Section 2 Fire safety measures for yachts of overall length greater than 24 m but less than 500 gt

2.1.1  Table 3.2.1 General fire protection, detection and extinction requirements is a guide to the major requirements of this Section. The Table is intended as a quick reference to the requirements and is not to be used in isolation when designing the fire safety arrangements.

2.2.1 The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses may be constructed of steel, other equivalent material, see Pt 17, Ch 1, 2.1 Materials 2.1.2 or be of alternative forms of construction, see Pt 17, Ch 1, 2.1 Materials 2.1.3.

2.2.2 The structure in way of Category 'A' machinery spaces, galleys containing appliances of significant fire risk, see Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.4 Structural fire protection 2.4.2, and other high risk areas is to be protected such that the material by itself or due to insulation provided can maintain its required strength at the end of 30 minutes exposure to the standard fire test.

2.2.3 Details of the method of construction, supported by calculations and/or fire test data, demonstrating compliance with Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.2 Forms of construction – Structure 2.2.2 are to be submitted.

2.2.4 For aluminium alloy structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during the specified fire exposure.

2.2.5 For composite structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the specified fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load is to be determined as in Ch 14, 3.7 Tests for specific materialsof the Rules for the Manufacture, Testing and Certification of Materials (hereinafter referred to as the Rules for Materials).

2.2.6 For structures in contact with sea-water, the required insulation should extend to at least 300 mm below the lightest waterline, see also Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.6 Surface of insulation 2.6.1.

2.3.1 Fire divisions required by Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.4 Structural fire protection are to be constructed in accordance with the remaining paragraphs of this sub-Section.

2.3.2 Fire divisions using steel equivalent, or alternative forms of construction may be accepted if it can be demonstrated that the material by itself, or due to insulation provided, has the fire resistance properties equivalent to ‘A' or ‘B' Class divisions.

2.3.3 Insulation required by Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.3 Forms of construction – Fire divisions 2.3.2 is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise above the point at which the structure would begin to lose its strength at any time during the applicable exposure to the standard fire test. For ‘A' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 60 minutes, and for ‘B' Class divisions, the applicable exposure is 30 minutes.

2.3.4 For aluminium alloy structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during the applicable fire exposure.

2.3.5 For composite structures, the insulation is to be such that the temperature of the laminate does not rise more than the minimum temperature of deflection under load of the resin at any time during the applicable fire exposure. The temperature of deflection under load is to be determined as in Ch 14, 3.7 Tests for specific materials of the Rules for Materials.

2.4.1 Category ‘A' machinery spaces, spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, are to be enclosed by ‘A-30' Class divisions where adjacent to accommodation or service spaces, control positions or each other, and ‘A-0' Class divisions elsewhere.

2.4.2 Galleys are to be enclosed by ‘B-15' Class divisions, unless the cooking appliances contained therein have an insignificant fire risk.

1. For the purposes of this Chapter, coffee automats, toasters, dishwashers, microwave ovens, water boilers and similar appliances each with a maximum power of 5 kW may be regarded as having an insignificant fire risk. Electrically-heated cooking plates and hot plates for keeping food warm, each of them having a maximum power of 2 kW and a surface temperature not above 150°C may also be regarded as having insignificant fire risk. If spaces containing this equipment are lockable, then means of cutting-off the power to the space are to comply with Pt 16, Ch 2, 17.6 Fire safety stops 17.6.7.

2. Other equipment such as fat fryers, open flame cookers, etc. would be regarded as having a significant fire risk.

2.4.3 Where forming escape routes, corridor bulkheads and ceilings may be constructed of combustible materials provided they have a non-combustible core such that the ‘B-0' Class standard fire test criteria are met.

2.4.4 Stairways connecting spaces below the main deck to the deck above are to be protected at one level by at least ‘B-0' Class divisions and self-closing doors.

2.4.5 Lift and dumbwaiter trunks are to be enclosed by at least ‘B-0' Class divisions and self-closing doors.

2.4.6 Openings in ‘A' and ‘B' Class divisions are to be provided with permanently attached means of closing that are to be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.

2.4.7 Interior stairways serving machinery spaces, accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations are to be of steel, or other equivalent material.

