers and adjoining spaces; and

• (d) equipment and fittings which shall be certified as safe for the environment in which they are being used,

(30) Spaces using gaseous fuel for heating, cooking or other purposes shall be provided with an effective power ventilation system which shall be in operation at all times when gas is being used in such spaces and means shall be provided on the navigation bridge to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity.

Miscellaneous Items of Ignition Sources and Ignitability

(31) Electric radiators, if used, shall be fixed in position and so constructed as to reduce fire risks to a minimum and no such radiators shall be fitted with an element so exposed that clothing, curtains, or other similar materials can be scorched or set on fire by heat from the element.

(32) Waste receptacles shall be constructed of non-combustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom subject to the following-

• (a) plastic bins in galleys are for food waste only and shall be clearly marked in accordance with vessels Garbage Management Plan;

• (b) plastic bins in galleys used for Glass and Tins only shall be suitably marked in accordance with the Garbage Management Plan and kept clear from any heat source; and

• (c) fire retardant fibreglass bins are acceptable for general waste around the ship provided they are fitted with metal liners.

(33) In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the surface of insulation shall be impervious to oil or oil vapours.

(34) Notwithstanding 6.4(4) and (5) primary deck coverings, if applied within accommodation and service spaces, control stations, and cabin balconies shall be of approved material which shall not readily ignite, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

6.3 Fire Growth Potential

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to limit the fire growth potential in every space of the ship and for this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met-

• (a) means of control for the air supply to the space shall be provided;

• (b) means of control for flammable liquids in the space shall be provided; and

• (c) the use of combustible materials shall be restricted.

Control of Air Supply and Flammable Liquid to the Space

(2) The main inlets and outlets of all ventilation systems shall be capable of being closed from outside the spaces being ventilated and the means of closing shall be easily accessible as well as prominently and permanently marked and shall indicate whether the shut-off is open or closed.

(3) Power ventilation of accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces shall be capable of being stopped from an easily accessible position outside the space being served and this position shall not be readily cut off in the event of a fire in the spaces served.

(4) Means of control shall be provided for opening and closure of skylights, closure of openings in funnels which normally allow exhaust ventilation and closure of ventilator dampers.

(5) Means of control shall be provided for stopping ventilating fans in accordance with the following provisions-

• (a) controls provided for the power ventilation serving machinery spaces shall be grouped so as to be operable from two positions, one of which shall be outside such spaces; and

• (b) the means provided for stopping the power ventilation of the machinery spaces shall be entirely separate from the means provided for stopping ventilation of other spaces.

(6) Means of control shall be provided for stopping forced and induced draught fans, oil fuel transfer pumps, oil fuel unit pumps, lubricating oil service pumps, thermal oil circulating pumps and oil separators (purifiers) provided that Sections (7) and (8) need not apply to oily water separators.

(7) The controls required in Sections (4) to (6) and in Section 6.2(9) shall be located outside the space served so they shall not be cut off in the event of fire in that space.

(8) The controls required in Sections (4) to (7) and in sections 6.6(5) and 6.6(6) and the controls for any required fire-extinguishing system shall be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible to the satisfaction of the Administration and such positions shall have a safe access from the open deck.

Additional Requirements for Means of Control in Periodically Unattended Machinery Spaces

(9) For periodically unattended machinery spaces, the Administration shall give special consideration to maintaining the fire integrity of the machinery spaces, the location and centralisation of the fire-extinguishing system controls, the required shutdown arrangements (e.g., ventilation, fuel pumps, etc.) and any additional fire-extinguishing appliances and other fire-fighting equipment and breathing apparatus that may be required and these requirements shall be at least equivalent to those of machinery spaces normally attended. (Note section 5.3(1) which prohibits unattended machinery spaces operations on Code vessels subject to the approval of the Administration)

Use of Non-Combustible Materials

(10) Insulating materials in spaces, other than in mail rooms, baggage rooms and refrigerated compartments of service spaces, shall be non-combustible provided that vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as the insulation of pipe fittings for cold service systems, need not be of non-combustible materials, but they shall be kept to the minimum quantity practicable and their exposed surfaces shall have low flame-spread characteristics.

(11) All linings, grounds, draught stops and ceilings used internally, shall be of non-combustible material except in saunas or refrigerated compartments of service spaces; partial bulkheads or decks used to subdivide a space for utility or artistic treatment shall also be of non-combustible materials.

(12) Open decks, bulkheads and divisions of "A", "B" or "C" class in accommodation , service spaces and cabin balconies which are faced with combustible materials, facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers shall comply with the provisions of Sections (13) to (15) and section 6.4, provided that natural hard wood decking, traditional wooden benches, wooden linings on bulkheads and ceilings are permitted in open decks and saunas and such materials need not be subject to the calculations prescribed in Sections (13) and (14): ): provided that where it is possible to readily direct a jet of water, for firefighting purposes, on to an open deck or cabin balcony from the deck immediately above, or adjacent, the restrictions on materials used bulkheads and divisions on such an open deck or balcony may be relaxed, except for open decks and cabin balconies adjacent to life saving appliances, as referred to in section 6.3(23) , where an evaluation of the fire risk ^footnoteshall be conducted and mitigation measures put in place to the satisfaction of the Administration; see also Sections (14), (15),(17), (19) and (20).

(13) Combustible materials used on the surfaces and linings specified in Section (12), except for open decks, shall have a calorific value^footnote not exceeding 45 MJ/m² of the area for the thickness used; provided that the requirements of this paragraph are not applicable to the surfaces of furniture fixed to linings or bulkheads.

(14) Subject to Section (15), furniture and furnishings on open decks shall comply with Regulation 5.3.4 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS unless such open decks are protected by a fixed pressure water-spraying and fixed fire detection system and alarm system.

(15) Except for open decks adjacent to life saving appliances, as referred to in section 6.3(23), the furniture and furnishings on the open decks referred to in Section (14) need not comply with Regulation 5.3.4 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS provided it is possible to readily direct a jet of water, for firefighting purposes, on to such a deck from the deck immediately above or adjacent.

(16) Where combustible materials are used in the vessel interior in accordance with Section (12), they shall comply with the following requirements-

• (a) the total volume of combustible facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers in accommodation and service spaces shall not exceed a volume equivalent to 2.5 millimetres veneer on the combined area of the walls and ceiling linings. Furniture fixed to linings, bulkheads or decks need not be included in the calculation of the total volume of combustible materials; and

• (b) in the case of ships fitted with an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, the above volume may include some combustible material used for erection of "C" class divisions.

(17) The following surfaces shall have low flame-spread characteristics in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code-

• (a) exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures and of bulkhead and ceiling linings in accommodation and service spaces (except saunas) and control stations;

• (b) surfaces and grounds in concealed or inaccessible spaces in accommodation and service spaces and control stations; and

• (c) exposed surfaces of cabin balconies except for natural hardwood decking systems: provided that this section need not apply where it is possible to readily direct a jet of water, for firefighting purposes, on to such a balcony from the deck immediately above or adjacent, and the balcony is not adjacent to life saving appliances;

(18) the Administration may relax the provisions of 6.3(17) in areas appropriated for the use of the owner and passengers, other than in relation to escape routes, stairway enclosures and corridors, provided that-

• (a) such owner and passenger spaces within such areas are individually bounded by divisions with fire integrity in accordance with Tables 6.1 and 6.2;

• (b) the spaces are fitted with a fully addressable fire detection system and a fixed firefighting system complying with the relevant provision of the Fire Safety Systems Code;

• (c) in all cases the Administration is consulted, either directly or through the vessel’s Recognised Organisation and a detailed proposal with respect to the material to be used and its intended location is submitted as part of the consultation process;

(19) In applying the provisions of Section (18), the overall fire, smoke and toxicity characteristics of the materials to be used may be taken into account as part of the overall assessment.

(20) Furniture within stairway enclosures shall be subject to the following provisions-

• (a) furniture in stairway enclosures shall-

  • (i) be fixed and limited to no more than six seats on each deck in each stairway enclosure;

  • (ii) be of restricted fire risk determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code; and

  • (iii) not restrict the passenger escape route;

  • (iv) provided that Administration may permit additional seating in the main reception area within a stairway enclosure if it is fixed, non-combustible and does not restrict the passenger escape route.

• (b) furniture shall not be permitted in passenger and crew corridors and stairs forming escape routes in cabin areas, provided that-

  • (i) lockers of non-combustible material, providing storage for non-hazardous safety equipment required by this Chapter; and

  • (ii) drinking water dispensers, ice cube machines, decorative flower or plant arrangements, statues or other objects of art such as paintings and tapestries;

• may be permitted in corridors and stairways where these are fixed and do not restrict the width of the escape routes.

(21) Subject to Section (22), furniture and furnishings on cabin balconies shall comply with section 6.7(1)(d)(i),(ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii) unless such balconies are protected by a fixed pressure water-spraying and fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems complying with SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, regulations 7.10 and 10.6.1.3.

(22) Except for open decks adjacent to life saving appliances, as referred to in section 6.3(23), the furniture and furnishings on the cabin balconies referred to in Section (19) need not comply with Regulation 5.3.4 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS provided it is possible to readily direct a jet of water, for fire-fighting purposes, on to such a deck from the deck immediately above or adjacent.

(23) Furniture and furnishings on open decks adjacent to survival craft, rescue boats and their respective launching and embarkation stations, shall have their fire risk evaluated^footnote and mitigation measures put in place to the satisfaction of the Administration. The following are considered as providing suitable mitigating measures to give a level of risk to be accepted:

• (a) The furniture and furnishings shall be of a restricted fire risk in accordance with SOLAS II-2 Regulation 3.40

• (b) Use of upholstered furniture in accordance with Fire Test Procedures Code Part 8;

• (c) Local portable firefighting appliances for Class A fires;

• (d) Fixed fire detection and firefighting systems suitable for open decks;

• (e) Restricted use of non fixed furnishing; and

• (f) Furniture not to be immediately adjacent to or proving storage for the Life-saving appliances.

6.4 Smoke Generation Potential and Toxicity

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to reduce the hazard to life from smoke and toxic products generated during a fire in spaces where persons normally work or live by limiting the quantity of smoke and toxic products released from combustible materials, including surface finishes, during a fire.

