“Part A - General

Regulation 1 – Application

1 Application

1.1 Unless expressly provided otherwise, this chapter shall apply to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002.

1.2 For the purpose of this chapter:

.1 the expression ships constructed means ships the keels of which are laid or which are at a similar stage of construction;
.2 the expression all ships means ships, irrespective of type, constructed before, on or after 1 July 2002; and
.3 a cargo ship, whenever built, which is converted to a passenger ship shall be treated as a passenger ship constructed on the date on which such a conversion commences.

1.3 For the purpose of this chapter, the expression a similar stage of construction means the stage at which:

.1 construction identifiable with a specific ship begins; and
.2 assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less.

2 Applicable requirements to existing ships

2.1 Unless expressly provided otherwise, for ships constructed before 1 July 2002 the Administration shall ensure that the requirements which are applicable under chapter II-2 of the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, as amended by resolutions MSC.1(XLV), MSC.6(48), MSC.13(57), MSC.22(59), MSC.24(60), MSC.27(61), MSC.31(63) and MSC.57(67), are complied with.

2.2 Ships constructed before 1 July 2002 shall also comply with:

.1 paragraphs 3, 6.5 and 6.7 as appropriate;
.2 regulations 13.3.4.2 to 13.3.4.5, 13.4.3 and Part E, except regulations 16.3.2.2 and 16.3.2.3 thereof, as appropriate, not later than the date of the first survey after 1 July 2002;
.3 regulations 10.4.1.3 and 10.6.4 for new installations only; and
.4 regulation 10.5.6 not later than 1 October 2005 for passenger ships of 2,000 gross tonnage and above.

3 Repairs, alterations, modifications and outfitting

3.1 All ships which undergo repairs, alterations, modifications and outfitting related thereto shall continue to comply with at least the requirements previously applicable to these ships. Such ships, if constructed before 1 July 2002, shall, as a rule, comply with the requirements for ships constructed on or after that date to at least the same extent as they did before undergoing such repairs, alterations, modifications or outfitting.

3.2 Repairs, alterations and modifications which substantially alter the dimensions of a ship or the passenger accommodation spaces, or substantially increase a ship's service life and outfitting related thereto shall meet the requirements for ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002 in so far as the Administration deems reasonable and practicable.

4 Exemptions

4.1 The Administration may, if it considers that the sheltered nature and conditions of the voyage are such as to render the application of any specific requirements of this chapter unreasonable or unnecessary, exempt^footnote from those requirements individual ships or classes of ships entitled to fly the flag of its State, provided that such ships, which, in the course of their voyage, do not sail at distances of more than 20 miles from the nearest land.

4.2 In the case of passenger ships which are employed in special trades for the carriage of large numbers of special trade passengers, such as the pilgrim trade, the Administration, if satisfied that it is impracticable to enforce compliance with the requirements of this chapter, may exempt such ships from those requirements, provided that they comply fully with the provisions of:

.1 the rules annexed to the Special Trade Passenger Ships Agreement, 1971; and
.2 the rules annexed to the Protocol on Space Requirements for Special Trade Passenger Ships, 1973.

5 Applicable requirements depending on ship type

Unless expressly provided otherwise:

.1 requirements not referring to a specific ship type shall apply to ships of all types; and
.2 requirements referring to "tankers" shall apply to tankers subject to the requirements specified in paragraph 6 below.

6 Application of requirements for tankers

6.1 Requirements for tankers in this chapter shall apply to tankers carrying crude oil or petroleum products having a flashpoint not exceeding 60^oC (closed cup test), as determined by an approved flashpoint apparatus, and a Reid vapour pressure which is below the atmospheric pressure or other liquid products having a similar fire hazard.

6.2 Where liquid cargoes other than those referred to in paragraph 6.1 or liquefied gases which introduce additional fire hazards are intended to be carried, additional safety measures shall be required, having due regard to the provisions of the International Bulk Chemical Code, as defined in regulation VII/8.1, the Bulk Chemical Code, the International Gas Carrier Code, as defined in regulation VII/11.1, and the Gas Carrier Code, as appropriate.

