Chapter 14A - Structural Fire Protection Vessels of Less than 500GT

14A.1 General

(1) Terms used in this section shall have the same meaning as defined in SOLAS.

(2) Table 14A.1 is a guide to the major requirements of this Chapter. The Table is intended as a quick reference to the requirements and is not to be used in isolation when designing the fire safety arrangements.

Table 14A.1

14A.2 Structure

(1) Purpose:

• (a) The purpose of this section is to contain a fire in the space of origin. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met:

  • (i) the engine room and galley shall be contained within boundaries required by this section;

  • (ii) the fire integrity of the divisions shall be maintained at openings and penetrations.

(2) Forms of construction - Fire divisions:

• (a) Fire divisions required by 14A.2(3) shall be constructed in accordance with the remaining paragraphs of this Section.

• (b) Fire divisions using steel equivalent, or alternative forms of construction may be accepted if it can be demonstrated that the material by itself, or due to non-combustible insulation provided, has the fire resistance properties equivalent to those divisions required by 14A.2(3)(a) and 14A.2(3)(b).

• (c) Insulation required by 14A.2(2)(b) shall be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise above the point at which the structure would begin to lose its strength at anytime during the applicable exposure to the standard fire test as referenced in the Fire Test Procedures Code. For 'A' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 60 minutes, and for 'B' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 30 minutes.

• (d) For aluminium alloy structures, the insulation 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.

• (e) For composite structures, the insulation shall be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the applicable fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load shall be determined in accordance with a recognised international standard.

• (f) Insulation need only be applied on the side that is exposed to the greatest fire risk (for example inside the engine room), a division between two such spaces shall however be insulated on both sides unless it is a steel division.

• (g) Special attention shall be given to the fixing of fire door frames in bulkheads constructed of materials other than steel. Measures shall be taken to ensure that the temperature of the fixings when exposed to fire does not exceed the temperature at which the bulkhead itself loses strength.

(3) Structural Fire Protection:

• (a) Machinery spaces of category ‘A’, shall be totally enclosed by ‘A-30’ Class boundaries (bulkheads, side shell and deck heads). For Short Range Yachts, such machinery spaces shall be totally enclosed by “B-15” Class boundaries (bulkheads, side shell and deck heads).

• (b) Yachts which are not Short Range Yachts are to have galleys totally enclosed by “B-15” Boundaries (bulkheads, side shell and deck heads). Windows within the exterior hull or superstructure within this boundary are not expected to meet “B-15” standards.

• (c) Openings in 'A' and 'B' Class divisions shall be provided with permanently attached means of closing that shall be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted. Generally, windows shall not be fitted in machinery space boundaries.

• (d) Where 'A' Class divisions are penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc., or for girders, beams or other structural members, arrangements shall be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired.

• (e) 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, arrangements shall be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired.

• (f) Where 'A' Class divisions are required to be insulated, it shall be ensured that the heat from a fire is not transmitted through the intersections and terminal points of the divisions or penetrations to uninsulated boundaries. Where the insulation installed does not achieve this, arrangements shall be made to prevent this heat transmission by insulating the horizontal and vertical boundaries or penetrations for a distance of 450 millimetres.

(4) Materials:

• (a) Except in refrigerated compartments of service spaces, all insulation (e.g. thermal and acoustic) shall be of not readily-ignitable materials.

• (b) Pipes penetrating 'A' or 'B' Class divisions shall be of approved materials having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand.

• (c) Pipes conveying oil or other combustible liquids through accommodation and service spaces shall be of approved materials having regard to the fire risk.

• (d) Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to 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. Due regard shall be paid to the Fire Test Procedures Code.

• (e) Vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as insulation of pipe fittings for cold service system need not be non-combustible, but they shall be kept to the minimum quantity practicable and their exposed surfaces are to have low flame spread characteristics.

• (f) Upholstery composites (fabric in association with any backing or padding material) used throughout the vessel excluding open decks shall be approved in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code, Annex 1, Part 8, or equivalent in accordance with 14A.2(4)(i). This does not apply to spaces fitted with sprinklers or equivalent fixed fire extinguishing systems.