Paints, Varnishes and other Finishes

(2) Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces shall not be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke and toxic products, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

(3) Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed surfaces of cabin balconies, excluding natural hard wood decking systems, shall not be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke and toxic products, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

Primary Deck Coverings

(4) Notwithstanding 6.2(34), primary deck coverings, if applied within accommodation and service spaces, control stations and on open decks shall be of approved material which shall not give rise to smoke or toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

(5) Notwithstanding 6.2(34) primary deck coverings on cabin balconies shall not give rise to smoke, toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

6.5 Detection and Alarm

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to detect a fire in the space of origin and to provide for alarm for safe escape and fire-fighting activity and for this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met-

• (a) fixed fire detection and fire alarm system installations shall be suitable for the nature of the space, fire growth potential and potential generation of smoke and gases;

• (b) manually operated call points shall be placed effectively to ensure a readily accessible means of notification; and

• (c) fixed fire detection and fire alarm system installations shall be capable of remotely and individually identifying each detector and manually operated call point.

General Requirements

(1) A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be provided in accordance with the provisions of this paragraph.

(2) A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system and a sample extraction smoke detection system required in this paragraph and other paragraphs in this part shall be of an approved type and comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(3) Where a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system is required for the protection of spaces other than those specified in Section (9), at least one detector complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be installed in each such space.

Initial and Periodical Tests

(4) The function of fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems required by the relevant requirements of this Chapter shall be tested under varying conditions of ventilation after installation.

(5) The function of fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be periodically tested to the satisfaction of the Administration by means of equipment producing hot air at the appropriate temperature, or smoke or aerosol particles having the appropriate range of density or particle size, or other phenomena associated with incipient fires to which the detector is designed to respond.

Protection of Machinery Spaces

(6) A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be installed in-

• (d) periodically unattended machinery spaces; and

• (e) machinery spaces where-

  • (i) the installation of automatic and remote control systems and equipment has been approved in lieu of continuous manning of the space; and

  • (ii) the main propulsion and associated machinery, including the main sources of electrical power, are provided with various degrees of automatic or remote control and are under continuous manned supervision from a control room.

(7) The fixed fire detection and fire alarm system required in Section (1) shall-

• (a) be so designed and the detectors so positioned as to detect rapidly the onset of fire in any part of those spaces and under any normal conditions of operation of the machinery and variations of ventilation as required by the possible range of ambient temperatures;

• (b) detection systems using only thermal detectors shall not be permitted except in spaces of restricted height and where their use is appropriate;

• (c) the detection system shall initiate local and remote audible and visual alarms distinct in both respects from the alarms of any other system not indicating fire, in sufficient places to ensure that the alarms are heard and observed on the navigation bridge or continuously manned central control station and by a responsible engineer officer.

Protection of Accommodation and Service Spaces and Control Stations

(8) Smoke detectors shall be installed in all cabins, stairways, corridors and escape routes within accommodation spaces as provided in Section (10); consideration shall also be given to the installation of special purpose smoke detectors within ventilation ducting.

(9) There shall be installed in every ship throughout each separate zone, whether vertical or horizontal, in all accommodation and service spaces and, where it is considered necessary by the Administration, in control stations, except spaces which afford no substantial fire risk such as void spaces and sanitary spaces, an automatic sprinkler, a fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the relevant requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code and with the provisions of Section (16) and so installed and arranged as to protect such spaces.

(10) The construction of ceilings and bulkheads shall be such that it shall be possible, without impairing the efficiency of the fire protection to detect any smoke originating in concealed and inaccessible places (requiring tools to access), except where in the opinion of the Administration there is no risk of fire originating in such places due to there being no ignition sources.

(11) Manually operated call points complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be installed throughout the accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and external deck areas such that

• (a) one manually operated call point shall be located at each exit;

• (b) manually operated call points shall be readily accessible in the corridors of each deck such that no part of the corridor is more than 20 metres from such a point; and

• (c) manually operated call points shall be located on external decks where a source of ignition or fire risk is identified beneath an overhanging structure.

Fire Alarm Signaling Systems^footnote

(12) Ships shall at all times when at sea, or in port (except when out of service), be so manned or equipped as to ensure that any initial fire alarm is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew either:

• (a) on the bridge; or

• (b) at the continuously manned control station should this station be in a location other than on the bridge; and

• (c) when more than 12 passengers are carried the navigation bridge shall be manned at all times.

(13) The control panel of fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems shall be designed on the fail-safe principle (e.g., an open detector circuit shall cause an alarm condition).

(14) The fire detection and fire alarms system required by Section (10) shall comply with the following requirements-

• (a) it shall be centralised in a continuously manned central control station, which may be the navigation bridge;

• (b) in addition, controls for fire pumps and emergency fire pumps, remote closing of the watertight and semi-watertight doors, fire doors, release of smoke from machinery spaces and shutting down the ventilation fans shall be centralised in the same location as that referred to in Section (a) above;

• (c) the ventilation fans shall be capable of reactivation by the crew at the continuously manned control station;

• (d) the control panels in the central control station shall be capable of indicating open or closed positions of watertight and semi-watertight doors, fire doors if required under 6.7(35), on or off status of the detectors, manual call points, alarms and fans;

• (e) the control panel shall be continuously powered and shall have an automatic change-over to standby power supply in case of loss of normal power supply; and

• (f) the control panel shall be powered from the main source of electrical power and the emergency source of electrical power.

(15) A special alarm, operated from the navigation bridge and fire control station, shall be fitted to summon the crew and this alarm may be part of the ship's general emergency alarm system and shall be capable of being sounded independently of the alarm to the passenger spaces.

(16) A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be installed on cabin balconies of ships to which SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part B,Regulation 5.3.4 applies, when furniture and furnishings on such balconies are not as defined in Section 6.7(1)(d)(i), (ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii).

6.6 Control of Smoke Spread

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this part is to control the spread of smoke in order to minimise the hazards from smoke by providing means for controlling smoke in atriums, control stations, machinery spaces and concealed spaces.

Protection of Control Stations outside Machinery Spaces

(2) Practicable measures shall be taken for control stations outside machinery spaces in order to ensure that ventilation, visibility and freedom from smoke are maintained within them so that, in the event of fire, the machinery and equipment contained therein may be supervised and continue to function effectively, such measures to include the provision of alternative and separate means of air supply arranged so that the air inlets of the two sources of supply shall be so disposed that the risk of both inlets drawing in smoke simultaneously is minimized; provided that, at the discretion of the Administration, such

requirements need not apply to control stations situated on, and opening onto, an open deck or where local closing arrangements would be equally effective.

(3) The ventilation system serving safety centres may be derived from the ventilation system serving the navigation bridge, unless located in an adjacent main vertical zone.

Release of Smoke from Machinery Spaces

(4) The provisions of Sections (5), (6) and (7) shall apply to machinery spaces of category A and, where the Administration considers it desirable, to other machinery spaces.

(5) Means of control shall be provided for permitting the release of smoke, in the event of fire, from the space to be protected and, subject to the provisions of section 6.7(50), the normal ventilation systems may be acceptable for this purpose.

(6) Means of control shall be provided for permitting the release of smoke and such controls shall be located outside the space served so that, in the event of fire in that space, they shall not be cut off.

(7) The controls required by Section (5) shall be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible to the satisfaction of the Administration and such positions shall have a safe access from the open deck.

Draught Stops

(8) Air spaces enclosed behind ceilings including those in overhanging Superstructure decks where sources of ignition (i.e. electrical cables and equipment are fitted, panelling or linings shall be divided by close-fitting draught stops spaced not more than 14 metres apart. In the vertical direction, such enclosed air spaces, including those behind linings of stairways, trunks, etc., shall be closed at each deck.

Smoke Extraction Systems in Atriums

(9) Atriums shall be equipped with a smoke extraction system, having fans sized such that that the entire volume within the space can be exhausted in 10 minutes or less, and which shall be activated by the required smoke detection system and be capable of manual control.

6.7 Containment of Fire

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this part is to contain a fire in the space of origin by meeting the following functional requirements-

• (a) the ship shall be subdivided by thermal and structural boundaries;

• (b) thermal insulation of boundaries shall have due regard to the fire risk of the space and adjacent spaces;

• (c) the fire integrity of the divisions shall be maintained at openings and penetrations; and

Thermal and Structural Subdivision

(2) Ships shall be subdivided into spaces by thermal and structural divisions having regard to the fire risks of the spaces.

Main Vertical Zones and Horizontal Zones

(3) The hull, superstructure and deckhouses in way of accommodation and service spaces shall be subdivided into main vertical zones by "A" class divisions and these divisions shall have insulation values in accordance with Tables 6.1 and 6.2.

(4) The main vertical zones shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) the bulkheads forming the boundaries of the main vertical zones above the bulkhead deck shall as far as practicable, be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulkhead deck;

• (b) the length and width of main vertical zones may be extended to a maximum of 48 metres in order to bring the ends of main vertical zones to coincide with watertight subdivision bulkheads or in order to accommodate a large public space extending for the whole length of the main vertical zone provided that the total area of the main vertical zone is not greater than 1,600 m² on any deck;

• (c) the length or width of a main vertical zone shall be the maximum distance between the furthermost points of the bulkheads bounding it; and

• (d) main vertical zones may be stepped or may consist of one or more horizontal zones where it is impracticable from structural or design considerations to achieve compliance otherwise; in all cases however the Administration shall be satisfied that an equivalent level of safety and protection is achieved.

(5) Bulkheads forming the boundaries of main vertical zones shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries.

(6) Where a main vertical zone is subdivided by horizontal "A" class divisions into horizontal zones for the purpose of providing an appropriate barrier between a zone with sprinklers and a zone without sprinklers, the divisions shall extend between adjacent main vertical zone bulkheads and to the shell or exterior boundaries of the ship and shall be insulated in accordance with the fire insulation and integrity values given in Table 6.2.

