1 General requirements
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - IMO Publications and Documents - International Codes - SCV Code - Code of Safety for Small Commercial Vessels Operating in the Caribbean - Chapter IV - Machinery - Part A - General Provisions - 1 General requirements

1 General requirements

  1.1 The design, construction, installation and operation of propulsion and auxiliary machinery, piping and pressure systems, steering apparatus and associated safety systems shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. These requirements shall be considered to be satisfactory where they are in accordance with the requirements of a classification society recognised by the Administration.

  1.2 In all vessels, the main propulsion machinery and all auxiliary machinery essential to the propulsion and the safety of the vessel shall be designed to operate when the vessel is upright and when inclined at any angle of heel and trim up to and including 15° and 7.5° respectively either way under static conditions.

  1.3 Starting motors, generators, and any spark producing device shall be mounted as high above the bilges as practicable. Electrical equipment in spaces, compartments, or enclosures that contain machinery powered by, or fuel tanks for, gasoline or other fuels having a flashpoint of 43°C (110°F) or lower shall be explosion-proof, intrinsically safe, or ignition protected for use in a gasoline atmosphere.

  1.4 Gauges to indicate engine revolutions per minute (RPM), jacket water discharge temperature, and lubricating oil pressure shall be provided for all propulsion engines installed in the vessel. The gauges shall be readily visible at the operating station.

  1.5 A cover, guard or rail shall properly protect an exposed hazard, such as gears or rotating machinery.

  1.6.1 Shutoff valves, installed so as to close against the fuel flow, shall be fitted in the fuel supply lines, one at the tank connection and one at the engine end of the fuel line to stop fuel flow when servicing accessories. The shutoff valve at the tank shall be manually operable from outside the compartment in which the valve is located, preferably from an accessible position on the weather deck.

  1.6.2 Where the handle to the shutoff valve at the tank is located inside the machinery space, it shall be located so that the operator does not have to reach more than 300 mm (12 inches) into the machinery space and the valve handle shall be shielded from flames by noncombustible material. Electric solenoid valves shall not be used, unless used in addition to the manual valve.

  1.7 Fuel filling and venting pipes shall be constructed of fuel compatible non-kinking material, adequately supported and of sufficient dimensions to prevent spillage during filling. A venting pipe shall be led to the open atmosphere, terminating in a position level with or higher than the fuel filling mouth and its open end protected against:-

  • .1 water ingress - by a goose neck or other efficient means; and

  • .2 flame ingress - by a suitable gauze diaphragm, which can be detached for cleaning.

  1.8 An air pipe, of greater than 10mm inside diameter, serving a fuel tank or other tank shall be provided with a closing appliance of a type, which will prevent excessive pressure on the tank boundaries. Provision shall be made for relieving a vacuum when tanks are being drawn from or emptied.

  1.9 Flexible non-metallic hose may be used in all systems subject to the following:

  • .1 when required by the machinery manufacturer, factory-assembled fittings shall be used;

  • .2 hose clamps may be used for other installations of short lengths not to exceed 760 mm (30 inches) and subject to pressures of not more than 35 kPa (5 psi);

  • .3 in a fuel supply system to engine unit the hose shall be fire resistant/metal reinforced or otherwise protected from fire; and

  • .4 they shall be installed and located so as to minimize the risk of accidental damage.

  1.10 In systems and applications where flexible hoses are permitted by regulation IV/1.9.2, to be clamped:

  • .1 double hose clamping is required where practicable;

  • .2 the clamps shall be of a corrosion resistant metallic material;

  • .3 the clamps shall not depend on spring tension for their holding power; and

  • .4 two clamps shall be used on each end of the hose, or one hose clamp can be used where the pipe ends are expanded or beaded to provide a positive stop against hose slippage.

  1.11 An enclosed space containing machinery powered by gasoline or other fuels, having a flash point of 43°C (110°F) or lower, shall be equipped with a flammable vapour detection device.

  1.12 Piping used in the following systems shall be of ferrous material or other material where approved by the Administration.

  • .1 Fuel system;

  • .2 Fire main;

  • .3 CO2 system fixed fire fighting;

  • .4 Bilge system;

  • .5 Steering system;

  • .6 Propulsion system and its necessary auxiliaries and controls;

  • .7 Vessel’s service and emergency electrical generation system and its necessary auxiliaries; and

  • .8 A system identified by the Administration as being crucial to the survival of the vessel or to the protection of the personnel on board.

  1.13.1 Diesel tanks may only be integral with the hull where the ship is made of steel, aluminium or GRP, sandwich construction is not acceptable. All other fuel tanks shall be independent of the hull.

  1.13.2 Independent fuel tanks shall comply with the following:

  • .1 the tank shall be constructed of steel or aluminium;

  • .2 tubular glass shall be fitted only to a diesel tank and shall be of heat resistant material, protected from mechanical damage, and provided with tank connection devices that automatically close if the glass is ruptured;

  • .3 where any dimension of the tank exceeds 760mm (30) inches, the tank shall be fitted with baffle plates to maintain strength and control the excessive surge of fuel;

  • .4 the interior of the tank shall be covered with a protective coating suitable for the type of fuel carried.

  1.13.3 Fuels tanks shall be pressure tested to 35kPa (5psi).

  1.13.4 Fuel tanks shall be electrically bonded to a common ground.

  1.13.5 Fuel tanks shall be adequately supported and braced to prevent movement.

Parent topic: Part A - General Provisions
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