Cap. 369 sub. leg. X

Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Appliances) (Ships Built On or After 25 May 1980 but Before 1 September 1984) Regulations(Cap. 369, sections 99, 107, 112 and 112B)(Enacting provision omitted—E.R. 2 of 2024) [2 August 1991](Format changes—E.R. 2 of 2024) Part I Preliminary 1. Citation, interpretation and application (E.R. 2 of 2024)(1) These regulations may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Appliances) (Ships Built On or After 25 May 1980 but Before 1 September 1984) Regulations.(2) (Omitted as spent—E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) In these regulations the following expressions have the following meanings respectively—accommodation space (起居艙) means passenger spaces, public spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, crew spaces, shops, hospitals, cinemas, games and hobbies rooms, isolated pantries containing no cooking appliances and similar spaces;approved (批准) means approved by the Director; (L.N. 412 of 1995)bulkhead deck (艙壁甲板) is the uppermost deck up to which the transverse water-tight bulkheads are carried;cargo ship (貨船) means any ship which is not a passenger ship;cargo spaces (貨艙) are all spaces used for cargo including cargo oil tanks and tanks to such spaces and slop tanks;chemical tanker (化學品液貨船) means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquid product of a flammable nature listed in Chapter VI of the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk; (L.N. 412 of 1995)closed ro/ro cargo space (封閉式滾裝貨艙) is a ro/ro cargo space which is not an open ro/ro space and not a weather deck;Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk (《散裝運輸液化氣體船舶構造和設備規則》) means the code so entitled adopted by the International Maritime Organization by Resolution A.328(X); (L.N. 412 of 1995; E.R. 2 of 2024)combination carrier (油類／散貨兩用船) means a tanker designed to carry oil or solid cargoes in bulk;control station (控制站) includes those spaces in which the ship’s radio or main navigating equipment or the emergency source of power are located or where the fire detection or fire control equipment is centralized;crew space (船員艙) means crew accommodation within the meaning of section 97(7) of the Merchant Shipping (Seafarers) Ordinance (Cap. 478); (44 of 1995 s. 143) crude oil (原油) means any oil occurring naturally in the earth whether or not treated to render it suitable for transportation and includes— (a) crude oil from which certain distillate fractions may have been removed; and (b) crude oil to which certain distillate fractions may have been added; dangerous goods (危險貨物) means dangerous goods as defined by section 1(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulation (Cap. 413 sub. leg. H); (L.N. 253 of 2018)deadweight (載重量) means the difference in tonnes between the displacement of a ship at summer load water line and the lightweight of the ship;gas carrier (氣體運輸船) means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or other substance of a flammable nature listed in Chapter XIX of the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk; (L.N. 412 of 1995)gas safe space (氣體安全艙) is a space into which the entry of hydrocarbon gases or other gases of a flammable nature have been restricted;Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems (惰性氣體系統指南) (MSC Circ. 353) forms part of the publication “Inert Gas Systems” (1983 Edition), published by the International Maritime Organization and any reference to such publication in these regulations shall include a reference to any document amending that publication which is considered by the Director to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice; (E.R. 2 of 2024)Hong Kong ship (香港船舶) means a ship registered in Hong Kong;I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk (國際海事組織《散裝運輸危險化學品船舶構造和設備規則》) is published by the International Maritime Organization;length (長度) in relation to a registered ship means registered length, and in relation to an unregistered ship means the length from the fore part of the stem to the aft side of the head of the stern post or, if no stern post is fitted to take the rudder, to the fore side of the rudder stock at the point where the rudder passes out of the hull;lightweight (空載重量) means the displacement of a ship in tonnes without cargo, oil fuel, lubricating oil, ballast water, fresh water in tanks, stores, together with passengers and crew and their effects;machinery spaces (機艙) are all machinery spaces of Category A and all other spaces containing propelling machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrigerating, stabilizing, ventilation and air conditioning machinery and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces; machinery spaces of Category A (A類機艙) are all spaces which contain— (a) internal combustion type machinery used either for main propulsion purposes, or for other purposes where such machinery has in the aggregate a total power output of not less than 375 kW; or (L.N. 412 of 1995) (b) any oil-fired boiler or oil-fired unit and trunks to such spaces; Merchant Shipping Notice (商船公告) means a Notice described as such, issued by the United Kingdom Department of Transport, and includes a reference to any document amending or replacing that Notice which is approved by the Director and notified to this effect in the Gazette;new ship (新船舶) means a ship the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 25 May 1980;oil fuel unit (燃油機組) means the equipment used for the preparation of oil fuel for delivery to an oil-fired boiler or equipment used for the preparation for delivery of heated oil to an internal combustion engine, and includes any pressure pumps, filters and heaters dealing with oil at a pressure more than 1.8 kilograms per square centimetre; (E.R. 2 of 2024)oil-fired boiler (燃油鍋爐) means any boiler wholly or partly fired by liquid fuel not being a domestic boiler of less than 73.2 kW;open ro/ro cargo spaces (開放式滾裝貨艙) are ro/ro cargo spaces which are open at both ends, or open at one end and provided with adequate natural ventilation effective