Regulation 9 - Containment of fire

  2.2.1.1.1 In ships carrying more than 36 passengers, the hull, superstructure and deckhouses shall be subdivided into main vertical zones by "A-60" class divisions. Steps and recesses shall be kept to a minimum, but where they are necessary they shall also be "A-60" class divisions. Where a category (5), (9) or (10) space defined in paragraph 2.2.3.2.2 is on one side or where fuel oil tanks are on both sides of the division the standard may be reduced to "A-0".

  2.2.1.1.2 In ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, the hull, superstructure and deckhouses in way of accommodation and service spaces shall be subdivided into main vertical zones by "A" class divisions. These divisions shall have insulation values in accordance with tables in paragraph 2.2.4.

  2.2.1.2 As far as practicable, the bulkheads forming the boundaries of the main vertical zones above the bulkhead deck shall be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulkhead deck. The length and width of main vertical zones may be extended to a maximum of 48 m 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. The length or width of a main vertical zone is the maximum distance between the furthermost points of the bulkheads bounding it.

  2.2.1.3 Such bulkheads shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries.

  2.2.1.4 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 9.4.

  2.2.1.5.1 On ships designed for special purposes, such as automobile or railroad car ferries, where the provision of main vertical zone bulkheads would defeat the purpose for which the ship is intended, equivalent means for controlling and limiting a fire shall be substituted and specifically approved by the Administration. Service spaces and ship stores shall not be located on ro-ro decks unless protected in accordance with the applicable regulations.

  2.2.1.5.2 However, in a ship with special category spaces, such spaces shall comply with the applicable provisions of regulation 20 and where such compliance would be inconsistent with other requirements for passenger ships specified in this chapter, the requirements of regulation 20 shall prevail.

  2.2.2.1 For ships carrying more than 36 passengers, bulkheads which are not required to be "A" class divisions shall be at least "B" class or "C" class divisions as prescribed in the tables in paragraph 2.2.3.

  2.2.2.2 For ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, 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 the tables in paragraph 2.2.4. In addition, corridor bulkheads, where not required to be "A" class, shall be "B" class divisions which shall extend from deck to deck except:

• .1 when 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; and

• .2 in the case of a ship 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 paragraph 2.2.4. 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.

  2.2.2.3 Bulkheads required to be "B" class divisions, except corridor bulkheads as prescribed in paragraph 2.2.2.2, shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries. However, 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.

  2.2.3.1 In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of passenger ships, the minimum fire integrity of all bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in tables 9.1 and 9.2. Where, due to any particular structural arrangements in the ship, difficulty is experienced in determining from the tables the minimum fire integrity value of any divisions, such values shall be determined to the satisfaction of the Administration.

  2.2.3.2 The following requirements shall govern application of the tables:

• .1 Table 9.1 shall apply to bulkheads not bounding either main vertical zones or horizontal zones. Table 9.2 shall apply to decks not forming steps in main vertical zones nor bounding horizontal zones;

• .2 For determining the appropriate fire integrity standards to be applied to boundaries between adjacent spaces, such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in categories (1) to (14) below. Where the contents and use of a space are such that there is a doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this regulation, 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. Smaller, enclosed rooms within a space that have less than 30% communicating openings to that space are considered separate spaces. The fire integrity of the boundary bulkheads and decks of such smaller rooms shall be as prescribed in tables 9.1 and 9.2. The title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive. The number in parentheses preceding each category refers to the applicable column or row in the tables.

  • (1) Control stations

    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 propulsion machinery space.

    Spaces containing centralized fire alarm equipment.

    Spaces containing centralized emergency public address system stations and equipment.

  • (2) Stairways

    Interior stairways, lifts, totally enclosed emergency escape trunks, and escalators (other than those wholly contained within the machinery spaces) for passengers and crew and enclosures thereto.

    In this connection a stairway which is enclosed at only one level shall be regarded as part of the space from which it is not separated by a fire door.

  • (3) Corridors

    Passenger and crew corridors and lobbies.

  • (4) Evacuation stations and external escape routes

    Survival craft stowage area.

    Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades forming lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations.

    Assembly stations, internal and external.

    External stairs and open decks used for escape routes.

    The ship's side to the waterline in the lightest seagoing condition, superstructure and deckhouse sides situated below and adjacent to the liferaft and evacuation slide embarkation areas.

  • (5) Open deck spaces

    Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades clear of lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations. To be considered in this category, enclosed promenades shall have no significant fire risk, meaning that furnishings 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).