2.4.8 Where ‘A' Class divisions are penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc. or for girders, beams or other structural members, arrangements are to be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired.

2.4.9 Where ‘B' Class divisions are penetrated for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc. or for the fitting of ventilation terminals, lighting fixtures and similar devices, arrangements are to be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired.

2.4.10 Where the structure or ‘A' Class divisions are required to be insulated, it is to be ensured that the heat from a fire is not transmitted through the intersections and terminal points of the divisions or penetrations to uninsulated boundaries. Where the insulation installed does not achieve this, arrangements are to be made to prevent this heat transmission by insulating the horizontal and vertical boundaries or penetrations for a distance of 450 mm.

2.5.1 Except in refrigerated compartments of service spaces, all insulation other than fire insulation is to be of not-readily ignitable type. Fire insulation is to be of the non-combustible type

2.5.2 Pipes penetrating ‘A' or ‘B' Class divisions are to be of approved materials having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand.

2.5.3 Pipes conveying oil or combustible liquids through accommodation and service spaces are to be of approved materials having regard to the fire risk.

2.5.4 Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to be used for overboard scuppers, sanitary discharges, and other outlets which are close to the waterline and where the failure of the material in the event of fire would give rise to danger of flooding.

2.5.5 Primary deck coverings within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations are to be of a type that will not readily ignite, or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures. Reference is also to be made to the IMO FTP Code, Annex 1, Part 2 - Smoke and Toxicity Test and Part 6 - Test for Primary Deck Coverings.

2.5.6 Vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulation, as well as insulation of pipe fittings for cold service systems need not be non-combustible, but they are to be kept to the minimum quantity practicable and their exposed surfaces are to have low flame spread characteristics.

2.5.7 All waste receptacles are to be constructed of non-combustible materials with no openings in the sides or bottom.

2.6.1 In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the surface of insulation is to be impervious to oil or oil vapours. Insulation boundaries are to be arranged to avoid immersion in oil spillages.

2.7.1 Stairways, ladders and corridors serving all spaces normally accessible are to be arranged so as to provide ready means of escape to a deck from which embarkation into survival craft may be effected.

2.7.2 Where reasonable and practicable, and having regard to the number of personnel involved and size of space, at least two means of escape, as widely separated as possible, are to be provided from each section of accommodation and service spaces and control stations:

1. The normal means of access to the accommodation and service spaces below the open deck is to be arranged so that it is possible to reach the open deck without passing through intervening spaces containing a possible source of fire.

2. Where accommodation arrangements are such that access to compartments is through another compartment, as is often the case with an Owner's suite, a second means of escape is to be provided. The second escape route is to be as remote as possible from the main escape route.

3. This second means of escape may be through portholes, or hatches of adequate size, leading to the open deck.

4. No dead-end corridors having a length of more than 7 m will be accepted. A 'dead-end corridor' is a corridor or part of a corridor from which there is only one escape route.

2.7.3 At least one of the means of escape from each space referred to in Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.7 Means of escape 2.7.2 is to be enclosed by ‘B-0' Class divisions, unless it gives access directly to the open decks from the space.

2.7.4 At least two means of escape are to be provided from machinery spaces, except where the small size of the machinery space makes it impracticable. Escape is to be by steel ladders that are as widely separated as possible.

2.7.5 Lifts are not considered as forming a means of escape.

2.8.1 Ventilation fans are to be capable of being stopped, and main inlets and outlets of ventilation systems closed, from outside the spaces being served, see Pt 16, Ch 2, 17.6 Fire safety stops.

2.8.2 Ventilation ducts for Category ‘A' machinery spaces, exhaust ducts for galleys of significant fire risk, spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, are not to pass through accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.

2.8.3 Ventilation ducts for accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations are not to pass through Category ‘A' machinery spaces, spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, unless the ducts are constructed of steel and arranged to preserve the integrity of the division.

2.8.4 Store-rooms containing highly flammable products are to be provided with ventilation arrangements that are separate from other ventilation systems. Ventilation is to be arranged to prevent the build up of flammable vapours at high and low levels. The inlets and outlets of ventilators are to be positioned so that they do not draw from or vent into an area which would cause undue hazard, and are to be fitted with spark arresters.

