Section 3 Fire-extinguishing

3.1.1 The minimum number of monitors, their discharge rate, their range and their height of trajectory above sea level are to comply with the requirements of Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment.

3.1.2 The monitors are to be so arranged that the required direction, range and height of trajectory can be achieved separately, with the required number of monitors operating simultaneously.

3.1.3 The monitors are to be capable of adequate adjustment in the vertical and horizontal direction and are to be so positioned that the jets will be unimpeded within the required range of operation.

3.1.4 Means are to be provided for preventing the monitor jets from impinging on the ship’s structure and equipment when in external fire fighting mode. Combined systems for high pressure external fire fighting and deck foam fire fighting may be permitted provided consideration is given to monitor position and to the safety of operating pressures when used in deck foam mode and during changeover between modes. Change over between modes is to be by a simple operator action. The combined system is to be capable of simple and rapid operation in either mode.

3.1.5 The monitors are to be capable of being activated and manoeuvred by remote control from a protected position providing a good view of the monitors and the operating area of the water jets.

3.1.6 The monitors are to be of robust construction and their seating arrangements are to be of adequate strength for all modes of operation, particular attention being paid to shock loading when all the monitors are activated simultaneously.

3.1.7 For the class notations Fire-fighting ship 2 and Fire-fighting ship 3, an arrangement with one less monitor than required in Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment may be considered as an equivalent solution. In such cases the total pump capacity is to be as required in Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment. The minimum range of monitor jets and minimum height of trajectory of jets of monitors above sea level are to be 180 m and 110 m, respectively.

3.2.1 The pumps and their piping system which are intended for serving the monitors are not to be available for services other than fire-extinguishing and water spraying. Each pump is to be provided with a dedicated independent sea chest.

3.2.2 Where the pumps are used for fixed water spray systems, the piping is to be independent of that supplying the monitors. The water spray systems are to be adequately protected against overpressure.

3.2.3 The minimum total pump capacities required are shown in Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment.

3.2.4 For assignment of the notations Fire-fighting ship 2 or Fire-fighting ship 3 there are to be at least two pumps serving the monitors and they should be of approximately equal capacity. For assignment of the notation Fire-fighting ship 1 one pump only need be provided.

3.3.1 Hose stations are to be provided on each side of the ship in accordance with Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment.

3.3.2 Each hose station is to be provided with a hydrant, a hose and a nozzle capable of producing a jet or a spray and simultaneously a jet and a spray. The hoses are to be 15 m in length and not less than 38 mm nor more than 65 mm in diameter. Where hose stations are connected to the monitor supply lines, provision is to be made to reduce the water pressure at the hydrants to an amount at which each fire hose nozzle can be safely handled by one man. The water pressure shall be sufficient to produce a water jet throw of at least 12 m.

3.4.1 The number of fireman's outfits provided, in addition to those provided in accordance with Pt 6, Ch 4, 2 Fire detection, protection and extinction or SOLAS Reg. II-2/C, 10 Fire-fighter's outfits as applicable is to be in accordance with Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment. They are to be stored in a safe position which is readily accessible from the open deck.

3.4.2 The composition of a fireman's outfit is to be as follows:

• Protective clothing of material to protect the skin from heat radiating from the fire and from burns and scalding by steam. The outer surface is to be water-resistant.
• Boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material.
• A rigid helmet providing effective protection against impact.
• An electric safety lamp (hand lantern) of an approved type with a minimum operating period of three hours.
• An axe having an insulated handle.
• A self-contained breathing apparatus, which is to be capable of functioning for a period of at least 30 minutes and having a capacity of at least 1200 litres of free air. Spare, fully charged air bottles are to be provided at the rate of at least one set per required apparatus.
• For each breathing apparatus, a fireproof lifeline of sufficient length and strength is to be provided capable of being attached by means of a snaphook to the harness of the apparatus or to a separate belt, in order to prevent the breathing apparatus becoming detached when the life-line is operated.

3.5.1 A suitable air compressor for recharging the bottles used in the breathing apparatus of the fireman's outfits is to be provided. It is to be capable of recharging the bottles of the breathing apparatus required to be carried, in accordance with Table 3.1.1 Fire-fighting equipment, in a time not exceeding 30 minutes.