Section 2 Pumps, water service pipes, hydrants and hoses

2.1.1 The fire pumps are to be capable of developing the pressures in the fire main as required by Pt 2, Ch 3, 2.3 Pressure in the fire main.

2.2.1 Sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil and, if they are subject to occasional duty for the transfer or pumping of fuel oil, that suitable changeover arrangements are fitted.

2.2.2 Any pump designated as a fire pump (other than any emergency pump required by Pt 2, Ch 3, 4.1 General 4.1.4) is to have a capacity not less than 80 per cent of the total required capacity divided by the number of required fire pumps, and in any event is to be capable of delivering at least the two required jets of water. Any deficiency in capacity of one of the fire pumps is to be made good by excess capacity of the other fire pumps. These fire pumps are to be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions. Where more pumps than required are installed, their capacities will be specially considered.

2.2.3 Relief valves are to be provided in conjunction with all fire pumps if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the water service pipes, hydrants and hoses. These valves are to be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.

2.3.1 The fire pumps, associated piping and fire main are to be so designed that a minimum pressure can be maintained sufficient to produce a 12,2 m jet throw through adjacent nozzles of sizes required by Pt 2, Ch 3, 2.8 Nozzles. It should be noted that the minimum pressure required is to be obtained at the top deck when the floating dock is in the fully raised position.

2.4.1 The diameter of the fire main is to be based on the required capacity of the fire pump or pumps, and the diameters of the water service pipes are to be sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water for the simultaneous operation of at least two fire hoses using any of the hydrants provided in accordance with these Rules. In general, the diameter of the fire main should be not less than that required by the following formula, but in no case is it to be less than 50 mm:

2.4.2 The fire main is to be situated outside the machinery spaces, and the discharge line or lines from the fire pumps are to be fitted with isolating valves at the connections to the fire main.

2.4.3 The wash deck line may be used as a fire main provided that the requirements of this Section are satisfied.

2.4.4 All water pipes for fire-extinguishing are to be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather.

2.5.1 The number and position of the hydrants are to be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which is to be from a single length of hose, may reach any part of the floating dock under any operating conditions.

2.5.2 In spaces containing machinery with a total power of 1000 bhp and over, two hydrants are to be provided, and in spaces where the total power of the machinery is less, one hydrant will be accepted.

2.5.3 Where, in either the case of Pt 2, Ch 3, 2.5 Number and position of hydrants 2.5.1 or Pt 2, Ch 3, 2.5 Number and position of hydrants 2.5.2, fire-fighting from within a small compartment is impracticable due to limitations in space, the hydrants required may be situated outside and adjacent to the compartment entrance.

2.6.1 Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to be used for fire mains. Where steel pipes are used they are to be galvanized internally and externally. Cast iron pipes are not acceptable. The pipes and hydrants are to be so placed that the fire-hoses may be easily coupled to them. The positions of the hydrants are to be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes are to be arranged so far as practicable to avoid risk of damage. Unless there is provided one hose and nozzle for each hydrant in the floating dock, there shall be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

2.6.2 Valves or cocks are to be fitted in such positions on the pipes that any of the fire-hoses may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.

2.7.1 Fire-hoses are to be of seamless hemp, close weave flax canvas, or other approved material. The hoses are to be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used. Their length, in general, is not to exceed 18,3 m. Each hose is to be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Fire-hoses, together with any necessary fittings and tools, are to be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections.

2.8.1 The nozzles used for extinguishing fires other than oil fires are to have a bore of not less than 12 mm. For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size of 12 mm will normally be adequate, but for machinery spaces and exterior locations 12, 16 or 20 mm nozzles may be adopted so as to make full use of the maximum discharge capacity of the fire pumps. The jet throw at any nozzle is to be about 12,2 m. Dual purpose nozzles for jet or fog may be adopted.