Bulkheads within a Main Vertical Zone

(7) Bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces shall meet the requirements of Sections (a) to (d) as appropriate taking into consideration guidelines developed by the IMO^footnote -

• (a) Subject to Sections (a) and (b), bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces which are not required to be "A" class divisions shall be at least "B" class or "C" class divisions as prescribed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2; in addition, corridor bulkheads, where not required to be "A" class, shall be "B" class divisions which shall extend from deck to deck;

• (b) where continuous "B" class ceilings or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, the portion of the bulkhead behind the continuous ceiling or lining shall be of material which, in thickness and composition, is acceptable in the construction of "B" class divisions, but which shall be required to meet "B" class integrity standards only in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Administration;

• (c) where, as shall normally be the case, the ship is protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, the corridor bulkheads may terminate at a ceiling in the corridor provided such bulkheads and ceilings are of "B" class standard in compliance with Sections (10) and (11): provided that all doors and frames in such bulkheads shall be of non-combustible materials and shall have the same fire integrity as the bulkhead in which they are fitted.

• (d) where “C” class divisions between similar purposed spaces are provided (sleeping/washing/dressing), these divisions do not need to be continuous and the group of spaces may be considered as one.

(8) Bulkheads required to be "B" class divisions, except corridor bulkheads as prescribed in Section 6.9(2), shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries; provided that where a continuous "B" class ceiling or lining is fitted on both sides of a bulkhead which is at least of the same fire resistance as the adjoining bulkhead, the bulkhead may terminate at the continuous ceiling or lining.

Fire Integrity of Bulkheads and Decks

(9) In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2.

(10) The following requirements shall govern application of the Tables-

• (a) Tables 6.1 and 6.2 shall apply respectively to the bulkheads and decks separating adjacent spaces;

• (b) For determining the appropriate fire integrity standards to be applied to divisions between adjacent spaces-

  • (i) such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in Sections (ba) to (bk) below;

  • (ii) where the contents and use of a space are such that there is a doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this paragraph , or where it is possible to assign two or more classifications to a space, it shall be treated as a space within the relevant category having the most stringent boundary requirements;

  • (iii) smaller, enclosed rooms within a space that have less than 30% communicating openings to that space are considered separate spaces;

  • (iv) the fire integrity of the boundary bulkheads and decks of such smaller rooms shall be as prescribed in Tables 6.1 and 6.2;

  • (v) the title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive; and

  • (vi) the number in parentheses following each category refers to the applicable column or row in the Tables,

    • (ba) control stations (1):

      spaces containing emergency sources of power and lighting; wheelhouse and chartroom; spaces containing the ship's radio equipment; fire control stations; control room for propulsion machinery when located outside the machinery space; spaces containing centralised fire alarm equipment;

    • (bb) corridors (2):

      passenger and crew corridors and lobbies;

    • (bc) accommodation spaces (3):

      spaces as defined in Chapter 2 excluding corridors;

    • (bd) stairways (4):

      interior stairways; lifts; totally enclosed emergency escape trunks and escalators (other than those wholly contained within the machinery spaces) and enclosures thereto (in this connection, a stairway which is enclosed only at one level shall be regarded as part of the space from which it is not separated by a fire door);

    • (be) service spaces (low risk) (5):

      lockers and store-rooms not having provisions for the storage of flammable liquids and having areas less than 4m², drying rooms and laundries and spaces containing marine evacuation systems. Space Category dependent on the surface area of the floor;

    • (bf) machinery spaces of Category A (6):

      spaces as defined in Chapter 2;

    • (bg) other machinery spaces (7):

      electrical equipment rooms (auto-telephone exchange, air-conditioning duct spaces); spaces as defined in Chapter 2 excluding machinery spaces of category A;

    • (bh) service spaces (high risk) (9):

      galleys; pantries containing cooking appliances; paint lockers; lockers and store-rooms having areas of 4m² or more; spaces for the storage of flammable liquids; saunas and workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces. Space Category dependent on the surface area of the floor;

    • (bi) open decks (10):

      open deck spaces and enclosed promenades having little or no fire risk; enclosed promenades shall have no significant fire risk, meaning that furnishing shall be restricted to deck furniture; in addition, such spaces shall be naturally ventilated by permanent openings; air spaces (the space outside superstructures and deckhouses); and

    • (bj) garage spaces (11):

      spaces as defined in Chapter 2.

(11) In determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a boundary between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is not protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code or between such zones neither of which is so protected, the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply.

(12) In determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a boundary between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code or between such zones both of which are so protected, the lesser of the two values given in the tables shall apply and where a zone with sprinklers and a zone without sprinklers meet within accommodation and service spaces, the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply to the division between the zones.

(13) Continuous "B" class ceilings or linings, in association with the relevant decks or bulkheads, may be accepted as contributing, wholly or in part, to the required insulation and integrity of a division.

(14) External boundaries which are required in Section 6.9(2) to be of steel or other equivalent material may be pierced for the fitting of windows and sidescuttles provided that there is no requirement for such boundaries to have "A" class integrity. Similarly, in such boundaries which are not required to have "A" class integrity, doors may be constructed of materials which are to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Construction and Arrangement of Saunas

(15) The perimeter of the sauna shall be of "A" class boundaries and may include changing rooms, showers and toilets and the sauna shall be insulated to "A-60" standard against other spaces except those inside of the perimeter of the sauna and spaces of category (5), (7) and (10).

(16) Bathrooms with direct access to saunas may be considered as part of them. In such cases, the door between sauna and the bathroom need not comply with fire safety requirements.

(17) The traditional wooden lining on the bulkheads and ceiling are permitted in the sauna provided that-

• (a) the ceiling above the oven shall be lined with a non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 millimetres; and

• (b) the distance from the hot surfaces to combustible materials shall be at least 500 millimetres or the combustible materials shall be protected (e.g., non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 millimetres).

(18) The traditional wooden benches are permitted to be used in the sauna.

(19) The sauna door shall open outwards by pushing.

(20) Electrically heated ovens shall be provided with a timer.

Protection of Stairways and Lifts in Accommodation Area

(21) Stairways shall be within enclosures formed of "A" class divisions, with positive means of closure at all openings, except that-

• (a) a stairway connecting only two decks need not be enclosed, provided the integrity of the deck is maintained by proper bulkheads or self-closing doors in one 'tween-deck space; when a stairway is closed in one 'tween-deck space, the stairway enclosure shall be protected in accordance with Table 6.2; and

• (b) Stairways may be fitted in the open in a public space, provided they lie wholly within the public space.

(22) Lift trunks shall be so fitted as to prevent the passage of smoke and flame from one deck to another and shall be provided with means of closing so as to permit the control of draught and smoke.

(23) Machinery for lifts located within stairway enclosures shall be arranged in a separate room, surrounded by steel boundaries, provided that small passages for lift cables are permitted.

(24) Lifts which open into spaces other than corridors, public spaces, special category spaces, stairways and external areas shall not open into stairways included in the means of escape.

(25) Non-load bearing partial bulkheads which separate adjacent cabin balconies shall be capable of being opened by the crew from each side for the purpose of fighting fires.

Protection of Atriums:

(26) Atriums shall be within enclosures formed of “A” class divisions having a fire rating determined in accordance with Table 6.1.

(27) Decks separating spaces within atriums shall have a fire rating determined in accordance with Table 6.2.

Table 6.1 - Fire Integrity of Bulkheads separating Adjacent Spaces

Table 6.2 - Fire Integrity of Decks separating Adjacent Spaces

Notes: To be applied to both tables 6.1 and 6.2 as appropriate

(For clarification as to which applies, see Sections (7) and (8) and Sections (21) and (24))

^a For clarification as to which applies, see Sections 6.7(7) and (8) and 6.7(21) to (25)

^b Where spaces are of the same numerical category and superscript "b" appears, a bulkhead or deck of the rating shown in the tables is only required when the adjacent spaces are for a different purpose (e.g., in category (9)). A galley next to a galley does not require a bulkhead, but a galley next to a paint room requires an "A-0" bulkhead.

^c Bulkheads separating the wheelhouse and chartroom from each other may have a "B-0" rating. No fire rating is required for those partitions separating the navigation bridge and the safety centre when the latter is within the navigation bridge.

^d See Sections (11) and (12).

^e For the application of Section (3), "B-0" and "C", where appearing in Table 6.1, shall be read as "A-0".

^f Fire insulation need not be fitted if the machinery space in category (7), in the opinion of the Administration, has little or no fire risk.

* Where an asterisk appears in the Tables it indicates that-

• (a) the division is required to be of steel or other equivalent material, but is not required to be of "A" class; however, where a deck, except in a category (10) space, is penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes and vent ducts, such penetrations shall be made tight to prevent the passage of flame and smoke;

• (b) divisions between control stations (emergency generators) and open decks may have air intake openings without means for closure; unless a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system is fitted in the control station;

• (c) for the application of Section 6.7(3), in Table 6.2, “A” class divisions shall be read as "A-0", except for category (10); and

• (d) for windows and doors, Section 6.7(46) shall apply;

Penetrations in Fire-Resisting Divisions and Prevention of Heat Transmission

(28) Where "A" class divisions are penetrated, such penetrations shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) subject to the provisions of Section (36), the penetrations shall be tested in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;

• (b) in the case of ventilation ducts, Sections (56) and (68) shall apply;

• (c) where a pipe penetration is made of steel or equivalent material having a thickness of 3 millimetres or greater and a length of not less than 900 millimetres (preferably 450 millimetres on each side of the division), and there are no openings, testing is not required but such penetrations shall be suitably insulated by extension of the insulation at the same level of the division being penetrated.

(29) Where "B" class divisions are penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc., or for the fitting of ventilation terminals, lighting fixtures and similar devices, such penetrations shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) subject to the provisions of Section (69), arrangements shall be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired;

• (b) pipes other than steel or copper that shall be protected by either-

  • (i) a fire-tested penetration device suitable for the fire resistance of the division pierced and the type of pipe used; or

  • (ii) a steel sleeve, having a thickness of not less than 1.8 millimetres and a length of not less than 900 millimetres for pipe diameters of 150 millimetres or more and not less than 600 millimetres for pipe diameters of less than 150 millimetres (preferably equally divided to each side of the division). The pipe shall be connected to the ends of the sleeve by flanges or couplings; or the clearance between the sleeve and the pipe shall not exceed 2.5 millimetres; or any clearance between pipe and sleeve shall be made tight by means of non-combustible or other suitable material.

(30) Uninsulated metallic pipes penetrating "A" or "B" class divisions shall be of materials having a melting temperature which exceeds 950°C for "A-0" and 850°C for "B-0" class divisions.

