2.1 The system should be capable of immediate
operation at all times.
2.2 The system should be capable of fire detection
based on testing conducted in accordance with internationally recognized
standards or as prescribed by the Administration.
2.3 The system should be capable of fire
detection on cabin balconies with expected wind conditions
while the vessel is underway.
2.4 The system and its components should
be suitably designed to withstand ambient temperature changes,
vibration, humidity, shock, corrosion and impact normally encountered
on ships. External components should additionally be designed
to withstand sun irradiation, ultraviolet exposure, water ingress
and corrosion normally encountered on open deck areas.
2.5 If detectors are not remotely and individually
identifiable dedicated to cabin balconies only, the detectors
should be grouped into sections. The system indicating units
should, as a minimum, denote the section in which a detector has
been activated.
2.6 The location and spacing of the detectors
should be within the limits tested.
2.7 There should be not less than two sources
of power supply for the electrical equipment used in the operation
of the fixed fire detection and fire alarm system, one of which should
be an emergency source. The supply should be provided by separate
feeders reserved solely for that purpose. Such feeders should run
to an automatic change-over switch situated in or adjacent to the
control panel for the fire detection system.
2.8 Detectors should be operated by heat,
smoke or other products of combustion, flame, or any combination
of these factors. Detectors operated by other factors indicative
of incipient fires may be considered by the Administration provided
that they are no less sensitive than such detectors.
2.9 All detectors should be of a type such that
they can be tested for correct operation and restored to normal
surveillance without the renewal of any component.
2.10 The activation of any detector should
initiate a visual and audible fire signalfootnote at the control panel and indicating
units. If the signals have not received attention within
2 min an audible alarm should be automatically sounded throughout
the crew accommodation and service spaces, control stations and machinery
spaces of category A. This alarm sounder system need not be an integral
part of the detection system.
2.11 The control panel should be located
on the navigation bridge or in the onboard safety centre.
2.12 At least one indicating unit should be so
located that it is easily accessible to responsible members of the
crew at all times.
2.13 Clear information should be displayed
on or adjacent to each indicating unit about the spaces
covered and the location of the sections.
2.14 Power supplies and electric circuits necessary
for the operation of the system should be monitored for loss of power
or fault conditions as appropriate. Occurrence of a fault condition
should initiate a visual and audible fault signal at the control
panel which should be distinct from a fire signal.
2.15 Suitable instructions and component spares
for testing and maintenance should be provided, taking into account
any special requirements for detectors located in external
areas. Detectors should be periodically tested using equipment suitable
for the types of fires to which the detector is designed to
respond. Ships with self-diagnostic systems that have in
place a cleaning regime for areas where heads may be prone to contamination,
may carry out testing in accordance with the requirements of the
Administration.