Section 5 Fire Safety Measures for Diving Systems
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Clasifications Register Rules and Regulations - Rules and Regulations for the Construction & Classification of Submersibles & Diving Systems, July 2022 - Part 5 Main and Auxiliary Machinery, Systems and Equipment - Chapter 8 Fire Protections, Detection and Extinction - Section 5 Fire Safety Measures for Diving Systems

Section 5 Fire Safety Measures for Diving Systems

Parent topic: Chapter 8 Fire Protections, Detection and Extinction

5.1 Materials

5.1.1 As far as practicable all materials used in connection with the diving system are to be non-combustible.

5.1.2 All exposed surfaces including those in concealed or inaccessible spaces are to have low flame spread characteristics.

5.1.3 As far as practicable all materials having surfaces exposed to oxygen enriched atmospheres are to have fire retardant characteristics in addition to any other required fire-resistant properties.

5.2 Structure

5.2.1 Diving Systems Installed in Enclosed Spaces
  1. Enclosed spaces on dive support vessels/offshore facilities housing diving systems are to be separated from adjacent spaces by means of A-60 class bulkheads or decks. Piping and cables essential for the operation of the diving system are to be laid in separate structural ducts insulated to the A-60 class standard.
  2. The enclosed space housing the diving facility may be subdivided into several spaces by A-0 class. There shall be no direct access between categories A machinery spaces outside of “Enclosed space”. All doors between this space and other adjacent enclosed spaces should be of self-closing type.
5.2.2 Diving Systems Installed on Open Decks
  • When diving systems are installed on open decks or similar structures that are directly adjacent to Category A machinery spaces, the systems are to be separated from the machinery spaces by A-60 class bulkheads or decks.

5.3 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems

5.3.1 Interior spaces containing diving equipment such as surface compression chambers, diving bells, gas storage facilities, compressors and associated equipment are to be provided with a fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements of Pt 6, Ch 1, 2.8 Fire detection and fire alarm systems of the Rules and Regulations for the Classification of Ships, July 2022.

5.4 Fire-extinguishing arrangements

5.4.1 Enclosed spaces containing diving equipment such as surface compression chambers, diving bells, gas storage facilities, compressors and associated equipment are to be provided with a fixed water deluge system or as an alternative an approved high pressure water mist system with due water capacities, securing equivalent reliable levels (extinguishing time, discharge density etc.) based on NFPA 750 principals will be considered. The system is to comply generally with SOLAS Reg. II-2/10, except that the water application rate is to be at least 10 litre/m2/min in the spaces to be protected Nozzles are to be fitted to cool and protect the pressure vessels in the event of external fire. Where pressure vessels are situated on Open decks, fire-hoses may be considered as providing the necessary protection.

5.4.2 Portable extinguishers are to be distributed throughout the space containing the diving system. One of the portable extinguishers is to be stowed near the entrance to the space. The extinguishers are to be of approved type suitable for use on the fires likely to be encountered.

5.4.3 Each compartment in a surface compression chamber is to be protected by a pressure fresh water spraying system complying with the requirements of Pt 5, Ch 8, 3 Pressure Fresh Water Spraying Inside Surface Compression Chambers.

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