2.8.5 Ventilation systems serving Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be independent of systems serving other spaces.

2.8.6 All enclosed spaces containing free-standing fuel tanks are to be ventilated independently of systems serving other spaces.

2.8.7 Ventilation is to be provided to prevent the accumulation of dangerous concentrations of flammable gas which may be emitted from batteries. The requirements of Pt 16, Ch 2, 12.5 Thermal management and ventilation are to be complied with.

2.8.8 Ventilation openings may be fitted in and under the lower parts of cabin and public space doors in corridor bulkheads. The total net area of any such openings is not to exceed 0,05 m². Bridging ducts are not allowed in fire divisions.

2.8.9 For spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks or lockers storing such fuels, see Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.20 Protection of spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks or lockers storing such fuels 2.20.1.(d). For additional requirements for the ventilation of domestic gaseous fuel, see Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.11 Arrangements for gaseous fuel for domestic purposes.

2.9.1 In yachts in which fuel oil is used, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel oil are to be such as to ensure the safety of the yacht and persons on board. For details, see Pt 15, Ch 3 Machinery Piping Systems.

2.9.2 Fuel oil tanks situated within the boundaries of Category ‘A' machinery spaces are not to contain fuel oil having a flashpoint of less than 60°C.

2.9.3 Fuel oil, lubricating oil and other flammable oils are not to be carried in fore peak tanks.

2.10.1 Openings are to be provided with closing appliances constructed so as to maintain the fire integrity of the machinery space boundaries.

2.10.2 The type of equipment installed and the layout of the yacht are to take account of the risk and spread of fire. Special attention is to be paid to the surroundings of open flame devices, hot areas and main and auxiliary machinery, oil and fuel overflows, and uncovered oil and fuel pipes.

2.10.3 Fuel filling, storage, venting and supply systems are to be installed so as to minimise the risk of fire and explosion.

2.10.4 Machinery components and accessories that require frequent maintenance and inspection are to be readily accessible.

2.10.5 Windows are not to be fitted in machinery space boundaries. This does not preclude the use of glass in control rooms within the machinery spaces.

2.10.6 Means of control are to be provided for:

1. closure of openings which normally allow exhaust ventilation, and closure of ventilator dampers;

2. permitting the release of smoke;

3. stopping ventilating fans; and

4. stopping forced and induced draught fans, fuel oil transfer pumps, fuel oil unit pumps and other similar fuel pumps.

2.10.7 The controls required in Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.10 Special arrangements in Category 'A' machinery spaces and, where necessary, other machinery spaces 2.10.6 are to be located outside the space concerned, in a position where they will not be cut off in the event of fire in the space they serve. Such controls and the controls for any required fire-extinguishing system are to be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible. Such positions are to have a safe access from the open deck. See also Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.5 Control of pumps 4.5.1 and Pt 15, Ch 3, 4.9 Valves on deep tanks and their control arrangements 4.9.2.

2.11.1 Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes, the arrangements for the storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel is to be such that, having regard to the hazards of fire and explosion which the use of such fuel may entail, the safety of the yacht and the persons onboard is preserved. The installation is to be in accordance with recognised National or International Standards.

2.11.2 Storage lockers for gas cylinders are to be provided with:

1. effective ventilation:

2. an outward-opening door accessible directly to the open deck; and

3. gas-tight boundaries, including doors and other means of closing any openings therein, which form boundaries between such lockers and adjoining spaces.

2.11.3 Arrangements for storage on open deck will be specially considered.

2.12.1 Space heaters, if used, are to be fixed in position and so constructed as to reduce fire risks to a minimum. The design and location of these units are to be such that clothing, curtains or other similar materials cannot be scorched or set on fire by heat from the unit.

2.13.1 A fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system are to be installed in all Category ‘A' machinery spaces and are to comply with the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 1, 2.8 Fire detection and fire alarm systems.

2.13.2 A fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system are to be fitted in all stairways (including lift and dumbwaiter trunks), service spaces, control stations and accommodation spaces (except toilets, bathrooms, void spaces, etc.). The fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system are to be installed in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 4, 2 Fixed fire detection and fire-alarm systems.