over the entire length through permanent openings in the side plating or deck head;passenger ship (客船) means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;passenger space (客艙) means space provided for the use of passengers;Protocol of 1978 (1978年議定書) means the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974;public spaces (公用艙) are spaces used for halls, dining rooms, lounges and similarly permanently enclosed spaces;Reid vapour pressure (雷德蒸氣壓力) means the vapour pressure of a liquid as determined by laboratory testing in a standard manner in the Reid apparatus; ro-ro cargo space (滾裝貨艙) means a space in a ship— (a) which is not divided or subdivided in any way; and (b) which extends either the entire length of the ship or a substantial part thereof; and (c) into which vehicles, or goods loaded by means of a vehicle, are loaded; provided that such spaces are not used for bulk stowage of cargo; sailing ship (帆船) includes a ship provided with sufficient sail area for navigation under sails alone, whether or not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion;service spaces (服務艙) include galleys, main pantries, laundries, store rooms, paint rooms, baggage rooms, mail and specie rooms, workshops (other than those forming part of machinery spaces) and similar spaces and trunks to such workshops;special category space (特種艙) means an enclosed space above or below the bulkhead deck, which is intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion and into and from which such vehicles can be driven and to which passengers have access;tanker (液貨船) means a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of a flammable nature;tons (噸) means gross tons and the gross tonnage of a ship having alternative tonnages shall be taken to be the larger of those tonnages;water seal (水封) means an arrangement or device, using water, to prevent the back flow of gases or vapours from cargo tanks into gas safe spaces;weather deck (露天甲板) means a deck completely exposed to the weather from above and at least 2 sides.(E.R. 2 of 2024)(3A) Any reference in these regulations to any of the following—(a) the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems;(b) a British Standard;(c) the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;(d) the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk,shall include a reference to any document amending that publication which is considered by the Director to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping Notice. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(4) (a) Subject to paragraph (b), these regulations shall apply in relation to new Hong Kong ships wherever they may be and to other new ships while they are within waters of Hong Kong, except those the keels of which were laid or which were at a similar stage of construction on or after 1 September 1984.(b) These regulations shall not apply to the following non-Hong Kong ships—(i) cargo ships of less than 500 tons;(ii) troopships;(iii) ships not propelled by mechanical means;(iv) a ship by reason of her being within the waters of Hong Kong if she would not have been therein but for stress of weather or any other circumstance that neither the master nor the owner nor the charterer (if any) could have prevented.(c) For the purposes of this regulation similar stage of construction (相若建造階段) means a stage at which— (i) construction identifiable with a particular ship began; and (ii) assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or 1% of the estimated mass of all structural material whichever is the less. (5) Notwithstanding the generality of subregulation (4)—(a) every passenger ship of Class I or II, and every passenger ship of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over, carrying more than 36 passengers, shall comply with regulation 11(10)(a), (c) and (d) not later than 1 October 1997; and(b) every passenger ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length carrying more than 36 passengers shall comply with regulation 18(3)(a)(iii) and (b)(iii) not later than 1 October 2000. (L.N. 412 of 1995) 2. Classification of ships (1) For the purpose of these regulations the ships to which these regulations apply shall be arranged in the following Classes— Passenger shipsClass I. Passenger ships engaged on voyages (not being short international voyages) any of which are long international voyages.Class II. Passenger ships engaged on voyages (not being long international voyages) any of which are short international voyages.Class II(A). Passenger ships in respect of which there is or should be in force a certificate entitled “Passenger Certificate Class II(A)” being a certificate for ships engaged on voyages of any kind other than international voyages. Ships other than passenger shipsClass VII. Ships (other than ships of Classes I, VII(T), VII(A) and XI engaged on voyages any of which are long international voyages. (E.R. 2 of 2024)Class VII(A). Ships engaged in the whaling industry or employed as fish processing or canning factory ships, and ships engaged in the carriage of persons employed in the whaling, fish processing or canning industries.Class VII(T). Tankers engaged on voyages any of which are long international voyages.Class VIII. Ships (other than ships of Classes II, VIII(T), IX and XI) and other ships engaged on voyages (not being long international voyages) any of which are short international voyages. (E.R. 2 of 2024)Class VIII(A). Ships (other than ships of Classes II(A) to VI(A) inclusive, VIII(A)(T), IX, IX(A) and XI) and other ships engaged only on voyages which are not international voyages. (E.R. 2 of 2024)Class VIII(T). Tankers engaged on voyages (not being long international voyages) any of which are short international voyages.Class VIII(A)(T). Tankers engaged only on voyages which are not international voyages.Class IX. Tugs and tenders (other than ships of Classes II, II(A)) which proceed to sea but are not engaged on long international voyages.Class IX(A). Ships which do not proceed to sea.Class IX(A)(T). Tankers which do not proceed to sea.Class XI. Sailing ships which proceed to sea.