  • (6) Accommodation spaces of minor fire risk

    Cabins containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk.

    Offices and dispensaries containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk.

    Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk and having a deck area of less than 50 m².

  • (7) Accommodation spaces of moderate fire risk

    Spaces as in category (6) above but containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk.

    Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk and having a deck area of 50 m² or more.

    Isolated lockers and small store-rooms in accommodation spaces having areas less than 4 m² (in which flammable liquids are not stowed).

    Motion picture projection and film stowage rooms. Diet kitchens (containing no open flame).

    Cleaning gear lockers (in which flammable liquids are not stowed).

    Laboratories (in which flammable liquids are not stowed).

    Pharmacies.

    Small drying rooms (having a deck area of 4 m² or less).

    Specie rooms.

    Operating rooms.

  • (8) Accommodation spaces of greater fire risk

    Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk and having a deck area of 50 m² or more.

    Barber shops and beauty parlours.

    Saunas.

    Sale shops

  • (9) Sanitary and similar spaces

    Communal sanitary facilities, showers, baths, water closets, etc.

    Small laundry rooms.

    Indoor swimming pool area.

    Isolated pantries containing no cooking appliances in accommodation spaces.

    Private sanitary facilities shall be considered a portion of the space in which they are located.

  • (10) Tanks, voids and auxiliary machinery spaces having little or no fire risk

    Water tanks forming part of the ship's structure.

    Voids and cofferdams.

    Auxiliary machinery space which do not contain machinery having a pressure lubrication system and where storage of combustibles is prohibited, such as:

    • ventilation and air-conditioning rooms;

      windlass room;

      steering gear room;

      stabilizer equipment room;

      electrical propulsion motor room;

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

      shaft alleys and pipe tunnels;

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

    Closed trunks serving the spaces listed above.

    Other closed trunks such as pipe and cable trunks.

  • (11) Auxiliary machinery spaces, cargo spaces, cargo and other oil tanks and other similar spaces of moderate fire risk

    Cargo oil tanks.

    Cargo holds, trunkways and hatchways.

    Refrigerated chambers.

    Oil fuel tanks (where installed in a separate space with no machinery).

    Shaft alleys and pipe tunnels allowing storage of combustibles.

    Auxiliary machinery spaces as in category (10) which contain machinery having a pressure lubrication system or where storage of combustibles is permitted.

    Oil fuel filling stations.

    Spaces containing oil-filled electrical transformers (above 10 kVA).

    Spaces containing turbine and reciprocating steam engine driven auxiliary generators and small internal combustion engines of power output up to 110 kW driving generators, sprinkler, drencher or fire pumps, bilge pumps, etc.

    Closed trunks serving the spaces listed above.

  • (12) Machinery spaces and main galleys

    Main propulsion machinery rooms (other than electric propulsion motor rooms) and boiler rooms.

    Auxiliary machinery spaces other than those in categories (10) and (11) which contain internal combustion machinery or other oil-burning, heating or pumping units.

    Main galleys and annexes.

    Trunks and casings to the spaces listed above.

  • (13) Store-rooms, workshops, pantries, etc.

    Main pantries not annexed to galleys.

    Main laundry.

    Large drying rooms (having a deck area of more than 4 m²).

    Miscellaneous stores.

    Mail and baggage rooms.

    Garbage rooms.

    Workshops (not part of machinery spaces, galleys, etc.).

    Lockers and store-rooms having areas greater than 4 m ², other than those spaces that have provisions for the storage of flammable liquids.

  • (14) Other spaces in which flammable liquids are stowed

    Paint lockers.

    Store-rooms containing flammable liquids (including dyes, medicines, etc.).

    Laboratories (in which flammable liquids are stowed);

• .3 Where a single value is shown for the fire integrity of a boundary between two spaces, that value shall apply in all cases;

• .4 Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph 2.2.2 there are no special requirements for material or integrity of boundaries where only a dash appears in the tables; and

• .5 The Administration shall determine in respect of category (5) spaces whether the insulation values in table 9.1 shall apply to ends of deckhouses and superstructures, and whether the insulation values in table 9.2 shall apply to weather decks. In no case shall the requirements of category (5) of tables 9.1 or 9.2 necessitate enclosure of spaces which in the opinion of the Administration need not be enclosed.

  2.2.3.3 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.

  2.2.3.4 Construction and arrangement of saunas

  2.2.3.4.1 The perimeter of the sauna shall be of "A" class boundaries and may include changing rooms, showers and toilets. The sauna shall be insulated to "A-60" standard against other spaces except those inside of the perimeter and spaces of categories (5), (9) and (10).