• (g) Organic foams used in upholstered furniture and mattresses shall be of the combustion modified type.

• (h) Suspended textile materials such as curtains or drapes shall be approved in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code, Annex 1, Part 7, or equivalent in accordance with 14A.2(4)(i). This does not apply to spaces fitted with sprinklers or equivalent fixed fire extinguishing systems.

• (i) Where upholstery composites and suspended textile materials do not meet Fire Test Procedures Code standards in accordance with 14A.2(4)(f) and (h), they may meet equivalent standards as follows:

  • (i) Materials shall be subject to fire protection treatment process^footnote;

  • (ii) Vessel shall have installed a sprinkler or equivalent fixed fire extinguishing system, that is compliant with the Fire Safety Systems Code in all aspects except they may be exempt from Fire Safety Systems Code Chapter 8 section 2.2.2 requirement for 2 sources of power. Or for sprinkler systems equivalent to that referred to in SOLAS II-2/12, Section 3.8 of the Annex to Resolution A.800. The system shall be designed to enable simultaneous operation of all sprinklers fitted in the most hydraulically demanding area. The minimum area for simultaneous operation may be taken as the largest enclosed accommodation space protected; or

  • (iii) An equivalent standard acceptable to the Administration.

(5) Surface of Insulation:

• (a) In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the surface of insulation shall be impervious to oil or oil vapours. Insulation boundaries shall be arranged to avoid immersion in oil spillages.

(6) Fuel Arrangements:

• (a) Arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of oil fuel shall be such as to minimise the risk of fire or explosion.

• (b) Oil fuel tanks situated within, or adjacent to, the boundaries of Category 'A' machinery spaces are not to contain oil fuel having a flashpoint of less than 60°C.

• (c) Oil fuel, lubricating oil and other flammable oils are not to be carried in fore-peak tanks.

• (d) Every oil fuel pipe, which, if damaged, would allow oil to escape from a storage, settling or daily service tank situated above the double bottom, 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.

• (e) Means shall be provided to stop fuel transfer pumps, oil fired boilers and separators from outside the machinery space.

• (f) Fuel filter bowls shall be of metal construction.

14A.3 Means of Escape

(1) Purpose:

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

  • (i) safe escape routes shall be provided;

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

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

(2) Requirements:

• (a) Stairways, ladders and corridors serving all spaces normally accessible shall be arranged so as to provide ready means of escape to a deck from which embarkation into survival craft may be effected.

• (b) The arrangement of the vessel shall be such that all compartments are provided with a satisfactory means of escape. In the case of the accommodation, two means of escape from every restricted space or group of spaces shall be provided. Concealed escapes and escape routes shall be clearly marked to ensure ready exit.

• (c) Category ‘A’ machinery spaces on motor vessels shall also be provided with a minimum of two means of escape. Other machinery spaces shall also have at least two means of escape as widely separated as possible, except where the small size of the machinery space makes it impracticable.

• (d) The normal means of access to the accommodation and service spaces below the open deck shall be arranged so that it is possible to reach the open deck without passing through a galley, engine room or other space with a high fire risk, wherever practicable.

• (e) Where accommodation arrangements are such that access to compartments is through another compartment, the second escape route shall be as remote as possible from the main escape route. This may be through hatches of adequate size, leading to the open deck or separate space to the main escape route.

• (f) In exceptional circumstances, a single means of escape may be accepted for spaces, other than accommodation spaces, that are entered only occasionally, if the escape route does not pass through a galley, machinery space or watertight door.

• (g) No escape route shall be obstructed by furniture or fittings. Additionally, furniture along escape routes shall be secured in place to prevent shifting if the yacht rolls or lists.

• (h) All doors in escape routes shall be openable from either side. In the direction of escape they are all to be openable without a key. All handles on the inside of weathertight doors and hatches shall be non removable. Where doors are lockable measures to ensure access from outside the space shall be provided for rescue purposes.

(3) Lifts are not considered as forming a means of escape.