(2) For the purposes of this regulation—long international voyage (長途國際航程) means an international voyage which is not a short international voyage within the meaning of Part II of the Ordinance;voyage (航程) includes an excursion. Part II Passenger Ships Ships of Class I 3. Fire pumps, fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles (1) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this regulation whereby at least 2 jets of water as required by these regulations, can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated and any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.(2) Every ship of Class I of 4,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least 3 fire pumps operated by power and every such ship of under 4,000 tons shall be provided with at least 2 such pumps. Each pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet simultaneously from each of any 2 hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of regulation 66.(3) (a) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over the arrangement of the sea connections, pumps and the sources of power for operating them shall be such as will ensure that a fire in any one compartment will not put all the fire pumps out of action.(b) If in any ship of Class I of less than 1,000 tons a fire in any one compartment could put all the fire pumps out of action there shall be provided, in a position outside the machinery spaces, an independently driven power operated emergency fire pump and its source of power and sea connection. Such pump shall be capable of producing at least 2 jets of water from any 2 hydrants and hoses through nozzles which shall comply with regulation 68(4)(b), while simultaneously maintaining a pressure of at least 2.1 kilograms per square centimetre (30 pounds per square inch) at any hydrant in the ship.(4) (a) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles which shall be so arranged that they comply with the requirements of regulations 67 and 68 of these regulations when all watertight doors and all doors in bulkheads constructed in accordance with regulation 53 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL) are closed. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(b) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons and upwards, the arrangement of fire pumps, fire mains and hydrants shall be such that at least 1 jet of water is immediately available from any one hydrant in an interior location. Arrangements shall also be made to ensure the continuation of the output of water by the automatic starting of a fire pump required by these regulations.(5) In every ship of Class I at least one fire hose shall be provided for every hydrant fitted in compliance with these regulations.(6) In every ship of Class I where in any machinery space of Category A, access is provided at a low level from an adjacent shaft tunnel, 2 hydrants fitted with hoses with dual-purpose nozzles shall be provided external to, but near the entrance to, that machinery space. Where such access is not provided from a tunnel but is provided from other space or spaces there shall be provided in one of those spaces 2 hydrants fitted with hoses with dual-purpose nozzles near the entrance to the machinery space of Category A. Such provisions need not be made when the tunnel or adjacent spaces are not part of an escape route.(7) In every ship of Class I all required hydrants in machinery spaces shall be fitted with hoses having dual-purpose nozzles. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(8) In every ship of Class I dual-purpose nozzles shall be provided for all hoses. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(9) In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers at least 3 water fog applicators in addition to the nozzles required by these regulations shall be provided in special category spaces. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(10) In every ship of Class I in every special category space and ro/ro cargo space the number of hydrants with hoses shall be so arranged that at least 2 jets of water each from a single length of hose, not emanating from the same hydrant, may reach any part of the space. 4. Portable fire extinguishers in accommodation, cargo and service spaces (1) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided on each deck a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers so that at least 2 of these shall be readily available for use in every accommodation and service space between watertight bulkheads constructed in compliance with regulation 53 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL). In enclosed accommodation and service spaces above the bulkhead deck at least one such extinguisher shall be provided for use on each side of the ship in such spaces. In addition at least one portable fire extinguisher and a fire blanket shall be provided in every galley: provided that where the deck area of any galley exceeds 45 square metres, at least 2 such extinguishers and 2 such blankets shall be provided. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(2) In every ship of Class I at least one portable fire extinguisher shall be provided for use in each control station.(3) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in each special category space and cargo space intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion—(a) at least 2 portable extinguishers, suitable for extinguishing oil fires, for every 40 metres length of deck space, so arranged that at least one extinguisher is available on each side of the space and at least one extinguisher is available at each access to the space; and(b) in every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers one foam applicator complying with the requirements of Schedule 6. Not less than 2 such applicators shall be available in the ship for use in any such space. (L.N. 412 of 1995) 5. Fixed fire extinguishing systems in cargo spaces (1) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over and in every ship of Class I engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods there shall be provided a fixed fire extinguishing installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 9 to protect every cargo space except special category spaces and cargo spaces intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion.(2) The Director may exempt any ship (other than a ship engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods) from the requirements of this regulation if he is satisfied that to require compliance therewith would be unreasonable on account of the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged. 6. Fixed pressure water spraying system, etc. (1) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in each special category space a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule 8. The Director may permit the use of any other fixed fire extinguishing system that has been shown by full-scale test in conditions simulating a flowing petrol fire in a special category space to be not less effective in controlling fires likely to occur in such a space.(2) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in each cargo space intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion a fixed fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 9 so as to protect every such cargo space.(3) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in each open ro/ro cargo space having a deck over and each space deemed to be a closed ro/ro cargo space not capable of being sealed, a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with Schedule 8. Due consideration shall be given to bilge pumping arrangements and drainage facilities. 7. Machinery spaces of Category A (1) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided for the protection of any machinery space of Category A at least one of the following fixed extinguishing installations—(a) a pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule 7;(b) a fire extinguishing gas installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 9;(c) a halogenated hydrocarbon vapourising liquid fire extinguishing installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 10.If the engine and boiler rooms are not entirely separated from each other by a bulkhead, or if fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine room, the combined engine and boiler rooms shall, for the purpose of this subregulation, be regarded as a single space.(2) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (1) there shall be provided—(a) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 136 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 45 kilograms capacity placed in such positions so as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and they shall be sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the boiler room and spaces containing any part of the oil fuel installation;(b) in each boiler room at least one portable foam applicator complying with Schedule 6;(c) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation at least 2 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires;(d) in each firing space a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution, or alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.(3) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (1) there shall be provided in any such space containing internal combustion type machinery—(a) one or more foam fire extinguishers of at least 45 litres or carbon dioxide extinguishers of at least 16 kilograms capacity. The extinguishers shall be sited so as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and they shall be sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems, gearing and other areas of high fire risk;(b) at least one portable foam applicator complying with the requirements of Schedule 6; and(c) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within the space: provided that there shall be not less than 2 such extinguishers.(4) In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers, at least 2 water fog applicators shall be provided in addition to the requirements of subregulation (1). (L.N. 412 of 1995) 8. Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed pressure lubricated steam engines used either for main propulsion, or having in the aggregate a total power of not less than 373 kW for auxiliary purposes—(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 16 kilograms capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the pressure lubrication system and on to any part of the casings enclosing pressure lubricated parts of the turbine, engines or associated gearing and any other areas of high fire risk. Provided that such extinguishers shall not be required if equivalent protection is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with regulation 7(1); and(b) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance, from any position within the space: provided that there shall be not less than 2 such extinguishers. 9. Fire extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces In every ship of Class I where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire extinguishing are required by regulation 7 or 8 there shall be provided in, or adjacent to, that space a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within that space unless equivalent means of fire extinction are provided. 10. Special requirements for machinery spaces In every ship of Class I in any machinery space of Category A to which access is provided at a low level from an adjacent shaft tunnel there shall be provided in addition to any watertight door and on the side remote from that machinery space a light steel fire-screen door which shall be operable from each side. 10A. Paint lockers, etc. In every ship of Class I, every paint locker and flammable liquid locker shall be protected by an approved fire-extinguishing system.