  2.2.3.4.2 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.

  2.2.3.4.3 The traditional wooden lining on the bulkheads and ceiling are permitted in the sauna. The ceiling above the oven shall be lined with a non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 mm. The distance from the hot surfaces to combustible materials shall be at least 500 mm or the combustible materials shall be protected (e.g. non-combustible plate with an air gap of at least 30 mm).

  2.2.3.4.4 The traditional wooden benches are permitted to be used in the sauna.

  2.2.3.4.5 The sauna door shall open outwards by pushing.

  2.2.3.4.6 Electrically heated ovens shall be provided with a timer.

  2.2.4.1 In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of passenger ships, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in tables 9.3 and 9.4.

  2.2.4.2 The following requirements govern application of the tables:

• .1 Tables 9.3 and 9.4 shall apply respectively to the bulkheads and decks separating adjacent spaces;

• .2 For determining the appropriate fire integrity standards to be applied to divisions between adjacent spaces, such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in categories (1) to (11) below. Where the contents and use of a space are such that there is a doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this regulation, 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. Smaller, enclosed rooms within a space that have less than 30 % communicating openings to that space are considered separate spaces. The fire integrity of the boundary bulkheads and decks of such smaller rooms shall be as prescribed in tables 9.3 and 9.4. The title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive. The number in parentheses preceding each category refers to the applicable column or row in the tables.

  • (1) Control stations

    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 centralized fire alarm equipment.

  • (2) Corridors

    Passenger and crew corridors and lobbies.

  • (3) Accommodation spaces

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.1 excluding corridors.

  • (4) Stairways

    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.

  • (5) Service spaces (low risk)

    Lockers and store-rooms not having provisions for the storage of flammable liquids and having areas less than 4 m² and drying rooms and laundries.

  • (6) Machinery spaces of category A

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.31.

  • (7) Other machinery spaces

    Electrical equipment rooms (auto-telephone exchange, air-conditioning duct spaces).

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.30 excluding machinery spaces of category A.

  • (8) Cargo spaces

    All spaces used for cargo (including cargo oil tanks) and trunkways and hatchways to such spaces, other than special category spaces.

  • (9) Service spaces (high risk)

    Galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, paint and lamp rooms, lockers and store-rooms having areas of 4 m² or more, spaces for the storage of flammable liquids, saunas and workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces.

  • (10) Open decks

    Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades having little or no fire risk. Enclosed promenades should have no significant fire risk, meaning that furnishing should be restricted to deck furniture. In addition, such spaces should be naturally ventilated by permanent openings. Air spaces (the spaces outside superstructures and deckhouses).

  • (11) Special category and ro-ro spaces

    Spaces as defined in regulations 3.41 and 3.46;

• .3 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.

• .4 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. 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.

  2.2.4.3 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.

  2.2.4.4 External boundaries which are required in regulation 11.2 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 of passenger ships 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.

  2.2.4.5 Saunas shall comply with paragraph 2.2.3.4.

  2.2.5.1 Stairways shall be within enclosures formed of "A" class divisions, with positive means of closure at all openings, except that:

• .1 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 the tables for decks in paragraphs 2.2.3 or 2.2.4; and

• .2 stairways may be fitted in the open in a public space, provided they lie wholly within the public space.

  2.2.5.2 Lift trunks shall be so fitted as to prevent the passage of smoke and flame from one ‘tween-deck to another and shall be provided with means of closing so as to permit the control of draught and smoke. Machinery for lifts located within stairway enclosures shall be arranged in a separate room, surrounded by steel boundaries, except that small passages for lift cables are permitted. 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.

 On passenger ships constructed on or after 1 July 2008, 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.

  2.2.7.1 Atriums shall be within enclosures formed of "A" class divisions having a fire rating determined in accordance with tables 9.2 and 9.4, as applicable.

  2.2.7.2 Decks separating spaces within atriums shall have a fire rating determined in accordance with tables 9.2 and 9.4, as applicable.

  2.3.1.1 One of the following methods of protection shall be adopted in accommodation and service spaces and control stations:

• .1 Method IC - The construction of internal divisional bulkheads of non-combustible "B" or "C" class divisions generally without the installation of an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system in the accommodation and service spaces, except as required by regulation 7.5.5.1; or

• .2 Method IIC - The fitting of an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system as required by regulation 7.5.5.2 for the detection and extinction of fire in all spaces in which fire might be expected to originate, generally with no restriction on the type of internal divisional bulkheads; or

• .3 Method IIIC - The fitting of a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system as required by regulation 7.5.5.3, in spaces in which a fire might be expected to originate, generally with no restriction on the type of internal divisional bulkheads, except that in no case must the area of any accommodation space or spaces bounded by an "A" or "B" class division exceed 50 m². Consideration may be given by the Administration to increasing this area for public spaces.