(31) In approving structural fire protection details, the Administration shall have regard to the risk of heat transmission at intersections and terminal points of required thermal barriers. The insulation of a deck or bulkhead shall be carried past the penetration, intersection or terminal point for a distance of at least 450 millimetres in the case of steel and aluminium structures. If a space is divided with a deck or a bulkhead of "A" class standard having insulation of different values, the insulation with the higher value shall continue on the deck or bulkhead with the insulation of the lesser value for a distance of at least 450 millimetres.

Protection of Openings in Fire-Resisting Divisions

(32) Openings shall be provided with permanently attached means of closing which shall be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.

(33) The construction of doors and door frames in "A" class divisions, with the means of securing them when closed, shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) the construction shall provide resistance to fire as well as to the passage of smoke and flame equivalent to that of the bulkheads in which the doors are situated, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;

• (b) doors and door frames shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material (for glass doors refer to 3.12(2(d)));

• (c) steel watertight doors need not be insulated;

• (d) doors approved without the sill being part of the frame, shall be installed such that the gap under the door does not exceed 12 millimetres;

• (e) a non-combustible sill shall be installed under the door such that floor coverings do not extend beneath the closed door.

(34) It shall be possible for each door to be opened and closed from each side of the bulkhead by one person only.

(35) Fire doors in main vertical zone bulkheads, galley boundaries and stairway enclosures other than power-operated watertight doors and those which are normally locked shall satisfy the following requirements:

• (a) the doors shall be self-closing and be capable of closing with an angle of inclination of up to 3.5° opposing closure;

• (b) the approximate time of closure for hinged fire doors shall be no more than 40 seconds and no less than 10 seconds from the beginning of their movement with the ship in upright position. The approximate uniform rate of closure for sliding doors shall be of no more than 0.2 m/s and no less than 0.1 m/s with the ship in upright position;

• (c) the doors, except those for emergency escape trunks, shall be capable of remote release from the continuously manned central control station, either simultaneously or in groups, and shall be capable of release also individually from a position at both sides of the door. Release switches shall have an on-off function to prevent automatic resetting of the system;

• (d) hold-back hooks not subject to central control station release are prohibited;

• (e) a door closed remotely from the central control station shall be capable of being re-opened from both sides of the door by local control. After such local opening, the door shall automatically close again;

• (f) indication shall be provided at the fire door indicator panel in the continuously manned central control station whether each door is closed;

• (g) the release mechanism shall be so designed that the door shall automatically close in the event of disruption of the control system or central power supply;

• (h) local power accumulators for power-operated doors shall be provided in the immediate vicinity of the doors to enable the doors to be operated at least ten times (fully opened and closed) after disruption of the control system or central power supply using the local controls;

• (i) disruption of the control system or central power supply at one door shall not impair the safe functioning of the other doors;

• (j) remote-released sliding or power-operated doors shall be equipped with an alarm that sounds at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds, after the door is released from the central control station and before the door begins to move and continues sounding until the door is completely closed;

• (k) a door designed to re-open upon contacting an object in its path shall re-open not more than 1 metre from the point of contact;

• (l) double-leaf doors equipped with a latch necessary for their fire integrity shall have a latch that is automatically activated by the operation of the doors when released by the system;

• (m) the components of the local control system shall be accessible for maintenance and adjusting;

• (n) power-operated doors shall be provided with a control system of an approved type which shall be able to operate in case of fire and be in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code. This system shall satisfy the following requirements-

  • (i) the control system shall be able to operate the door at the temperature of at least 200°C for at least 60 min, served by the power supply;

  • (ii) the power for all other doors not subject to fire shall not be impaired; and

  • (iii) at temperatures exceeding 200°C, the control system shall be automatically isolated from the power supply and shall be capable of keeping the door closed up to at least 945°C.

(36) Where a space is protected by an automatic sprinkler fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code or fitted with a continuous "B" class ceiling, openings in decks not forming steps in main vertical zones nor bounding horizontal zones shall be closed reasonably tight and such decks shall meet the "A" class integrity requirements in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Administration.

(37) The requirements for "A" class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship shall not apply to-

• (a) glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles, provided that there is no requirement for such boundaries to have "A" class integrity in Section (46);

• (b) exterior doors, except for those in superstructures and deckhouses facing life-saving appliances, embarkation and external assembly station areas, and

• (c) stairway enclosure doors, glass doors and windows

(38) Except for watertight doors, weathertight doors, semi-watertight doors, doors leading to the open deck and doors which need to be reasonably gastight, all "A" class doors located in stairways, public spaces and main vertical zone bulkheads in escape routes shall be equipped with a self-closing hose port, the material, construction and fire resistance of which shall be equivalent to the door into which it is fitted, and the port shall be a 150 millimetres square clear opening with the door closed and shall be inset into the lower edge of the door, opposite the door hinges or, in the case of sliding doors, nearest the opening.

(39) Ventilation ducts passing through main vertical zone divisions shall be kept to a minimum and where it is necessary that a such a duct passes through a main vertical zone division, a fail-safe automatic closing fire damper shall be fitted adjacent to the division complying with the following provisions-

• (a) the damper shall be capable of being manually closed from each side of the division;

• (b) the operating position of the damper shall be readily accessible and be marked in red light-reflecting colour;

• (c) the duct between the division and the damper shall be of steel or other equivalent material and, if necessary, insulated to comply with the requirements of Section (28); and

• (d) the damper shall be fitted on at least one side of the division with a visible indicator showing whether the damper is in the open position.

Openings in "B" Class Divisions

(40) Doors and door frames in "B" class divisions and means of securing them shall provide a method of closure which shall have resistance to fire equivalent to that of the divisions, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code provided that that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower portion of such doors as follows-

• (a) where such opening is in or under a door the total net area of any such opening or openings shall not exceed 0.05 m²;

• (b) alternatively, a non-combustible air balance duct routed between the cabin and the corridor, and located below the sanitary unit, is permitted where the cross-sectional area of the duct does not exceed 0.05m²;

• (c) all ventilation openings shall be fitted with a grill made of non-combustible material;

• (d) doors shall be non-combustible; and

• (e) doors approved without the sill being part of the frame, shall be installed such that the gap under the door does not exceed 25 millimetres.

(41) Cabin doors in "B" class divisions shall be of a self- closing type. Hold-back hooks are not permitted. Alternatively, “B” Class Cabin doors may have holdbacks that are released remotely at the bridge, upon activation of the fire alarm and in the event of main power failure. Such doors with holdbacks shall have indication provided at the fire door indicator panel in the continuously manned central control station.

(42) The requirements for "B" class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship shall not apply to glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles. Similarly, the requirements for "B" class integrity shall not apply to exterior doors in superstructures and deckhouses. The Administration may permit the use of combustible materials in doors separating cabins from the individual interior sanitary spaces such as showers.

(43) The following provisions apply to openings in “B” Class Divisions-

• (a) openings in decks not forming steps in main vertical zones nor bounding horizontal zones shall be closed reasonably tight and such decks shall meet the "B" class integrity requirements in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Administration; and

• (b) openings in corridor bulkheads of "B" class materials shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of Sections (8) and (9).

Windows, Sidescuttles Weathertight and Watertight Doors

(44) Windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces and control stations other than those to which the provisions of Sections (35) and (40) apply shall be so constructed as to preserve the integrity requirements of the type of bulkheads in which they are fitted, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

(45) “A“ Class windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads separating accommodation and service spaces and control stations from weather shall be constructed with frames of steel or other suitable material. The glass shall be mechanically retained unless the bonded window assembly has passed the standard A Class fire test in the IMO’s 2010 FTP Code, Annex I, Part 3

(46) windows and doors (except those leading from stairways), facing survival craft and escape slide, embarkation areas and windows situated below such areas shall have fire integrity at least equal to "A-0" class.

(47) Steel sliding watertight doors need not be insulated.

Protection of Openings in Machinery Spaces Boundaries

(48) The provision of Sections (49) to (54) shall apply to machinery spaces of category A and, where the Administration considers it desirable, to other machinery spaces.

(49) The number of skylights, doors, ventilators, openings in funnels to permit exhaust ventilation and other openings to machinery spaces shall be reduced to a minimum consistent with the needs of ventilation and the proper and safe working of the ship.

(50) Skylights shall be of steel and shall not contain glass panels.

(51) Means of control shall be provided for closing power-operated doors or actuating release mechanisms on doors other than power-operated watertight doors and such controls shall be located outside the space served so that they shall not be cut off in the event of fire in that place.

(52) The means of control required in Section (51) shall be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible to the satisfaction of the Administration and such positions shall have safe access from the open deck.

(53) Doors, other than power-operated watertight doors, shall be so arranged that positive closure is assured in case of fire in the space by power-operated closing arrangements or by the provision of self-closing doors capable of closing against an inclination of 3.5° opposing closure, and having a fail-safe hold-back arrangement; provided with a remotely operated release device; provided that doors for emergency escape trunks need not be fitted with a fail-safe hold-back facility and a remotely operated release device.

(54) Windows shall not be fitted in machinery space boundaries. However, this does not preclude the use of glass in control rooms within the machinery spaces.

Ventilation Systems

(55) Ventilation ducts, including single and double wall ducts, shall be of steel or equivalent material except flexible bellows of short length not exceeding 600 millimetres used for connecting fans to the ducting in air-conditioning rooms. Unless expressly provided otherwise in Section (60), any other material used in the construction of ducts, including insulation, shall also be non-combustible. However, short ducts, not generally exceeding 2 metres in length and with a free cross-sectional area^footnote not exceeding 0.02 m², need not be of steel or equivalent material, subject to the following conditions:

• (a) the ducts shall be made of non-combustible material, which may be faced internally and externally with membranes having low flame-spread characteristics and, in each case, a calorific value^footnote not exceeding 45 MJ/m² of their surface area for the thickness used;

• (b) the ducts are only used at the end of the ventilation device; and

• (c) the ducts are not situated less than 600 millimetres, measured along the duct, from an opening in an "A" or "B" class division, including continuous "B" class ceiling.

(56) The following arrangements shall be tested in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code-

• (a) fire dampers, including their relevant means of operation; and

• (b) duct penetrations through "A" class divisions. However, the test is not required where steel sleeves are directly joined to ventilation ducts by means of riveted or screwed flanges or by welding.