(L.N. 412 of 1995) 11. Fire patrol, alarm and detection systems (1) (a) In every ship of Class I an efficient patrol system shall be maintained so that any outbreak of fire may be promptly detected. In special category spaces in which the patrol is not maintained by a continuous fire watch at all times during the voyage there shall be provided in that space an automatic fire detection system complying with Schedule 12.(b) In every ship of Class I manual fire alarms shall be fitted throughout the passenger, crew and special category spaces which will enable the fire patrol to give an alarm immediately to the navigating bridge or fire control station. A manual alarm shall be positioned adjacent to each exit from every special category space.(c) Each member of the fire patrol shall be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any equipment he may be called upon to use.(2) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in any part of the ship which in the opinion of the Director is not accessible to the fire patrol and in each cargo space containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with Schedule 12.(3) In every ship of Class I, in any machinery space where the main propulsion and associated machinery including sources of main electrical supply are provided with automatic or remote control which are under continuous manned supervision from a control room, there shall be provided an automatic fire detection system complying with Schedule 12.(4) The Director may exempt any ship from the requirement in subregulation (2) to provide an automatic fire detection and alarm system in any part of the ship which is not accessible to the fire patrol, if he is satisfied that to require compliance therewith would be unreasonable on account of the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged.(5) In every ship of Class I which is required by the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL) to be provided with an automatic sprinkler and fire alarm and detection system, the arrangements shall comply with the requirements of Schedule 11. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(6) In every ship of Class I which is required by the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL) to be provided with an automatic fire alarm and detection system, the arrangements shall comply with the requirements of Schedule 12. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(7) Every ship of Class I shall at all times when at sea, or in port (except when out of service), be so manned and equipped as to ensure that any initial fire alarm is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew.(8) In every ship of Class I a special alarm, operated from the navigating bridge or fire control station, shall be fitted to summon the crew. This alarm may be part of the ship’s general alarm system but it shall be capable of being sounded independently of the alarm to the passenger spaces.(9) In every ship of Class I a public address system or other effective means of communication shall be available throughout the accommodation and service spaces and control stations.(10) In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers—(a) the public address system mentioned in subregulation (9) shall also be available throughout open decks not later than 1 October 1997;(b) each member of the fire patrol shall be provided with a two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus;(c) all accommodation and service spaces, stairway enclosures and corridors shall be equipped with a smoke detection and alarm system of an approved type and complying with the requirements of Schedule 11 to the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Fire Protection) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. Y) not later than 1 October 1997. Such system need not be fitted in private bathrooms, and spaces having little or no fire risk such as voids and similar spaces. Detectors operated by heat instead of smoke shall be installed in galleys; and (E.R. 2 of 2024)(d) a general emergency alarm system shall be provided not later than 1 October 1997. The alarm shall be audible throughout all the accommodation and normal crew working spaces and open decks, and its sound pressure level shall comply with the standard developed by the International Maritime Organization*. The alarm shall continue to function after it has been triggered until it is manually turned off or is temporarily interrupted by a message on the public address system. (L.N. 412 of 1995) * This refers to the Code on Alarms and Indicators adopted by the International Maritime Organization by Resolution A.686(17). 12. Firemen’s outfits (1) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with—(a) 2 firemen’s outfits and in addition;(b) 2 firemen’s outfits for every 80 metres (or part thereof) of the aggregate of the lengths of all passenger spaces and service spaces on the deck which carries such spaces or, if there is more than one such deck, on the deck which has the largest aggregate of such lengths. Every such outfit shall comply with the requirements of regulation 71. Two of them shall include breathing apparatus of the air-hose type and the remainder shall include breathing apparatus of the self-contained type.(2) In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers for each pair of breathing apparatus there shall be provided one water fog applicator which shall be stored adjacent to such apparatus. 13. International shore connection Every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least one international shore connection which shall comply with the requirements of Schedule 1 to enable water to be supplied from another ship, or from the shore, to the fire main and fixed provision shall be made to enable such a connection to be used on the port side and on the starboard side of the ship.Ships of Class II 14. Regulations 3 to 13 apply to ships of Class II (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulations 3 to 13 apply to ships of Class II as they apply to ships of Class I.(L.N. 253 of 2018)Ships of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over 15. Regulations 3 to 13 apply to ships of Class II(A) of certain length (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulations 3 to 13 apply to ships of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over as they apply to ships of Class I.