(4) Adequate deck area shall be provided at muster stations and embarkation areas having due regard to the expected number of persons. Generally, muster stations shall be provided close to the embarkation stations. Each muster station shall have sufficient clear deck space to accommodate all persons assigned to muster at that station, but at least 0.35m² per person.

14A.4 Ventilation Systems

(1) Ventilation fans for machinery spaces and enclosed galleys shall be capable of being stopped, and main inlets and outlets of ventilation systems closed, from outside the spaces being served. This position shall not be readily cut off in the event of a fire in the spaces served.

(2) Ventilation ducts for Category 'A' machinery spaces, galleys, spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, are generally not to pass through accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations. Where this is unavoidable, the trunking shall be constructed of steel at least 3 millimetres thick or equivalent to the satisfaction of the Administration. The ducting within the accommodation, service space or control station shall be fitted with:

• (a) fire insulation to A-30 (“B-15” on Short Range Yachts) standard to a point at least 5 metres from the boundary of the machinery space or galley; and

• (b) automatic fire dampers located in the deck or bulkhead within the accommodation, service space or control station where the trunking passes from the machinery space or galley into the accommodation, service space or control station.. These automatic fire dampers are also to be manually closable from outside the galley or machinery space; and

• (c) fixed means for extinguishing a fire within the galley exhaust duct.

(3) Ventilation ducts for accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations are not to pass through Category 'A' machinery spaces, galleys, spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.

(4) Store-rooms containing highly flammable products shall be provided with ventilation arrangements that are separate from other ventilation systems. Ventilation shall be arranged to prevent the build up of flammable vapours at high and low levels. The inlets and outlets of ventilators shall be positioned so that they do not draw from or vent into an area which would cause undue hazard, and shall be fitted with spark arresters.

(5) Ventilation systems serving Category 'A' machinery spaces shall be independent of systems serving other spaces.

(6) All enclosed spaces containing free standing fuel tanks shall be ventilated independently of systems serving other spaces.

(7) Ventilation shall be provided to prevent the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of flammable gas which may be emitted from batteries.

(8) Ducts provided for tumble driers shall be fitted with filters readily removable for cleaning purposes and suitably located cleaning and inspection openings.

(9) 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.

(10) 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.

(11) Ventilation ducts shall be of non-combustible material except flexible bellows of short length not exceeding 600 millimetres used for connecting fans to the ducting in air-conditioning rooms. Short ducts, however, not generally exceeding 2m in length and with a cross-section not exceeding 0.02m² need not be non-combustible, subject to the following conditions:

• (a) material having low flame-spread characteristics and, in each case, a calorific value not exceeding 45 MJ/m² of their surface area for the thickness used.

• (b) they shall be used only at the end of the ventilation device; and

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

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

14A.5 Arrangements for ‘Recreational Fire Appliances’

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

14A.6 Space Heaters

(1) Space heaters, if used, shall be fixed in position and so constructed as to reduce fire risks to a minimum. The design and location of these units shall be such that clothing, curtains or other similar materials cannot be scorched or set on fire by heat from the unit.

14A.7 Fixed Fire Detection and Fire-Alarm Systems

(1) The purpose of this section is to detect a fire in the space of origin and to provide for an alarm for safe escape and fire-fighting activity.

(2) A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be fitted in all enclosed spaces except those containing no significant fire risk (toilets, bathrooms, void spaces, etc). Manually operated call points shall be placed effectively to ensure a readily accessible means of notification. The fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system shall be installed in accordance with the requirements of SOLAS II-2/7 and the Fire Safety Systems Code, Chapter 9, and shall be audible externally.

14A.8 Fixed Fire-Extinguishing Systems Not Required by this Section

(1) Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system not required by this Chapter, is installed, the arrangement shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

14A.9 Emergency Training and Drills

(1) See Annex C for requirements

14A.10 Additional Equivalence Considerations

(1) None

14A.11 Alternative Design and Arrangements

(1) Vessels may follow Section 1.9 on Alternative Design and Arrangements for this chapter as allowed by SOLAS II-2/17.

(2) The engineering analysis required by 1.9(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.