(57) Fire dampers shall be easily accessible. Where they are placed behind ceilings or linings, these ceilings or linings shall be provided with an inspection hatch on which the identification number of the fire damper is marked. The fire damper identification number shall also be marked on any remote controls provided.

(58) Ventilation ducts shall be provided with hatches for inspection and cleaning. The hatches shall be located near the fire dampers.

(59) The main inlets and outlets of ventilation systems shall be capable of being closed from outside the spaces being ventilated. The means of closing shall be easily accessible as well as prominently and permanently marked and shall indicate the operating position of the closing device.

(60) Combustible gaskets in flanged ventilation duct connections are not permitted within 600 millimetres of openings in "A" or "B" class divisions and in ducts required to be of "A" class construction.

(61) Ventilation openings or air balance ducts between two enclosed spaces shall not be provided except as permitted by Section (40).

(62) The ventilation systems for machinery spaces of category A, garage spaces and galleys shall, in general, be separated from each other and from the ventilation systems serving other spaces. However, the galley ventilation systems need not be completely separated from other ventilation systems, but may be served by separate ducts from a ventilation unit serving other spaces. In such a case, an automatic fire damper shall be fitted in the galley ventilation duct near the ventilation unit.

(63) Ducts provided for the ventilation of machinery spaces of category A, galleys and garage spaces shall not pass through accommodation spaces, service spaces, or control stations unless they comply with Section (65).

(64) Ducts provided for the ventilation of accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations shall not pass through machinery spaces of category A, galleys and garage spaces, unless they comply with Section (65).

(65) As permitted by Sections (63) and (64) ducts shall be either:

• (a) constructed of steel having a thickness of at least 3 millimetres for ducts with a free cross-sectional area of less than 0.075 m², at least 4 millimetres for ducts with a free cross-sectional area of between 0.075 m² and 0.45 m², and at least 5 millimetres for ducts with a free cross-sectional area of over 0.45 m²;

• (b) suitably supported and stiffened;

• (c) fitted with automatic fire dampers close to the boundaries penetrated; and

• (d) insulated to "A-60" class standard from the boundaries of the spaces they serve to a point at least 5 m beyond each fire damper;

or

• (e) constructed of steel in accordance with Sections (a) and (b); and

• (f) insulated to "A-60" class standard throughout the spaces they pass through, except for ducts that pass through the following spaces;

  • (i) Sanitary and similar spaces such as;

    • (ba) communal sanitary facilities, showers, baths, water closets, etc.

    • (bb) small laundry rooms.

    • (bc) indoor swimming pool area.

    • (bd) isolated pantries containing no cooking appliances in accommodation spaces.

    • (be) private sanitary facilities shall be considered a portion of the space in which they are located.

  • (ii) Tanks, voids and auxiliary machinery spaces having little or no fire risk such as;

    • (ba) water tanks forming part of the ship’s structure.

    • (bb) voids and cofferdams.

    • (bc) auxiliary machinery space which do not contain machinery having a pressure lubrication system and where storage of combustibles is prohibited, such as:

    • (bd) ventilation and air-conditioning rooms;

    • (be) windlass room;

    • (bf) steering gear room;

    • (bg) stabilizer equipment room;

    • (bh) electrical propulsion motor room;

    • (bi) rooms containing section switchboards and purely electrical equipment other than oil-filled electrical transformers (above 10 kVA);

    • (bj) shaft alleys and pipe tunnels;

    • (bk) spaces for pumps and refrigeration machinery (not handling or using flammable liquids).

    • (bl) closed trunks serving the spaces listed above.

    • (bm) other closed trunks such as pipe and cable trunks.

(66) For the purposes of Sections (65)(d) and (65)(f), ducts shall be insulated over their entire cross-sectional external surface. Ducts that are outside but adjacent to the specified space, and share one or more surfaces with it, shall be considered to pass through the specified space, and shall be insulated over the surface they share with the space for a distance of 450 millimetres past the duct^footnote.

(67) Where it is necessary that a ventilation duct passes through a main vertical zone division, an automatic fire damper shall be fitted adjacent to the division. The damper shall also be capable of being manually closed from each side of the division. The control location shall be readily accessible and be clearly and prominently marked. The duct between the division and the damper shall be constructed of steel in accordance with Sections (65)(a) and (65)(b) and insulated to at least the same fire integrity as the division penetrated. The damper shall be fitted on at least one side of the division with a visible indicator showing the operating position of the damper.

(68) Ducts passing through "A" class divisions shall meet the following requirements:

• (b) where a thin plated duct with a free cross sectional area equal to, or less than, 0.02 m² passes through "A" class divisions, the opening shall be fitted with a steel sheet sleeve having a thickness of at least 3 millimetres and a length of at least 200 millimetres, divided preferably into 100 millimetres on each side of a bulkhead or, in the case of a deck, wholly laid on the lower side of the decks penetrated;

• (c) where ventilation ducts with a free cross-sectional area exceeding 0.02 m², but not more than 0.075 m², pass through "A" class divisions, the openings shall be lined with steel sheet sleeves. The ducts and sleeves shall have a thickness of at least 3 millimetres and a length of at least 900 millimetres. When passing through bulkheads, this length shall be divided preferably into 450 millimetres on each side of the bulkhead. These ducts, or sleeves lining such ducts, shall be provided with fire insulation. The insulation shall have at least the same fire integrity as the division through which the duct passes; and

• (d) automatic fire dampers shall be fitted in all ducts with a free cross-sectional area exceeding 0.075 m² that pass through "A" class divisions. Each damper shall be fitted close to the division penetrated and the duct between the damper and the division penetrated shall be constructed of steel in accordance with Sections (65)(a) and (65)(b). The fire damper shall operate automatically, but shall also be capable of being closed manually from both sides of the division. The damper shall be fitted with a visible indicator which shows the operating position of the damper. Fire dampers are not required, however, where ducts pass through spaces surrounded by "A" class divisions, without serving those spaces, provided those ducts have the same fire integrity as the divisions which they penetrate. A duct of cross-sectional area exceeding 0.075 m² shall not be divided into smaller ducts at the penetration of an "A" class division and then recombined into the original duct once through the division to avoid installing the damper required by this provision.

(69) Ventilation ducts with a free cross-sectional area exceeding 0.02 m² passing through "B" class bulkheads shall be lined with steel sheet sleeves of 900 millimetres in length, divided preferably into 450 millimetres on each side of the bulkheads unless the duct is of steel for this length.

(70) All fire dampers shall be capable of manual operation. The dampers shall have a direct mechanical means of release or, alternatively, be closed by electrical, hydraulic, or pneumatic operation. All dampers shall be manually operable from both sides of the division. Automatic fire dampers, including those capable of remote operation, shall have a failsafe mechanism that shall close the damper in a fire even upon loss of electrical power or hydraulic or pneumatic pressure loss. Remotely operated fire dampers shall be capable of being reopened manually at the damper.

(71) When passing through accommodation spaces or spaces containing combustible materials, the exhaust ducts from galley ranges shall be constructed in accordance with Sections (65)(a) and (65)(b). Each exhaust duct shall be fitted with:

• (a) a grease trap readily removable for cleaning;

• (b) an automatically and remotely operated fire damper located in the lower end of the duct at the junction between the duct and the galley range hood and, in addition, a remotely operated fire damper in the upper end of the duct close to the outlet of the duct;

• (c) arrangements, operable from within the galley, for shutting off the exhaust and supply fans; and

• (d) fixed means for extinguishing a fire within the duct^footnote.

(72) Exhaust ducts from laundries shall be fitted with:

• (a) filters readily removable for cleaning purposes;

• (b) a fire damper located in the lower end of the duct which is automatically and remotely operated;

• (c) remote-control arrangements for shutting off the exhaust fans and supply fans from within the space and for operating the fire damper mentioned in (b); and

• (d) suitably located hatches for inspection and cleaning.

Construction and Arrangement of Steam Room

(73) Construction and Arrangement of Steam Rooms shall meet the following requirements:

• (a) The perimeter of the steam room may include changing rooms, showers and toilets.

• (b) Bathrooms with direct access to suite may be considered as part of it. In such cases, the door between suite and the bathroom need not comply with fire safety requirements.

• (c) If a steam generator of more than 5 kW is contained within the perimeter, the suite boundary shall be constructed to an A-0 standard. If a steam generator of more than 5 kW is not contained within the perimeter the steam generator shall be protected by A-0 standard divisions, and pipes leading to the discharge nozzles shall be lagged.

• (d) All spaces within the perimeter shall be protected by a fire detection and alarm system.

Construction and Arrangement of Cinemas and Projector Rooms

(74) Construction and arrangement of cinemas and projector rooms shall meet the following requirements:

• (a) have their category of space agreed with the Administration given the varied technical options for these spaces;

• (b) in deciding the category of space, consideration shall be given to the generation of heat and the grouping of large quantities of electrical items;

• (c) the perimeter of the cinema or projector rooms may include reception areas and toilets;

6.8 Fire Fighting

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to suppress and swiftly extinguish a fire in the space of origin by meeting the following functional requirements-

• (a) fixed fire-extinguishing systems shall be installed, having due regard to the fire growth potential of the protected spaces; and

• (b) fire-extinguishing appliances shall be readily available.

Water Supply Systems

(2) Ships shall be provided with fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses complying with the applicable requirements of this paragraph.

(3) Fire mains and hydrants shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not be used for fire mains and hydrants unless adequately protected;

• (b) the fire main pipes and hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them;

• (c) the arrangement of pipes and hydrants shall be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing;

• (d) suitable drainage provisions shall be provided for fire main piping; and

• (e) isolation valves shall be installed for all open deck fire main branches used for purposes other than fire fighting.

(4) The arrangements for the ready availability of water supply shall be-

• (a) ships of 1,000GT and above 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;

• (b) ships of less than 1,000GT 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

• (c) if fitted with periodically unattended machinery space the Administration shall determine provisions for fixed water fire-extinguishing arrangements for such spaces equivalent to those required for normally attended machinery spaces.

(5) 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.