(L.N. 253 of 2018)Ships of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length 16. Fire pumps, fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles Every ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in a position outside the machinery spaces with a hand pump with a permanent sea connection, a hose with a 10-millimetre diameter nozzle, capable of producing a jet of water having a throw of not less than 6 metres which can be directed on to any part of the ship and a dual-purpose nozzle.(L.N. 412 of 1995; E.R. 2 of 2024) 17. Portable fire extinguishers Every ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided with at least 1 portable fire extinguisher in each of the passenger spaces above the bulkhead deck, and with at least 2 such extinguishers in each of the crew spaces and in each of the passenger spaces below that deck. At least 1 portable fire extinguisher shall be available for use in any galley. 18. Machinery spaces containing oil-fired boilers or oil burning equipment (1) In every ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length there shall be provided in any space containing any oil-fired boiler, oil fuel settling tank or oil fuel unit, one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide extinguishers each of at least 16 kilograms capacity. The extinguisher, or extinguishers, shall be sited so as to be readily accessible in the event of a fire and they shall be sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the boiler room or spaces containing any part of the oil fuel installation.(2) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (1) there shall be provided—(a) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation at least 2 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires;(b) in each firing space a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution, or alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.(3) In every ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length carrying more than 36 passengers, there shall be provided in addition to subregulation (2)—(a) in each space containing internal combustion type machinery use for main propulsion, or used for auxiliary purposes and having a total power of not less than 375 kilowatts with—(i) at least 2 water fog applicators;(ii) at least one set of portable foam applicator complying with the provisions of Schedule 6; and(iii) a fixed fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of regulation 7(1) by 1 October 2000;(b) in each boiler room not being part of the space in paragraph (a)—(i) at least 2 water fog applicators;(ii) at least one set of portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of Schedule 6; and(iii) a fixed fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of regulation 7(1) by 1 October 2000;(c) in each special category space—(i) at least 3 water fog applicators; and(ii) one set of portable foam applicator complying with the provisions of Schedule 6. Not less than 2 such applicators shall be available in the ship for use in any such space. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(4) In every ship of Class II(A) carrying more than 36 passengers, each member of the fire patrol shall be provided with a two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus. (L.N. 412 of 1995) 19. Machinery spaces containing internal combustion type machinery (1) Every ship of Class II(A) of 15.24 metres in length or over but of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in each space containing internal combustion type propelling machinery with at least 5 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires, and every ship of Class II(A) of less than 15.24 metres in length shall be provided with at least 3 such portable fire extinguishers in such spaces. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(2) Every ship of Class II(A) of 15.24 metres in length or over but of less than 21.34 metres in length shall comply with regulation 18(3) and (4) as it applies to Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres. (L.N. 412 of 1995) 20. No provision. 21. No provision. 22. No provision. 23. No provision. 24. No provision. 25. No provision. 26. No provision. 27. No provision. 28. No provision. 29. No provision. 30. No provision. Part III Ships other than Passenger Ships Ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over 31. Fire pumps, fire mains, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this regulation whereby at least 2 jets of water as required by these regulations can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated, and any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.(2) (a) Every ship of Class VII of 1,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least 2 fire pumps operated by power. Each such pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet simultaneously from each of any 2 fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of regulation 66.(b) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons shall be provided with at least two fire pumps operated by power, each of which shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water from any fire hydrants, hose and nozzle provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of regulation 66.(3) (a) If, in any ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, a fire in any one compartment could put all the fire pumps out of action there shall be provided, in a position outside the machinery spaces, an independently driven power operated emergency fire pump and its source of power and sea connection.(b) In every such ship of 1,000 tons or over the emergency fire pumps shall be capable of producing at least 2 sets of water from any of the fire hydrants and hoses through nozzles which shall comply with regulation 68(4)(b) while simultaneously maintaining a pressure of at least 2.1 kilograms per square centimetre (30 pounds per square inch) at any hydrant in the ship.