Section 7 Fire extinguishing

7.1.1 Every ship is to be equipped, so far as is practicable, so that all detected fires can be safely and effectively extinguished. The Fire Extinguishing Goals described in Vol 3, Pt 2, Ch 2, 7.1 Fire extinguishing objective 7.1.2 and Vol 3, Pt 2, Ch 2, 7.1 Fire extinguishing objective 7.1.3 may be achieved by the application of the referenced SOLAS - International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea Regulations and the technical references which are for guidance purposes. See also Vol 3, Pt 2, Ch 2, 4.1 The Rules 4.1.3.

7.1.2  Fire Extinguishing Goal 1. Arrangements on board are to be such that all detected fires can be extinguished using a medium which is suitable for the nature of the fire.

1. Unless given otherwise in the following paragraphs, arrangements for the extinction of fire are to be in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2 Part C, Regulation 10 - Fire fighting.

2. Where high pressure sea-water systems are used for fire-fighting purposes, they are to be in accordance with the requirements of Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5, 10 High pressure sea-water systems.

3. The water fire-fighting system is to have a capacity, equal to the requirements of HPSW systems as outlined in Vol 2, Pt 7, Ch 5, 10.2 Pump units 10.2.3.

4. The number and position of hydrants are to be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which shall be from a single length of hose, may reach any part of the ship where a fire can be reasonably expected. Such hydrant is to be located near the access to protected spaces. Hydrants for boundary cooling for the expected fire scenarios are also to be made available.

5. With regard to pressure at hydrants, the water fire-fighting system is to be capable of delivering the required quantity of water at adjacent hydrants with the following pressures being available at all hydrants:

   • 4 bar for NS1 and NS2 ships and all ships of 4000 gross tonnage or greater.
   • 3 bar for NS3 ships.

   The pressure is not to exceed that for which the system has been designed, or that which the fire hose cannot be demonstrated as being controllable.

6. With regard to the provision of fire pumps, ships of 4000 gross tonnage and above are to be fitted with at least three fire pumps, and ships of less than 4000 gross tonnage are to be fitted with at least two. If the pumps are arranged such that a single fire will put all pumps out of action, an additional emergency fire pump will be required.

7. With regard to the requirements for fire hoses, at least one fire hose of the required length is to be permanently available at each required hydrant. These are to be for the sole use of fire-fighting and testing the equipment.

8. With regard to sprinkler systems, NS1 and NS2 ships, and those designed to carry in excess of 50 embarked personnel, are to be fitted with an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with the FSS Code or other agreed specified standard in all control stations, accommodation and service spaces. Alternatively, if a water sprinkler system may cause damage to Mobility and/or Ship Type equipment an agreed alternative fixed fire-fighting system is to be specified. Spaces where there is little or no risk of fire need not be fitted with such a system.

9. On NS3 ships and vessels designed to carry less than 50 embarked personnel, an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system in accordance with the FSS Code or other agreed specified standard is to be installed to protect control stations. A fixed fire detection system and alarm is to be arranged to provide smoke detection in corridors, stairways, escape and access routes within accommodation spaces.

10. With regard to fire-fighters’ outfits, the fire-fighters’ outfit is to be to a standard acceptable to the Naval Authority. As a minimum they are to be in accordance with the Fire Safety Systems Code (FSS Code).

11. Each ship is to carry sufficient fire-fighters’ outfits for the number required for each fire party as agreed with the Naval Authority. Each ship is to carry at least two firefighters’ outfits. Two fire-fighters’ outfits are to be provided for every 80 m of longitudinal deck space and in addition, two in every vertical zone. One water fog applicator is to be stored adjacent to each set of breathing apparatus. The fire-fighters’ outfits and fog applicators are to be readily accessible in each fire zone.

12. Where water is used for fire-fighting purposes in any compartment, these compartments are to be provided with arrangements for removing the water after fire extinguishing.

7.1.3  Fire Extinguishing Goal 2. The capacity of the extinguishing system is to be sufficient to extinguish any fire which may reasonably be expected to occur within the jurisdiction of that extinguishing system.

With regard to the availability of water, at least one effective jet of water is to be immediately available from any hydrant in an interior space. The continued supply of that water is to be ensured by the automatic starting of a fire pump.