(6) Isolating valves, emergency fire pumps and their associated arrangements shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) isolating valves which 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;

• (b) 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;

• (c) subject to Section (d), the emergency fire pump, its seawater inlet, and suction and delivery pipes and isolating valves shall be located outside the machinery space;

• (d) if the arrangement referred to in Section (c) cannot be complied with, 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; and

• (e) short lengths of suction or discharge piping may penetrate the machinery space, provided such pipes-

  • (i) are enclosed in a substantial steel casing or are insulated to "A-60" class standards;

  • (ii) have substantial wall thickness, but in no case less than 11 millimetres; and

  • (iii) shall be welded except for the flanged connection to the sea inlet valve.

(7) 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.

(8) 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.

(9) 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, when the ship is being navigated, to the passengers or crew.

(10) In addition to the requirements in Section (9), ships shall comply with the following-

• (a) in the accommodation, service and machinery spaces, the number and position of hydrants shall be such that the requirements of Section (9) may be complied with when all watertight doors and all doors in main vertical zone bulkheads are closed; and

• (b) 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.

(11) With the two pumps simultaneously delivering water through the nozzles specified in Section (22), with the quantity of water as specified in Section (5), through any adjacent hydrants, the following minimum pressures shall be maintained at all hydrants-

provided that the maximum pressure at any hydrant shall not exceed that at which the effective control of a fire hose can be demonstrated.

(12) Ships of 500GT and above shall be provided with at least one international shore connection complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(13) Facilities shall be available enabling such a connection to be used on either side of the ship.

(14) Sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil.

(15) Ships shall be provided with independently driven fire pumps as follows:

(16) The arrangement of sea connections, fire pumps and their sources of power shall be as to ensure that:

• (a) in ships of l,000GT and above, in the event of a fire in any one compartment, all the fire pumps shall not be put out of action; and

• (b) in ships of less than 1,000GT and above, 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.

(17) The space containing the emergency fire pump shall not be contiguous to the boundaries of machinery spaces of category A or those spaces containing main fire pumps; provided that 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.

(18) No direct access shall be permitted between the machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power, provided that-

• (a) 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;

• (b) 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; and

• (c) a second means of access to the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power shall be provided.

(19) 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.

(20) The required fire pumps shall be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water not less than two thirds of the quantity required to be dealt with by the bilge pumps when employed for bilge pumping at the pressure specified in Section (11).

(21) Each of the required fire pumps shall-

• (a) 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;

• (b) be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions,

• and where more pumps than the minimum of required pumps are installed, such additional pumps shall have a capacity of at least 25m³/h and shall be capable of delivering at least the two jets of water required in Section (9).

(22) Fire hoses shall-

• (a) be of non-perishable material approved by the Administration;

• (b) be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used;

• (c) each be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings;

• (d) where specified in this Chapter as "fire hoses", be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections, together with any necessary fittings and tools; and

• (e) have a length of at least 10 metres, but not more than-

  • (i) 15 metres in machinery spaces; and

  • (ii) 20 metres in other spaces and open decks.

(23) Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

(24) Ships shall be provided with fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses complying with the applicable requirements of this section.

(25) There shall be at least one fire hose for each of the hydrants required by Sections (9) and (10) and these hoses shall be used only for the purposes of extinguishing fires or testing the fire-extinguishing apparatus at fire drills and surveys. In interior locations, fire hoses shall be connected to hydrants at all times

(26) Standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 millimetres, 16 millimetres and 19 millimetres or as near thereto as possible provided that larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the discretion of the Administration.

(27) For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 millimetres need not be used.

(28) 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 prescribed in Section (11) from the smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 millimetres need not be used.

(29) Nozzles shall be of an approved dual-purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shutoff.

Portable fire extinguishers

(30) Portable fire extinguishers shall comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(31) 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 1,000GT and above shall carry at least five portable fire extinguishers.

(32) One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stowed near the entrance to that space.

(33) 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 shall be provided whose extinguishing media are neither electrically conductive nor harmful to the equipment and appliances.

(34) 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 and portable fire extinguishers shall be provided with devices which indicate whether they have been used.

(35) Spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first ten extinguishers and 50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged onboard provided that not more than sixty total spare charges are required; instructions for recharging shall be carried onboard.

(36) For fire extinguishers which cannot be recharged onboard, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in Section (35) above shall be provided in lieu of spare charges.

Fixed fire-extinguishing systems

(37) A fixed fire-extinguishing system required by Section (44) below may be any of the following systems-

• (a) a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code;

• (b) a fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code; and

• (c) a fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(38) Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system not required by this Chapter is installed, it shall meet the requirements of the relevant requirements of this Chapter and the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(39) Fire-extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301, and 2402 and perfluorocarbons shall be prohibited.

(40) In general, the Administration shall not permit the use of steam as a fire-extinguishing medium in fixed fire-extinguishing systems.

(41) 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.

(42) When the fire-extinguishing medium is stored outside a protected space the storage shall comply with the following provisions^footnote-

• (a) the medium shall be stored in a room which is located behind the forward collision bulkhead, and is used for no other purposes;

• (b) any entrance to such a storage room shall preferably be from the open deck and shall be independent of the protected space;

• (c) where 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;

• (d) 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;

• (e) 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; and

• (f) for the purpose of the application of tables 6.1 and 6.2, such storage rooms shall be treated as control stations.

(43) 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 shall not put any such system out of action.

Fire-Extinguishing Arrangements in Machinery Spaces

(44) Machinery spaces of category A shall be provided with any one of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems in Section (37) and 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.

(45) There shall be provided in each Machinery space of category A-

• (a) at least one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code;

• (b) approved fire extinguishers, each of at least 45 litre capacity or equivalent, sufficient in number to enable foam or its equivalent to be directed onto any part of the fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems, gearing and other fire hazards;

• (c) 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 metres walking distance from an extinguisher provided that there are at least two such extinguishers in each space.

(46) 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 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.

(47) Subject to Section (48), machinery spaces of category A of any size^footnote shall, in addition to the fixed fire-extinguishing system required in Section (44), be protected by an approved type of fixed water-based or equivalent local application fire-extinguishing system, based on the guidelines developed by the IMO^footnote and 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.

(48) The Administration may dispense with the requirement for a local application fire-extinguishing system as required in Section (47) in machinery spaces of category A of less than 500m³ volume, taking due cognizance of the type of machinery installed in such space.

(49) 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:

• (a) the fire hazard portions of internal combustion machinery;

• (b) boiler fronts;

• (c) the fire hazard portions of incinerators; and

• (d) purifiers for heated fuel oil.

(50) Activation of any local application system shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) activation shall give a visual and distinct audible alarm in the protected space and at continuously manned stations;

• (b) the alarm shall indicate the specific system activated; and

• (c) the system alarm requirements described within this Section are in addition to, and not a substitute for, the detection and fire alarm system required elsewhere in this Chapter.

Fire-Extinguishing Arrangements in Control Stations, Accommodation and Service Spaces

(51) An automatic sprinkler or water spray system shall be installed as required by section 6.5(10).

(52) A fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be installed on cabin balconies of ships to which 6.3(18) applies; where furniture and furnishings on such balconies are not as defined in Section 6.7(1)(d)(i),(ii), (iii), (vi) and (vii): provided that this section need not apply where it is possible to readily direct a jet of water, for firefighting purposes, on to such a balcony from the deck immediately above or adjacent and where such balcony is not adjacent to life saving appliances.

(53) Paint lockers shall be protected by either-

• (a) a carbon dioxide system, designed to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 40% of the gross volume of the protected space;

• (b) a dry powder system, designed for at least 0.5 kg powder/m³;

• (c) 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

• (d) a system providing equivalent protection, as determined by the Administration.

  and in all cases, the system shall be operable from outside the protected space.

(54) Flammable liquid lockers shall be protected by an appropriate fire-extinguishing arrangement approved by the Administration.

(55) For lockers of a deck area of less than 4m², 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 provided that-

• (a) a discharge port shall be arranged in the locker to allow the discharge of the extinguisher without having to enter into the protected space;

• (b) the required portable fire extinguisher shall be stowed adjacent to the port; and

• (c) alternatively, a port or hose connection may be provided to facilitate the use of fire main water.

(56) Deep-fat cooking equipment installed in enclosed spaces or on open decks shall be fitted with the following-

• (a) an automatic or manual fire-extinguishing system tested to an international standard acceptable to the IMO^footnote;

• (b) a primary and backup thermostat with an alarm to alert the operator in the event of failure of either thermostat;

• (c) arrangements for automatically shutting off the electrical power upon activation of the fire-extinguishing system;

• (d) an alarm for indicating operation of the fire-extinguishing system in the galley where the equipment is installed; and

• (e) controls for manual operation of the fire-extinguishing system which are clearly labelled for ready use by the crew.

Fire-Fighter's Outfits

(57) Types of fire-fighter's outfits-

• (a) Fire-fighter’s outfits shall comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code; and

• (b) Self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus of fire-fighter’s outfits shall comply with paragraph 2.1.2.2 of chapter 3 of the Fire Safety Systems Code by 1 July 2019.

(58) Ships shall carry-

• (a) at least two fire-fighter's outfits;

• (b) additionally, for every 80 metres, 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 length:

  • (i) two fire-fighter’s outfits; and

  • (ii) two sets of personal equipment, each set comprising the items stipulated in the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(59) 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.

(60) The Administration may require additional sets of personal equipment and breathing apparatus, having due regard to the size and layout of the ship.

(61) Two spare charges shall be provided for each required breathing apparatus. 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.

(62) A minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter’s communication shall be carried onboard. Those two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe.

6.9 Structural Integrity

Purpose

(2) The purpose of this paragraph is to maintain structural integrity of the ship, preventing partial or whole collapse of the ship structures due to strength deterioration by heat. For this purpose, materials used in the ships' structure shall ensure that the structural integrity is not degraded due to fire.

Material of Hull, Superstructures, Structural Bulkheads, Decks and Deckhouses

(3) The hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material and for the purpose of applying the definition of steel or other equivalent material the "applicable fire exposure" shall be according to the integrity and insulation standards given in Tables 6.1 and 6.2; for example, where divisions such as decks or sides and ends of deckhouses are permitted to have "B-0" fire integrity, the "applicable fire exposure" shall be half an hour.