6.2.1 A liquid cargo with a flashpoint of less than 60°C for which a regular foam firefighting system complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code is not effective, is considered to be a cargo introducing additional fire hazards in this context. The following additional measures are required:

.1 the foam shall be of alcohol resistant type;
.2 the type of foam concentrates for use in chemical tankers shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization;^footnote and
.3 the capacity and application rates of the foam extinguishing system shall comply with chapter 11 of the International Bulk Chemical Code, except that lower application rates may be accepted based on performance tests. For tankers fitted with inert gas systems, a quantity of foam concentrate sufficient for 20 min of foam generation may be accepted.^footnote

6.2.2 For the purpose of this regulation, a liquid cargo with a vapour pressure greater than 1.013 bar absolute at 37.8°C is considered to be a cargo introducing additional fire hazards. Ships carrying such substances shall comply with paragraph 15.14 of the International Bulk Chemical Code. When ships operate in restricted areas and at restricted times, the Administration concerned may agree to waive the requirements for refrigeration systems in accordance with paragraph 15.14.3 of the International Bulk Chemical Code.

6.3 Liquid cargoes with a flashpoint exceeding 60°C other than oil products or liquid cargoes subject to the requirements of the International Bulk Chemical Code are considered to constitute a low fire risk, not requiring the protection of a fixed foam extinguishing system.

6.4 Tankers carrying petroleum products with a flashpoint exceeding 60^oC (closed cup test), as determined by an approved flashpoint apparatus, shall comply with the requirements provided in regulations 10.2.1.4.4. and 10.10.2.3 and the requirements for cargo ships other than tankers, except that, in lieu of the fixed fire extinguishing system required in regulation 10.7, they shall be fitted with a fixed deck foam system which shall comply with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

6.5 Combination carriers constructed before, on or after 1 July 2002 shall not carry cargoes other than oil unless all cargo spaces are empty of oil and gas-freed or unless the arrangements provided in each case have been be approved by the Administration taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization.^footnote

6.6 Chemical tankers and gas carriers shall comply with the requirements for tankers, except where alternative and supplementary arrangements are provided to the satisfaction of the Administration, having due regard to the provisions of the International Bulk Chemical Code and the International Gas Carrier Code, as appropriate.

6.7 The requirements of regulations 4.5.10.1.1 and 4.5.10.1.4, and a system for continuous monitoring of the concentration of hydrocarbon gases shall be fitted on all tankers constructed before 1 July 2002 by the date of the first scheduled dry-docking after 1 July 2002, but not later than 1 July 2005. Sampling points or detector heads shall be located in suitable positions in order that potentially dangerous leakages are readily detected. When the hydrocarbon gas concentration reaches a pre-set level which shall not be higher than 10% of the lower flammable limit, a continuous audible and visual alarm signal shall be automatically effected in the pump-room and cargo control room to alert personnel to the potential hazard. However, existing monitoring systems already fitted having a pre-set level not greater than 30% of the lower flammable limit may be accepted.

Regulation 2 – Fire safety objectives and functional requirements

1 Fire safety objectives

1.1 The fire safety objectives of this chapter are to:

.1 prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion;
.2 reduce the risk to life caused by fire;
.3 reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the ship, its cargo and the environment;
.4 contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin; and
.5 provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew.

2 Functional requirements

2.1 In order to achieve the fire safety objectives set out in paragraph 1 above, the following functional requirements are embodied in the regulations of this chapter as appropriate:

.1 division of the ship into main vertical and horizontal zones by thermal and structural boundaries;
.2 separation of accommodation spaces from the remainder of the ship by thermal and structural boundaries;
.3 restricted use of combustible materials;
.4 detection of any fire in the zone of origin;
.5 containment and extinction of any fire in the space of origin;
.6 protection of means of escape and access for fire-fighting;
.7 ready availability of fire-extinguishing appliances; and
.8 minimization of possibility of ignition of flammable cargo vapour.

3 Achievement of the fire safety objectives

The fire safety objectives set out in paragraph 1 above shall be achieved by ensuring compliance with the prescriptive requirements specified in parts B, C, D, E or G, or by alternative design and arrangements which comply with Part F. A ship shall be considered to meet the functional requirements set out in paragraph 2 and to achieve the fire safety objectives set out in paragraph 1 when either:

.1 the ship’s designs and arrangements, as a whole, complies with the relevant prescriptive requirements in parts B, C, D, E or G;
.2 the ship’s designs and arrangements, as a whole, have been reviewed and approved in accordance with part F; or
.3 part(s) of the ship’s designs and arrangements have been reviewed and approved in accordance with part F and the remaining parts of the ship comply with the rele vant prescriptive requirements in parts B, C, D, E or G.

Regulation 3 – Definitions

For the purpose of this chapter, unless expressly provided otherwise, the following definitions shall apply:

1 Accommodation spaces are those spaces used for public spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, hospitals, cinemas, game and hobby rooms, barber shops, pantries containing no cooking appliances and similar spaces;

2 "A" class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads and decks which comply with the following criteria:

.1 they are constructed of steel or other equivalent material;
.2 they are suitably stiffened;
.3 they are insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140°C above the original temperature, nor will the temperature, at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 180°C above the original temperature, within the time listed below:

class "A-60"	60 min
class "A-30"	30 min
class "A-15"	15 min
class "A-0"	0 min

.4 they are constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the one-hour standard fire test; and
.5 the Administration has required a test of a prototype bulkhead or deck in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise.