  2.3.1.2 The requirements for the use of non-combustible materials in the construction and insulation of boundary bulkheads of machinery spaces, control stations, service spaces, etc., and the protection of the above stairway enclosures and corridors will be common to all three methods outlined in paragraph 2.3.1.1.

  2.3.2.1 Bulkheads required to be "B" class divisions shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries. However, where a continuous "B" class ceiling or lining is fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, the bulkhead may terminate at the continuous ceiling or lining.

  2.3.2.2 Method IC - Bulkheads not required by this or other regulations for cargo ships to be "A" or "B" class divisions, shall be of at least "C" class construction.

  2.3.2.3 Method IIC - There shall be no restriction on the construction of bulkheads not required by this or other regulations for cargo ships to be "A" or "B" class divisions except in individual cases where "C" class bulkheads are required in accordance with table 9.5.

  2.3.2.4 Method IIIC - There shall be no restriction on the construction of bulkheads not required for cargo ships to be "A" or "B" class divisions except that the area of any accommodation space or spaces bounded by a continuous "A" or "B" class division must in no case exceed 50 m², except in individual cases where "C" class bulkheads are required in accordance with table 9.5. Consideration may be given by the Administration to increasing this area for public spaces.

  2.3.3.1 In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of cargo ships, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in tables 9.5 and 9.6.

  2.3.3.2 The following requirements shall govern application of the tables:

• .1 Tables 9.5 and 9.6 shall apply respectively to the bulkheads and decks separating adjacent spaces;

• .2 For determining the appropriate fire integrity standards to be applied to divisions between adjacent spaces, such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in categories (1) to (11) below. Where the contents and use of a space are such that there is a doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this regulation, 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. Smaller, enclosed rooms within a space that have less than 30% communicating openings to that space are considered separate spaces. The fire integrity of the boundary bulkheads and decks of such smaller rooms shall be as prescribed in tables 9.5 and 9.6. The title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive. The number in parentheses preceding each category refers to the applicable column or row in the tables;

  • (1) Control stations

    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 centralized fire alarm equipment.

  • (2) Corridors

    Corridors and lobbies.

  • (3) Accommodation spaces

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.1, excluding corridors.

  • (4) Stairways

    Interior stairway, 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.

  • (5) Service spaces (low risk)

    Lockers and store-rooms not having provisions for the storage of flammable liquids and having areas less than 4 m² and drying rooms and laundries.

  • (6) Machinery spaces of category A

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.31.

  • (7) Other machinery spaces

    Electrical equipment rooms (auto-telephone exchange, air-conditioning duct spaces).

    Spaces as defined in regulation 3.30 excluding machinery spaces of category A.

  • (8) Cargo spaces

    All spaces used for cargo (including cargo oil tanks) and trunkways and hatchways to such spaces.

  • (9) Service spaces (high risk)

    Galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, saunas, paint lockers and store-rooms having areas of 4 m² or more, spaces for the storage of flammable liquids, and workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces.

  • (10) Open decks

    Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades having little or no fire risk. To be considered in this category, enclosed promenades shall have no significant fire risk, meaning that furnishings 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).

  • (11) Ro-ro and vehicle spaces

    Ro-ro spaces as defined in regulation 3.41.

    Vehicle spaces as defined in regulation 3.49.

  2.3.3.3 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.

  2.3.3.4 External boundaries which are required in regulation 11.2 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 of cargo ships 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.

  2.3.3.5 Saunas shall comply with paragraph 2.2.3.4.

  2.3.4.1 Stairways which penetrate only a single deck shall be protected, at a minimum, at one level by at least "B-0" class divisions and self-closing doors. Lifts which penetrate only a single deck shall be surrounded by "A-0" class divisions with steel doors at both levels. Stairways and lift trunks which penetrate more than a single deck shall be surrounded by at least "A-0" class divisions and be protected by self-closing doors at all levels.

  2.3.4.2 On ships having accommodation for 12 persons or less, where stairways penetrate more than a single deck and where there are at least two escape routes direct to the open deck at every accommodation level, the "A-0" requirements of paragraph 2.3.4.1 may be reduced to "B-0".

  4.1.1.1 Except for hatches between cargo, special category, store, and baggage spaces, and between such spaces and the weather decks, 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.

