14.8 Means of Escape
Clasification Society 2024 - Version 9.40
Statutory Documents - MCA Publications - MGN 280 - Small Vessels in Commercial Use for Sport or Pleasure, Workboats and Pilot Boats - Alternative Construction Standards - 14 Fire Safety - 14.8 Means of Escape

14.8 Means of Escape

  14.8.1 Two means of escape should be provided in:-

  • .1 accommodation spaces used for sleeping or rest; and

  • .2 other accommodation spaces affected by a fire risk; and

  • .3 machinery spaces affected by a fire risk except:

    • i) those spaces visited only occasionally or unmanned during normal operation, and where the single access gives ready escape, at all times, in the event of fire; or

    • ii) those spaces where any person entering and moving about the space is within 5 metres of the single entrance, at all times.

The means of escape should be such that a single hazardous event will not cut-off both escape routes. Only in the exceptional case, such that the overall safety of the vessel would be diminished, should means of escape contrary to Section 14.8.1.1, .2 or .3 be accepted.

  14.8.2 In the exceptional case where a single means of escape from accommodation spaces is accepted, efficient fire detectors should be provided as necessary to give early warning of a fire emergency which could cut off that single means of escape.

  14.8.3 Means of escape should be clearly marked for their purpose on both sides, and the function of each escape route demonstrated by practical tests to the satisfaction of the Certifying Authority.

  14.8.4 All sailing multihulls over 12 metres length shall be fitted with an emergency escape hatch in each main inhabited watertight compartment to permit the exit of personnel in the event of an inversion. Such escape hatches shall be located above both upright and inverted waterlines. See section 11.10 for inverted stability and buoyancy requirements.

Parent topic: 14 Fire Safety
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