Structure of Aluminium Alloy

(4) Unless otherwise specified in Section (2), in cases where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following shall apply-

• (a) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of "A" or "B" class divisions, except structure which, in the opinion of the Administration, is non-load-bearing, shall 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 to the standard fire test; and

• (b) special attention shall be given to the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other structural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation areas, and "A" and "B" class divisions to ensure-

  • (iii) that for such members supporting lifeboat and liferaft areas and "A" class divisions, the temperature rise limitation specified in Section (a) above shall apply at the end of one hour; and

  • (iv) that for such members required to support "B" class divisions, the temperature rise limitation specified in the said Section (a) shall apply at the end of half an hour.

Machinery Spaces of Category A

(5) Subject to Section (5), the boundaries of all machinery spaces of category A, including crowns and casings, shall be of steel construction and shall be insulated as required by Tables 6.1 and 6.2 as appropriate.

(6) The Administration may permit the boundaries of Category A machinery spaces, including crowns and casings, to be constructed of aluminium provided that-

• (a) the space is provided with an equivalent water-mist fire-extinguishing system complying with MSC/Circ.1165^footnote that shall provide total flooding of the space in the event of a fire in that space; and

• (b) the space is provided with a fixed local application fire-extinguishing system of the water-mist type in accordance with MSC/Circ.913^footnote, MSC/Circ.1082^footnote and MSC.1/Circ.1276^footnote, applicable to machinery spaces of any size; and

• (c) the space and the divisions forming the crowns and casings shall be constructed and insulated to “A-60” class standard on both sides as demonstrated by a fire test conducted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Fire Test Procedures Code; and

• (d) where the hull forms part of the boundary of the machinery space then the internal surface of the hull shall be insulated in accordance with Section(c) down to at least 450millimetres below the line of the lightest sea-going draft.

(7) The floor plating of normal passageways in machinery spaces of Category A shall be constructed of steel.

Materials of Overboard Fittings

(8) Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not 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.

6.10 Notification of Crew and Passengers

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to notify crew and passengers of a fire for safe evacuation. For this purpose, a general emergency alarm system and a public address system shall be provided.

General Emergency Alarm System

(2) A general emergency alarm system required by section 7.9(5) shall be used for notifying crew and passengers of a fire.

Public Address Systems

(3) A public address system or other effective means of communication complying with the requirements of Section 7.9(6) shall be available throughout the accommodation, service spaces, control stations and open decks.

6.11 Means of Escape

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to provide means of escape so that persons onboard can safely and swiftly escape to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met-

• (a) safe escape routes shall be provided;

• (b) escape routes shall be maintained in a safe condition, clear of obstacles; and

• (c) additional aids for escape shall be provided as necessary to ensure accessibility, clear marking, and adequate design for emergency situations.

General Requirements

(2) Unless expressly provided otherwise in this paragraph, at least two widely separated and ready means of escape shall be provided from all spaces or groups of spaces.

(3) Lifts shall not be considered as forming one of the means of escape as required by this paragraph.

Means of Escape from Control Stations, Accommodation Spaces and Service Spaces

(4) Stairways and ladders shall be so arranged as to provide ready means of escape to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck from passenger and crew accommodation spaces and from spaces in which the crew is normally employed, other than machinery spaces.

(5) A corridor, lobby, or part of a corridor from which there is only one route of escape shall be prohibited, provided that-

• (a) dead-end corridors used in service areas which are necessary for the practical utility of the ship, such as fuel oil stations and athwartship supply corridors, shall be permitted where such dead-end corridors are separated from crew accommodation areas and are inaccessible from passenger accommodation areas; and

• (b) a part of a corridor that has a depth not exceeding its width is considered a recess or local extension and is permitted.

(6) All stairways in accommodation and service spaces and control stations shall be of steel frame construction except where the Administration sanctions the use of other equivalent material.

(7) If a radiotelegraph station has no direct access to the open deck, two means of escape from, or access to, the station shall be provided, one of which may be a porthole or window of sufficient size or other means to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(8) Doors in escape routes shall, in general, open in way of the direction of escape, except that-

• (a) individual cabin doors may open into the cabins in order to avoid injury to persons in the corridor when the door is opened; and

• (b) doors in vertical emergency escape trunks may open out of the trunk in order to permit the trunk to be used both for escape and for access.

(9) Below the bulkhead deck, two means of escape, at least one of which shall be independent of watertight doors, shall be provided from each watertight compartment or similarly restricted space or group of spaces; provided that, exceptionally, the Administration may dispense with one of the means of escape for crew spaces that are entered only occasionally and where the required escape route is independent of watertight doors.

(10) Where the Administration has granted dispensation under the provisions of Section (9), this sole means of escape shall provide safe escape and stairways shall not be less than 800 millimetres in clear width with handrails on both sides.

(11) Above the bulkhead deck there shall be at least two means of escape from each main vertical zone or similarly restricted space or group of spaces, at least one of which shall give access to a stairway forming a vertical escape.

(12) Stairway enclosures including “horizontal stairways” in accommodation and service spaces shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) they shall have direct access from the corridors and be of a sufficient area to prevent congestion, having in view the number of persons likely to use them in an emergency;

• (b) within the perimeter of such stairway enclosures, only public toilets and lockers of non-combustible material providing storage for non-hazardous safety equipment are permitted;

• (c) direct access to the stairway enclosures shall permitted only from the following spaces-

  • (i) public spaces;

  • (ii) corridors;

  • (iii) lifts;

  • (iv) public toilets;

  • (v) lockers of non-combustible material providing storage for non-hazardous safety equipment;

  • (vi) other escape stairways required by Section (13); and

  • (vii) external areas;

• (d) small corridors or "lobbies" used to separate an enclosed stairway from galleys or laundries may have direct access to the stairway provided they have a minimum deck area of 4.5 m², a width of no less than 900 millimetres and contain a fire hose station.

(13) At least one of the means of escape required by Sections (9) and (11) shall consist of a readily accessible enclosed stairway which shall comply with the following provisions^footnote-

• (a) it shall provide continuous fire shelter from the level of its origin to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks, or to the uppermost weather deck if the embarkation deck does not extend to the main vertical zone being considered;

• (b) where the latter case in Section (a) applies, direct access to the embarkation deck by way of external open stairways and passageways shall be provided and shall have emergency lighting in accordance with section 7.14 and slip-free surfaces underfoot; and

(14) Protection of access from the stairway enclosures to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation areas shall be provided either directly or through protected internal routes which have fire integrity and insulation values for stairway enclosures as determined by Tables 6.1 and 6.2, as appropriate.

(15) Stairways serving only a space and a balcony in that space shall not be considered as forming one of the required means of escape.

(16) Each level within an atrium shall have two means of escape, one of which shall give direct access to an enclosed vertical means of escape meeting the requirements of Section (13).

(17) The widths, number and continuity of escapes shall be in accordance with the requirements in the Fire Safety Systems Code.

(18) Corridors shall have a handrail on one side or handrails on both sides for a clear width of 1800mm and above. "Clear width" is considered the distance between the handrail and the bulkhead on the other side or between the handrails

(19) In addition to the emergency lighting supplied by the emergency source of electrical power, the means of escape, including stairways and exits, shall be provided with low-location lighting systems as follows ^footnote

• (a) subject to Section (b) shall be marked by lighting or photoluminescent strip indicators placed not more than 300 millimetres above the deck at all points of the escape route including angles and intersections such that the marking enables passengers to identify the routes of escape and readily identify the escape exits;

• (b) alternative means of achieving safe escape other than lighting and or photoluminescent strips may be considered by the Administration where such alternative provides the same level of efficiency

• (c) the marking or alternative means of achieving escape shall enable passengers to identify the routes of escape and readily identify the escape exits;

• (d) all electrically operated systems shall be operated from the navigation bridge or continuously manned Central Control Station and supplied by the emergency source of power;

• (e) lighting shall be so arranged that the failure of any single component shall not result in the system or any part thereof being rendered ineffective;

• (f) additionally, escape route signs and fire equipment location markings shall be of photoluminescent material or marked by lighting; and

• (g) the Administration shall ensure that such lighting or photoluminescent equipment used in compliance with this Section has been evaluated, tested and applied in accordance with the guidelines developed by the IMO^footnote, or to an international standard acceptable to the IMO^footnote.

(20) Cabin and stateroom doors shall not require keys to unlock them from inside the room. Neither shall there be any doors along any designated escape route which require keys to unlock them when moving in the direction of escape.

(21) Escape doors from public spaces that are normally latched shall be fitted with a means of quick release arrangement consisting of a door-latching mechanism incorporating a device that releases the latch upon the application of a force in the direction of escape flow; such quick release mechanisms shall be designed and installed to the satisfaction of the Administration^footnote. Power operated sliding doors shall also comply with 6.7(35) (h), (i), (m) and (n).

(22) At least two emergency escape breathing devices shall be carried in each main vertical zone.

(23) Emergency escape breathing devices shall comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code. Spare emergency escape breathing devices shall be kept onboard.

Means of Escape from Machinery Spaces

(24) Where the space is below the bulkhead deck, the two means of escape shall consist of either-

• (a) two sets of steel ladders, as widely separated as possible, leading to doors in the upper part of the space, similarly separated and from which access is provided to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks, provided that-

  • (i) one of these ladders shall be located within a protected enclosure that satisfies category (4), as appropriate, from the lower part of the space it serves to a safe position outside the space;

  • (ii) self-closing fire doors of the same fire integrity standards shall be fitted in the enclosure;

  • (iii) the ladder shall be fixed in such a way that heat is not transferred into the enclosure through non-insulated fixing points; and

  • (iv) the protected enclosure shall have minimum internal dimensions of at least 800 millimetres x 800 millimetres^footnote, and shall have emergency lighting provisions; or

• (b) one steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from which access is provided to the embarkation deck and additionally, in the lower part of the space and in a position well separated from the ladder referred to, a steel door capable of being operated from each side and which provides access to a safe escape route from the lower part of the space to the embarkation deck.

(25) Subject to Section (26), where the space is above the bulkhead deck, the two means of escape shall be as widely separated as possible and the doors leading from such means of escape shall be in a position from which access is provided to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks and where such means of escape require the use of ladders, these shall be of steel.

(26) The Administration may dispense with one of the means of escape required under Section (24) and (25) under the following conditions-

• (a) in a ship of less than 1,000 gross tonnage due regard being paid to the width and disposition of the upper part of the space;

• (b) in a ship of 1,000 gross tonnage and above where either a door or a steel ladder provides a safe escape route to the embarkation deck, due regard being paid to the nature and location of the space and whether persons are normally employed in that space and a space may include a normally unattended auxiliary machinery space.