  4.1.1.2 The construction of doors and door frames in "A" class divisions, with the means of securing them when closed, 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. Doors approved without the sill being part of the frame, which are installed on or after 1 July 2010, shall be installed such that the gap under the door does not exceed 12 mm. A non-combustible sill shall be installed under the door such that floor coverings do not extend beneath the closed door.

  4.1.1.3 Such doors and door frames shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. Watertight doors need not be insulated.

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

  4.1.1.5 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:

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

• .2 the approximate time of closure for hinged fire doors shall be no more than 40 s and no less than 10 s 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;

• .3 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;

• .4 hold-back hooks not subject to central control station release are prohibited;

• .5 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;

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

• .7 the release mechanism shall be so designed that the door will automatically close in the event of disruption of the control system or central power supply;

• .8 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;

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

• .10 remote-released sliding or power-operated doors shall be equipped with an alarm that sounds at least 5 s but no more than 10 s 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;

• .11 a door designed to re-open upon contacting an object in its path shall re-open not more than 1 m from the point of contact;

• .12 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;

• .13 doors giving direct access to special category spaces which are power-operated and automatically closed need not be equipped with the alarms and remote-release mechanisms required in paragraphs 4.1.1.5.3 and 4.1.1.5.10;

• .14 the components of the local control system shall be accessible for maintenance and adjusting;

• .15 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:

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

  • .15.2 the power supply for all other doors not subject to fire shall not be impaired; and

  • .15.3 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.

  4.1.1.6 In ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, 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.

  4.1.1.7 The requirements for "A" class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship shall not apply to glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles, provided that there is no requirement for such boundaries to have "A" class integrity in paragraph 4.1.3.3. The requirements for "A" class integrity of the outer boundaries of the ship shall not apply to exterior doors, except for those in superstructures and deckhouses facing lifesaving appliances, embarkation and external assembly station areas, external stairs and open decks used for escape routes. Stairway enclosure doors need not meet this requirement.

  4.1.1.8 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 the hose port shall be equivalent to the door into which it is fitted, and shall be a 150 mm 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.

  4.1.1.9 Where it is necessary that a ventilation duct passes through a main vertical zone division, a fail-safe automatic closing 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 operating position shall be readily accessible and be marked in red light-reflecting colour. 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 paragraph 3.1. 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.

  4.1.2.1 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 except that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower portion of such doors. 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. 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 0.05 m². All ventilation openings shall be fitted with a grill made of non-combustible material. Doors shall be non-combustible. Doors approved without the sill being part of the frame, which are installed on or after 1 July 2010, shall be installed such that the gap under the door does not exceed 25 mm.

  4.1.2.2 Cabin doors in "B" class divisions shall be of a self-closing type. Hold-back hooks are not permitted.

  4.1.2.3 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. For ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, the Administration may permit the use of combustible materials in doors separating cabins from the individual interior sanitary spaces such as showers.

  4.1.2.4 In ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, where an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code is fitted:

• .1 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

• .2 openings in corridor bulkheads of "B" class materials shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2.2.2.

  4.1.3.1 Windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces and control stations other than those to which the provisions of paragraph 4.1.1.7 and of paragraph 4.1.2.3 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.

  4.1.3.2 Notwithstanding the requirements of tables 9.1 to 9.4, 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 retained by a metal glazing bead or angle.

  4.1.3.3 Windows facing life-saving appliances, embarkation and assembly stations, external stairs and open decks used for escape routes, and windows situated below liferaft and escape slide embarkation areas shall have fire integrity as required in table 9.1. Where automatic dedicated sprinkler heads are provided for windows, "A-0" windows may be accepted as equivalent. To be considered under this paragraph, the sprinkler heads shall either be:

• .1 dedicated heads located above the windows, and installed in addition to the conventional ceiling sprinklers; or

• .2 conventional ceiling sprinkler heads arranged such that the window is protected by an average application rate of at least 5l/min/m² and the additional window area is included in the calculation of the area of coverage; or

• .3 water-mist nozzles that have been tested and approved in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Organization^footnote.

Windows located in the ship's side below the lifeboat embarkation area shall have fire integrity at least equal to "A-0" class.

  4.1.3.4 Notwithstanding the requirement in paragraph 4.1.3.3, the requirements in paragraphs 4.1.3.5 and 4.1.3.6 shall apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2020.

Windows located in the ship's side below the lifeboat embarkation area shall have fire integrity at least equal to "A-0" class.

  4.1.3.6 For ships carrying not more than 36 passengers, windows 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.