2.13.3 All yachts at all times when at sea, or in port (except when out of service), are to be so equipped as to ensure that any initial fire-alarm is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew.

2.13.4 A special alarm, operated from the navigating bridge or fire-control station, is to be fitted to summon the crew.

2.14.1  Application. Every yacht is to be provided with a fire pump(s), fire mains, hydrants and hoses as required by this Section.

2.14.2  Capacity of fire pumps. The capacity of the fixed main fire pump(s) is not to be less than:

2.14.3  Fire pumps:

1. A minimum of one fixed power pump and one portable pump or alternative, complying with Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, are to be provided.

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

3. In yachts classed for navigation in ice, the fire pump sea inlet valves are to be provided with ice clearing arrangements, see Pt 1, Ch 2, 3.8 Other hull notations 3.8.1.

4. Relief valves are to be provided in conjunction with any fire pump if the pump is 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.

5. Where centrifugal pumps are provided in order to comply with this Section, a non-return valve is to be fitted in the pipe connecting each pump to the fire main.

2.14.4  Portable fire pumps:

1. Except for electric pumps, which will be specially considered, portable fire pumps are to comply with the following:

   1. The pump is to be self priming.

   2. The suction head in operation is not to exceed 4,5 m.

   3. The portable fire pump is to be fitted with a length of discharge hose and nozzle capable of maintaining a pressure sufficient to produce a jet throw of at least 12 m or that required to enable a jet of water to be directed on any part of the engine room or the exterior boundary of the engine room and casing, whichever is the greater.

   4. The pump set is to have its own fuel tank of sufficient capacity to operate the pump for three hours.

   5. Details of the fuel type and storage location are to be submitted. If the fuel type has a flashpoint below 60°C, further consideration to the fire safety aspects will be given.

   6. The pump set is to be stored in a secure, safe and enclosed space, accessible from open deck and clear of the Category ‘A' machinery space.

   7. The pump set is to be easily moved and operated by two persons and be readily available for immediate use.

   8. Arrangements are to be provided to secure the pump at its anticipated operating position(s).

   9. The overboard suction hose is to be non-collapsible and of sufficient length to cater for the yacht's motion under all operational conditions. A suitable strainer is to be fitted at the inlet end of the hose.

   10. Any diesel driven power source for the pump is to be capable of being readily started in its cold condition down to a temperature of 0°C by hand (manual) cranking.

2. If it is not possible to comply with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, an additional fixed fire pump will be required, which is to comply with the following:

   1. The pump, its source of power and sea connection are to be located in accessible positions outside the Category ‘A' machinery space, or in a different space to the main fire pump, if the main fire pump is located outside the Category ‘A' machinery space.

   2. The sea valve is to be capable of being operated from a position near the pump.

   3. The room where the fire pump prime mover is located is to be illuminated from the emergency source of electrical power and is to be well ventilated.

   4. If the pump is required to supply water for a fixed fire-extinguishing system in the space where the main fire pumps are situated, it is to be capable of simultaneously supplying water to this system and the fire main at the required rates.

   5. The pump may also be used for other suitable purposes, subject to approval in each case.

   6. The pressure and quantity of water delivered by the pump is to be sufficient to produce a jet of water at any nozzle of not less than 12 m.

3. Means to illuminate the stowage area of the portable pump and its necessary areas of operation are to be provided from the emergency source of electrical power.

4. If preferred, a pump complying with Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b) may be fitted instead of a portable pump complying with Pt 17, Ch 2, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4, see also Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.8.(c).

2.14.5  Fire main:

1. The diameter of the fire main is to be based on the required capacity of the fixed main fire pump(s). The diameter of the water service pipes are to be sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water for the operation of at least one fire-hose.

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

3. All exposed water pipes for fire-extinguishing are to be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather. The valves are to be located where they will not be damaged.

2.14.6  Pressure in the fire main. When the fixed main fire pump, or the fire pump described in Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b), is delivering the quantity of water required by Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.2 through the fire main, fire-hoses and nozzles, the pressure maintained at any hydrant is to be sufficient to produce a jet throw at any nozzle of not less than 12 m.