3 Atriums are public spaces within a single main vertical zone spanning three or more open decks.

4 "B" class divisions are those divisions formed by bulkheads, decks, ceilings or linings which comply with the following criteria:

.1 they are constructed of approved non-combustible materials and all materials used in the construction and erection of "B" class divisions are non-combustible, with the exception that combustible veneers may be permitted provided they meet other appropriate requirements of this chapter;
.2 they have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 140°C above the original temperature, nor will the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225°C above the original temperature, within the time listed below:

class "B-15"	15 min
class "B-0"	0 min

.3 they are constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the first half hour of the standard fire test; and
.4 the Administration has required a test of a prototype division in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise.

5 Bulkhead deck is the uppermost deck up to which the transverse watertight bulkheads are carried.

6 Cargo area is that part of the ship that contains cargo holds, cargo tanks, slop tanks and cargo pump-rooms including pump-rooms, cofferdams, ballast and void spaces adjacent to cargo tanks and also deck areas throughout the entire length and breadth of the part of the ship over the above-mentioned spaces.

7 Cargo ship is a ship as defined in regulation I/2(g).

8 Cargo spaces are spaces used for cargo, cargo oil tanks, tanks for other liquid cargo and trunks to such spaces.

9 Central control station is a control station in which the following control and indicator functions are centralized:

.1 fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.2 automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;
.3 fire door indicator panels;
.4 fire door closure;
.5 watertight door indicator panels;
.6 watertight door closures;
.7 ventilation fans;
.8 general/fire alarms;
.9 communication systems including telephones; and
.10 microphones to public address systems.

10 "C" class divisions are divisions constructed of approved non-combustible materials. They need meet neither requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame nor limitations relative to the temperature rise. Combustible veneers are permitted provided they meet the requirements of this chapter.

11 Chemical tanker is a cargo ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquid product of a flammable nature listed in chapter 17 of the International Bulk Chemical Code, as defined in regulation VII/8.1.

12 Closed ro-ro spaces are ro-ro spaces which are neither open ro-ro spaces nor weather decks.

13 Closed vehicle spaces are vehicle spaces which are neither open vehicle spaces nor weather decks.

14 Combination carrier is a cargo ship designed to carry both oil and solid cargoes in bulk.

15 Combustible material is any material other than a non-combustible material.

16 Continuous "B" class ceilings or linings are those "B" class ceilings or linings which terminate at an "A" or "B" class division.

17 Continuously manned central control station is a central control station which is continuously manned by a responsible member of the crew.

18 Control stations are those spaces in which the ship’s radio or main navigating equipment or the emergency source of power is located or where the fire recording or fire control equipment is centralized. Spaces where the fire recording or fire control equipment is centralized are also considered to be a fire control station.

19 Crude oil is any oil occurring naturally in the earth whether or not treated to render it suitable for transportation and includes crude oil where certain distillate fractions may have been removed from or added to.

20 Dangerous goods are those goods referred to in regulation VII/2.

21 Deadweight is the difference in tonnes between the displacement of a ship in water of a specific gravity of 1.025 at the load waterline corresponding to the assigned summer freeboard and the lightweight of the ship.

22 Fire Safety Systems Code means the International Code for Fire Safety Systems as adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.98(73), as may be amended by the Organization, provided that such amendments are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the present Convention concerning the amendment procedures applicable to the annex other than chapter I thereof.

23 Fire Test Procedures Code means the International Code for Application of Fire Test Procedures as adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of the Organization by resolution MSC.61(67), as may be amended by the Organization, provided that such amendments are adopted, brought into force and take effect in accordance with the provisions of article VIII of the present Convention concerning the amendment procedures applicable to the annex other than chapter I thereof.

24 Flashpoint is the temperature in degrees Celsius (closed cup test) at which a product will give off enough flammable vapour to be ignited, as determined by an approved flashpoint apparatus.

25 Gas carrier is a cargo ship constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or other products of a flammable nature listed in chapter 19 of the International Gas Carrier Code, as defined in regulation VII/11.1.

26 Helideck is a purpose-built helicopter landing area located on a ship including all structure, fire-fighting appliances and other equipment necessary for the safe operation of helicopters.