(27) Two means of escape shall be provided from a machinery control room located within a machinery space, at least one of which shall provide continuous fire shelter to a safe position outside the machinery space.

(28) In the steering gear space, a second means of escape shall be provided when the emergency steering position is located in that space unless there is direct access to the open deck.

(29) On all ships, within the machinery spaces, emergency escape breathing devices which comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be situated ready for use at easily visible places, which can be reached quickly and easily at any time in the event of fire and the number and location of such devices shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration and shall take into account the layout of the machinery spaces and the number of persons normally working in the spaces.

(30) The number and location of the emergency escape breathing devices required under Section (29) shall be indicated in the fire control plan.

(31) All inclined ladders/stairways fitted to comply with Section (24) with open treads in machinery spaces being part of or providing access to escape routes but not located within a protected enclosure shall be made of steel. Such ladders/stairways shall be fitted with steel shields attached to their undersides, such as to provide escaping personnel protection against heat and flame from beneath.

Escape from main workshops within machinery spaces

(32) Two means of escape shall be provided from the main workshop within a machinery space. At least one of these escape routes shall provide a continuous fire shelter to a safe position outside the machinery space.

6.12 Emergency Training and Drills

(1) See Annex C for requirements

6.13 Operations

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this Section is to provide information and instructions for proper ship handling operations in relation to fire safety and for this purpose, fire safety operational booklets shall be provided onboard.

(2) The required fire safety operational booklet shall contain the necessary information and instructions for the safe operation of the ship in relation to fire safety and the booklet shall include information concerning the crew's responsibilities for the general fire safety of the ship at all times.

(3) The fire safety operational booklet shall be in the working language of the ship and shall be provided in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each crew cabin.

(4) The fire safety operational booklet may be combined with the training manuals required in section 6.13(10).

6.14 Alternative Design and Arrangements

(1) Vessels may follow Section 1.10 on Alternative Design and Arrangements for this chapter as allowed by SOLAS II-2/17.

(2) The engineering analysis required by 1.10(3) shall be prepared and submitted to the Administration, based on the guidelines^footnote and shall include, as a minimum, the following engineering analysis elements:

• (a) determination of the ship type and space(s) concerned;

• (b) identification of prescriptive requirement(s) with which the ship or the space(s) will not comply;

• (c) identification of the fire and explosion hazards of the ship or the space(s) concerned, including;

  • (i) identification of the possible ignition sources;

  • (ii) identification of the fire growth potential of each space concerned;

  • (iii) identification of the smoke and toxic effluent generation potential for each space concerned;

  • (iv) identification of the potential for the spread of fire, smoke or of toxic effluents from the space(s) concerned to other spaces;

• (d) determination of the required fire safety performance criteria for the ship or the space(s) concerned addressed by the prescriptive requirement(s) in particular:

  • (i) performance criteria shall be based on the fire safety objectives and on the functional requirements of this chapter;

  • (ii) performance criteria shall provide a degree of safety not less than that achieved by using the prescriptive requirements; and

  • (iii) performance criteria shall be quantifiable and measurable;

• (e) detailed description of the alternative design and arrangements, including a list of the assumptions used in the design and any proposed operational restrictions or conditions; and

• (f) technical justification demonstrating that the alternative design and arrangements meet the required fire safety performance criteria.

6.15 Protection of Garage Spaces

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this paragraph is to provide additional safety measures in order to address the fire safety objectives of this Chapter for ships fitted with garage spaces and for this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met:

• (a) fire protection systems shall be provided to adequately protect the ship from the fire hazards associated with garage spaces;

• (b) sources of ignition shall be separated from garage spaces; and

• (c) garage spaces shall be adequately ventilated.

Application

(2) In addition to complying with the requirements of this Chapter, as appropriate, garage spaces shall also comply with the requirements of this paragraph.

Measures

(3) There shall be provided an effective power ventilation system sufficient to give at least 6 air changes per hour, except as provided in Section (21) where there shall be at least 10 air changes per hour, which shall comply with the following provisions-

• (a) it shall be separate from other ventilation systems and shall be in operation at all times;

• (b) ventilation ducts serving such spaces capable of being effectively sealed shall be separated for each such space; and

• (c) the system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces.

• (d) Ventilation systems may be operated at lower air changes per hour when controlled by a detection system that monitors the flammable and harmful gases in the space^footnote;

• (e) In spaces containing petrol or other low flash point fuels, exhaust ducting shall be arranged to extract from the lower bilge area;

(4) The ventilation system shall be such as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air pockets.

(5) Means shall be provided on the navigation bridge to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity.

(6) 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.

(7) Ventilation ducts, including dampers, shall be made of steel and ventilation ducts that pass through other horizontal zones or machinery spaces shall be "A-60" class steel ducts.

(8) Permanent openings in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of the space shall be so situated that a fire in the garage space does not endanger stowage areas and embarkation stations for survival craft and rescue boats where no lifeboats are carried and accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the garage spaces.

(9) Except as provided in Section (21), electrical equipment and wiring shall be of a type suitable for use in an explosive petrol and air mixture.^footnote

(10) Electrical equipment and wiring, if installed in an exhaust ventilation duct, shall be of a type approved for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures and the outlet from any exhaust duct shall be sited in a safe position, having regard to other possible sources of ignition.

(11) Other equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapours shall not be permitted.

(12) Smoking shall not be permitted and “No-Smoking” signs shall be prominently displayed.

(13) Scuppers, piping and drainage connections for the space shall be non-combustible and shall not be led to machinery or other spaces where sources of ignition may be present.

(14) Garage spaces are not to give direct access to any space other than a fuel store or lockers used within the space, unless provided with a lobby in accordance with the fire integrity requirements of Tables 6.1 and 6.2 (considered as a ‘Corridor’) and the provisions of section 3.6 with respect to Load Lines are also to be complied as with as applicable.

(15) There shall be provided a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code and with the following provisions-

• (a) the fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire;

• (b) 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; and

• (c) 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.

(16) Manually operated call points shall be spaced so that no part of the space is more than 20 metres from a manually operated call point, and one shall be placed close to each exit from such spaces.

(17) The boundary bulkheads and decks of garage spaces shall have fire integrity in accordance with Tables 6.1 and 6.2.

(18) Garage spaces shall be fitted with a fixed pressure water-spray fire-extinguishing system which shall comply with the Fire Safety Systems Code; provided that the Administration may permit the use of any other fixed fire-extinguishing system^footnote that has been shown, by a

full-scale test in conditions simulating a flowing petrol fire in a garage space or a ro-ro space, to be not less effective in controlling fires likely to occur in a garage space.

(19) When fixed pressure water-spray fire-extinguishing systems are provided, in view of the serious loss of stability which could arise^footnote due to large quantities of water accumulating on the deck or decks during the operation of the water-spraying system, the following arrangements shall be provided:

• (a) in the spaces above the bulkhead deck, scuppers shall be fitted so as to ensure that such water is rapidly discharged directly overboard;

• (b) in the spaces below the bulkhead deck, the Administration may require additional pumping and drainage facilities and in such case-

  • (iii) the drainage system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the water-spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles; and

  • (iv) the drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls.

(20) At least two portable foam fire extinguishers or equivalent shall be provided at each deck level in each garage space and at least one portable fire extinguisher shall be located at each access to such space.

(21) Notwithstanding the provisions in Section (9) and (3), except for cases where passengers are allowed access to a garage space, the ventilation system may be so designed and operated as to provide continuous ventilation of the space at the rate of at least 10 air changes per hour subject to, any electrical equipment being of a type so enclosed and protected as to prevent the escape of sparks within a height of 450 millimetres from the deck,

(22) Provision shall be made to ensure that vehicles, craft, recreational diving systems and ancillary equipment are securely fastened with due consideration being given to the motion of the Yacht and possible movement between components. The design of Diving equipment mounting and securing arrangements shall also consider mitigating the effects of heat transmission in the event of a fire in an adjacent space.

(23) Spaces designated for the safe carriage of petrol or similar fuel, refueling units or vehicles with such fuel in their tanks shall be provided with a suitable gas detection system appropriate to the type of fuel with an audible and visual alarm in the wheelhouse and where it may always be observed by the crew

6.16 Safety Centre

Purpose

(1) The purpose of this regulation is to provide a space to assist with the management of emergency situations

Location and arrangement

(2) The safety centre shall either be a part of the navigation bridge or be located in a separate space adjacent to and having direct access to the navigation bridge, so that the management of emergencies can be performed without distracting watch officers from their navigational duties.

Layout and ergonomic design

(3) The layout and ergonomic design of the safety centre shall take into account the guidelines developed by the IMO^footnote, as appropriate.

Communications

(4) Means of communication between the safety centre, the central control station, the navigation bridge, the engine control room, the storage room(s) for fire extinguishing system(s) and fire equipment lockers shall be provided.

Control and monitoring of safety systems

(5) Notwithstanding the requirements set out elsewhere in the Code, the full functionality (operation, control, monitoring or any combination thereof, as required) of the safety systems listed below shall be available from the safety centre if applicable:

• (a) all powered ventilation systems;

• (b) fire doors;

• (c) general emergency alarm system;

• (d) public address system;

• (e) electrically powered evacuation guidance systems;

• (f) watertight and semi-watertight doors;

• (g) indicators for shell doors, loading doors and other closing appliances;

• (h) water leakage of inner/outer bow doors, stern doors and any other shell door;

• (i) television surveillance system;

• (j) fire detection and alarm system;

• (k) fixed fire-fighting local application system(s);

• (l) sprinkler and equivalent systems;

• (m) water-based systems for machinery spaces;

• (n) alarm to summon the crew;

• (o) atrium smoke extraction system;

• (p) flooding detection systems; and

• (q) fire pumps and emergency fire pumps.

6.17 Fire Control Plans

Fire Control Plans shall be provided in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS Chapter II-2/15.2.4

6.18 Arrangements for Recreational Fire Appliances

(1) ‘Recreational Fire Appliances’ as defined in Chapter 2, shall meet the requirements of Annex D

6.19 Guidance On The Storage Of Large Quantities Of Petrol In Fixed Tanks

(1) Vessels shall follow the guidance contained in Annex F

6.20 Additional Equivalence Considerations

(1) None