2.14.7  Number and position of hydrants. The number and position of the hydrants are to be such that at least one jet of water is to reach any part normally accessible to any person while the yacht is being navigated. Furthermore, such hydrants are to be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. At least one hydrant is to be provided in each Category ‘A' machinery space.

2.14.8  Pipes and hydrants:

1. Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to be used for fire mains. For the use of aluminium alloy see Pt 15, Ch 1, 10.1 General 10.1.4. Where steel pipes are used, they are to be galvanised internally and externally. Cast iron pipes are not acceptable. The pipes and hydrants to be so placed that the fire-hoses may be easily coupled to them. The arrangement of pipes and hydrants is to be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the yacht, there is to be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

2. A valve is to be fitted at each fire hydrant so that any fire-hose may be removed while the fire pump is at work.

3. Where an additional fixed fire pump is fitted in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(b) or Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.14 Fire pumps and fire main system 2.14.4.(d):

   1. An isolating valve is to be fitted in the fire main so that all the hydrants in the yacht, except those in the Category ‘A' machinery space containing the main fire pump, can be supplied with water by the additional fixed fire pump. The isolating valve is to be located in an easily accessible and tenable position outside the Category ‘A' machinery space; and

   2. the fire main is not to re-enter the machinery space downstream of the isolating valve.

2.14.9  Fire-hoses:

1. Fire-hoses are to be of approved non-perishable 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 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. A minimum of three fire-hoses are to be provided, each complete with couplings and nozzles. These numbers do not include any hoses required in any engine room. If necessary, the number of hoses is to be increased so as to ensure that hoses in sufficient number are available and accessible at all times.

2.14.10  Nozzles:

1. For the purpose of this Chapter, standard nozzle sizes are to be 12 mm, 16 mm or 19 mm, or as near thereto as possible, so as to make full use of the maximum discharge capacity of the fire pump or pumps.

2. For accommodation and service spaces, the nozzle size need not exceed 12 mm.

3. The size of nozzles intended for use in conjunction with a portable fire pump need not exceed 12 mm.

4. All nozzles are to be of an approved dual purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shut-off.

2.15.1  Category ‘A' machinery spaces are to be provided with:

1. One of the fixed fire-extinguishing system given in Pt 17, Ch 4, 3 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces; and

2. at least two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent, see Pt 17, Ch 4, 6.3 Capacity 6.3.2. Where internal combustion machinery is installed, an additional portable extinguisher is to be provided for every 375 kW of power output, but the total number of such additional extinguishers need not exceed five.

2.15.2  Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces. Where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing appliances are prescribed in Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces 2.15.1 or Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces 2.15.3 there is to be provided in or adjacent to that space, a satisfactory number of approved portable fire-extinguishers or other approved means of fire-extinction.

2.15.3  Machinery spaces, other than Category ‘A', in yachts which are constructed mainly or wholly with alternative forms of construction. In yachts that are constructed mainly or wholly with alternative forms of construction, machinery spaces, other than Category ‘A', containing internal combustion machinery, are to comply with the fire-extinguishing requirements for Category ‘A' machinery spaces, see Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.15 Fire-extinguishing arrangements in machinery spaces 2.15.1.

2.16.1 A fixed automatic sprinkler must be fitted in yachts over 350 gross tons, fire detection and fire-alarm system, or equivalent system (e.g. watermist), are to be fitted in all stairways, service spaces, control stations and accommodation spaces, except in general, in spaces which afford no fire risk such as void spaces.

2.16.2 The arrangements are to be in accordance with Pt 17, Ch 4, 1 Automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire-alarm systems, particular attention should be given to Pt 17, Ch 4, 1.2 Wet pipe type 1.2.16 and Pt 17, Ch 4, 1.2 Wet pipe type 1.2.17.

2.17.1 Where a fixed fire-extinguishing system not required by this Chapter is installed, the arrangement is to comply with the relevant requirements of this Chapter.

2.18.1  All portable fire-extinguishers are to comply with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 6 Fire-extinguishers (portable and non-portable).

2.18.2 The portable fire-extinguishers are to be stowed in readily accessible positions.

2.18.3 One of the portable fire-extinguishers intended for use in any space is to be stowed near the entrance to that space.

