14.1 Protection of spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks or lockers storing such fuels

  14.1.1 Special consideration should be given to safe conditions of carriage of petrol and other highly flammable liquids either in hand portable containers/tanks or in the tanks of vehicles (such as personal water craft, motor cars and helicopters) which may be transported. This is not considered applicable to diesel stowage.

  14.1.2 The quantity of petrol and/or other highly flammable liquids carried should be kept to a minimum, generally up to 150 litres maximum. Greater quantities may be specially considered by the Administration on receipt of a reasoned case made by the master.

  14.1.3 Containers used for the carriage of flammable liquids should be constructed to a recognised standard appropriate to the contents and each container clearly marked to indicate its contents.

  14.1.4 Small lockers on open deck for the stowage of hand portable containers of petrol should be located away from high risk areas, have no electrical fittings, and be provided with the following:

• 1. Natural ventilation openings top and bottom.

• 2. Drainage leading overboard.

• 3. Means of securing the fuel containers.

• 4. A facility to boundary cool the locker.

  14.1.5 Enclosed spaces, and larger lockers on open deck, designated for the safe carriage of petrol or similar fuel or vehicles with fuel in their tanks should be fitted with:

• .1 A manual water spray system giving a coverage of 3.5 ltr/m²/minute over the total area of deck, which may be taken from the fire main with the isolating valve located outside the garage. An equivalent arrangement may be considered. Adequate provision should be made for drainage of water introduced to the space. This should not lead to machinery or other spaces where a source of ignition may exist.

• .2 A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of SOLAS regulations II-2/Part A/Fire Safety Systems Code Chapter IX. The system within the space should also comply with 14.1.5.5.

• .3 Ducted mechanical exhaust ventilation, which is isolated from other ventilated spaces, should provide at least 6 air changes per hour (based on the empty space) and for which reduction of the airflow should be signalled by an audible and visual alarm on the navigating bridge and at the "in port" control station(s). Exhaust ducting should be arranged to extract from the area low over the bilge. If the fan motors are located in the space or in the ventilation duct they should be certified safe to the correct designation for the flammable vapour/liquid. The ventilation fans should be of a non-sparking type and the ventilation system should be capable of rapid shut down and effective closure in event of fire.

• .4 A suitable gas detection system is to be provided, with audible and visual alarm in the wheelhouse and where it may always be observed by the crew.

• .5 All electrical equipment located up to 450mm above the deck should be certified safe for petrol vapours.

• .6 Electrical equipment located higher than 450mm above the deck should either,

  • (a) to be [IP55] standard of construction (IEC Publication 529 - Classification of Degree of protection Provided by Enclosures). or,

  • (b) provided with easily accessible means of isolation (on all poles) located outside the space. These isolators should be grouped together as far as practicable and be clearly marked. This option should not be used for safety systems such as steering motors, rudder indicators, etc.

• .7 Regardless of the height of installation, it is considered that the following equipment located within the space should be certified safe for the flammable vapours:

  • (a) gas detection system

  • (b) bilge alarm

  • (c) fire detection system

  • (d) at least one light fitting (on a dedicated circuit, possibly emergency)

It should be noted that electrical equipment includes starters, distribution boxes, etc