27 Helicopter facility is a helideck including any refuelling and hangar facilities.

28 Lightweight is the displacement of a ship in tonnes without cargo, fuel, lubricating oil, ballast water, fresh water and feedwater in tanks, consumable stores, and passengers and crew and their effects.

29 Low flame-spread means that the surface thus described will adequately restrict the spread of flame, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

30 Machinery spaces are machinery spaces of category A and other spaces containing propulsion machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrigerating, stabilizing, ventilation and air conditioning machinery, and similar spaces, and trunks to such spaces.

31 Machinery spaces of category A are those spaces and trunks to such spaces which contain either:

.1 internal combustion machinery used for main propulsion;
.2 internal combustion machinery used for purposes other than main propulsion where such machinery has in the aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW; or
.3 any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit, or any oil-fired equipment other than boilers, such as inert gas generators, incinerators, etc.

32 Main vertical zones are those sections into which the hull, superstructure and deckhouses are divided by "A" class divisions, the mean length and width of which on any deck does not in general exceed 40 m.

33 Non-combustible material is a material which neither burns nor gives off flammable vapours in sufficient quantity for self-ignition when heated to approximately 750^oC, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

34 Oil fuel unit is the equipment used for the preparation of oil fuel for delivery to an oilfired boiler, or equipment used for the preparation for delivery of heated oil to an internal combustion engine, and includes any oil pressure pumps, filters and heaters dealing with oil at a pressure of more than 0.18 N/mm².

35 Open ro-ro spaces are those ro-ro spaces that are either open at both ends or have an opening at one end, and are provided with adequate natural ventilation effective over their entire length through permanent openings distributed in the side plating or deckhead or from above, having a total area of at least 10% of the total area of the space sides.

36 Open vehicle spaces are those vehicle spaces either open at both ends, or have an opening at one end and are provided with adequate natural ventilation effective over their entire length through permanent openings distributed in the side plating or deckhead or from above, having a total area of at least 10% of the total area of the space sides.

37 Passenger ship is a ship as defined in regulation I/2(f).

38 Prescriptive requirements means the construction characteristics, limiting dimensions, or fire safety systems specified in parts B, C, D, E or G.

39 Public spaces are those portions of the accommodation which are used for halls, dining rooms, lounges and similar permanently enclosed spaces.

40 Rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk, for the purpose of regulation 9, are those rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (whether cabins, public spaces, offices or other types of accommodation) in which:

.1 case furniture such as desks, wardrobes, dressing tables, bureaux, dressers, are constructed entirely of approved non-combustible materials, except that a combustible veneer not exceeding 2 mm may be used on the working surface of such articles;
.2 free-standing furniture such as chairs, sofas, tables, are constructed with frames of non-combustible materials;
.3 draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of wool having a mass of mass 0.8 kg/m², this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
.4 floor coverings have low flame-spread characteristics;
.5 exposed surfaces of bulkheads, linings and ceilings have low flame-spread characteristics;
.6 upholstered furniture has qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code; and
.7 bedding components have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame, this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.

41 Ro-ro spaces are spaces not normally subdivided in any way and normally extending to either a substantial length or the entire length of the ship in which motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion and/or goods (packaged or in bulk, in or on rail or road cars, vehicles (including road or rail tankers), trailers, containers, pallets, demountable tanks or in or on similar stowage units or other receptacles) can be loaded and unloaded normally in a horizontal direction.

42 Ro-ro passenger ship means a passenger ship with ro-ro spaces or special category spaces.

43 Steel or other equivalent material means any non-combustible material which, by itself or due to insulation provided, has structural and integrity properties equivalent to steel at the end of the applicable exposure to the standard fire test (e.g. aluminium alloy with appropriate insulation).

44 Sauna is a hot room with temperatures normally varying between 80°-120°C where the heat is provided by a hot surface (e.g. by an electrically-heated oven). The hot room may also include the space where the oven is located and adjacent bathrooms.

45 Service spaces are those spaces used for galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, lockers, mail and specie rooms, storerooms, workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces, and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces.

46 Special category spaces are those enclosed vehicle spaces above and below the bulkhead deck, into and from which vehicles can be driven and to which passengers have access. Special category spaces may be accommodated on more than one deck provided that the total overall clear height for vehicles does not exceed 10 m.

47 A standard fire test is a test in which specimens of the relevant bulkheads or decks are exposed in a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard timetemperature curve in accordance with the test method specified in the Fire Test Procedures Code.

48 Tanker is a ship as defined in regulation I/2(h).

49 Vehicle spaces are cargo spaces intended for carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion.

50 Weather deck is a deck which is completely exposed to the weather from above and from at least two sides.