2.18.4 At least one portable fire-extinguisher is to be located so that it can easily be reached from the main steering position of the yacht.

2.18.5 Accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations are to be provided with a sufficient number of portable fire-extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher will be readily available for use in every compartment. In any case, their number is to be not less than three.

2.18.6 Where cooking facilities are provided, a portable fire-extinguisher of a type appropriate to the energy source used is to be located in a position readily accessible for use in the event of a fire.

2.19.1 A fire blanket is to be installed in all galleys.

2.20.1 Spaces containing vehicles or craft with fuel in their tanks, or lockers storing such fuels, are to be provided with the following:

1. A fixed fire detection and fire-alarm system complying with the requirements of Pt 16, Ch 1, 2.8 Fire detection and fire alarm systems

2. A manually-operated water spray deluge system having a water application rate of 5 litres per square metre of deck area per minute. Where the deck height does not exceed 2,5 m, an application rate of 3,5 litres per square metre of deck area per minute will be accepted. Adequate drainage of the protected spaces is to be provided generally in accordance with the requirements for vehicle or cargo spaces, see Pt 3, Ch 4, 9.4 Scupper arrangements 9.4.4. The drainage piping and connection for the space are to be non-combustible. Other fixed fire-extinguishing systems may be permitted, provided they are not less effective in controlling the type of fire likely to occur.

3. At least two portable foam extinguishers or equivalent.

4. An independent mechanical ventilation system, which is entirely separate from other ventilation systems, providing at least six air changes per hour. The ducted air is not to pass through other spaces, except as allowed under Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.8 Ventilation systems 2.8.2, or vent into areas where it could be drawn into accommodation areas or cause undue hazard.

5. Electrical equipment of a safe type is to be provided, see Pt 16, Ch 2, 14 Electrical equipment for use in explosive atmospheres.

6. Prominently displayed 'No Smoking' signs.

7. ‘A-30' Class divisions where adjacent to Category ‘A' machinery spaces, accommodation or service spaces, or control positions and ‘A-0' Class divisions elsewhere.

2.20.2 Such spaces are not to give access to any space other than the fuel store or lockers for use within the space. Lockers storing fuel are to be accessed from an exterior location, unless the locker is within the space containing the vehicles or craft. Exceptionally, where the engine room escape cannot be routed elsewhere, it may exit into the space providing that:

1. the connecting door is self-closing;

2. no door hold back devices are fitted;

3. an audible and visual alarm is fitted on the bridge to signify when the door is open; and

4. a notice is posted at the door stating that the door is to remain closed and that the area beside the door is an escape route and is to be kept clear.

2.20.3 The requirements of Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.9 Fuel arrangements are to be complied with, as appropriate.

2.21.1 Paint lockers and flammable liquid lockers with a deck area of 4 m² or over, are to be provided with a fixed fire-extinguishing system enabling the crew to extinguish a fire without entering the space. One of the following systems is to be provided:

• A carbon dioxide system designed for 40 per cent of the gross volume of the space.
• A dry powder system designed to discharge 0,5 kg powder per cubic metre of gross volume of the space.
• A water spray system designed to give a coverage of 5 litres per square metre of deck area per minute. Water spray systems may be connected to the fire main.

2.21.2 Consideration will be given to the acceptance of other arrangements which provide equivalent protection.

2.21.3 Lockers having a deck area of less than 4 m² may be protected by carbon dioxide or dry powder portable extinguishers located near the entrance to the locker.

2.22.1 The requirements of IMO Resolution A.855(20) – Standards for On-Board Helicopter Facilities – (Adopted on 27 November 1997) are to be complied with having due regard to the hazards involved.

2.22.2 If a helicopter hangar is not provided and if two fireman's outfits are supplied as per Pt 17, Ch 3, 2.23 Fireman's outfit 2.23.1, then the fireman's outfits required byIMO Resolution A.855(20) – Standards for On-Board Helicopter Facilities – (Adopted on 27 November 1997) need not be provided.

2.23.1 All yachts of 350 gross tons or more are to carry at least two fireman's outfits complying with the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 4 Fireman's outfits.

2.24.1 Fire control plans are to meet the requirements of Pt 17, Ch 4, 5 Fire-control plans.