(c) In every such ship of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons, the emergency fire pump shall be capable of producing from any of the fire hydrants and hoses in the ship through a nozzle which shall comply with regulation 68(4)(a), a jet of water having a throw of not less than 12 metres (40 feet).(4) (a) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles which shall comply with the requirements of regulations 67 and 68.(b) (i) Every such ship of 1,000 tons or over shall, in addition to any fire hoses provided in the machinery spaces, be provided with at least one fire hose for each 30 metres length of the ship but in no case less than 5 hoses and such hoses shall have a total length of at least 60% of the length of the ship. In addition to such hoses there shall be provided one spare fire hose. In every such ship of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in ro/ro cargo spaces at least 3 water fog applicators in addition to the nozzles required by these regulations which shall be of the dual-purpose type, incorporating a shut-off.(ii) In every such ship of 500 tons or over in every ro/ro cargo space the number of hydrants with hoses shall be so arranged that at least 2 jets of water each from a single length of hose not emanating from the same hydrant may reach any part of the space.(iii) Every such ship of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons shall, in addition to any fire hoses provided in the machinery spaces, be provided with at least 2 fire hoses having a total length of at least 60% of the length of the ship and one spare fire hose.(c) In every such ship of 500 tons or over fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery, there shall be provided in each space containing such boilers or machinery at least 2 fire hydrants, one on the port side and one on the starboard side, and in addition where there is access to the machinery space of any such ship by way of a shaft tunnel, a fire hydrant shall be provided in the tunnel at the end adjacent to that space. A fire hose and dual-purpose nozzle shall be provided at every such fire hydrant. (E.R. 2 of 2024) 32. Portable fire extinguishers (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall be provided with a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one such extinguisher will be readily available for use in any part of the accommodation or service spaces. The number of such extinguishers shall not be less than 5 in a ship of 1,000 tons or over and not less than 3 in a ship of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons.(2) In every such ship there shall be provided in each ro/ro cargo space—(a) at least 2 portable extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires for every 40 metres length of deck space so arranged that at least one extinguisher is available on each side of the space and at least one extinguisher is available at each access to the space; and(b) one foam applicator complying with the requirements of Schedule 6. Not less than 2 such applicators shall be available in the ship for use in any such space. 33. Fixed fire extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces (1) In every ship of Class VII engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods there shall be provided a fixed fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 9 which shall be so arranged as to protect every cargo space.(2) In every ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over other than ships to which subregulation (1) applies there shall be provided a fixed fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 9 which shall be so arranged as to protect every cargo space.(3) The Director may exempt any ship from the requirements of subregulation (2) to provide a fixed fire-extinguishing installation in the cargo holds of the ship if he is satisfied that the holds therein are provided with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to the holds and the ship is employed solely in the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber or non-combustible cargoes or of cargoes which, in the opinion of the Director, constitute a low fire risk. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(4) In every ship of Class VII engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods and in every other ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over there shall be provided in each open ro/ro cargo space having a deck over and each space which is a closed ro/ro cargo space not capable of being sealed, a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with Schedule 8. Due consideration shall be given to bilge pumping arrangements and drainage facilities. (32 of 2000 s. 48) 34. Machinery spaces of Category A (1) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided for the protection of any machinery space of Category A at least one of the following fixed fire extinguishing installations—(a) a pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule 7;(b) a fire-extinguishing gas installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 9;(c) a halogenated hydrocarbon vapourising liquid fire extinguishing installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 10.If the engine room and boiler rooms are not entirely separated from each other by a bulkhead, or if fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine room, the combined engine and boiler room shall for the purpose of this subregulation be regarded as a single space. (L.N. 259 of 1997)(2) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (1) there shall be provided—(a) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 136 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers of at least 45 kilograms capacity. The extinguishers shall be sited so as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and they shall be sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the boiler room and spaces containing any part of the oil fuel installation;(b) in each boiler room at least one portable foam applicator complying with the requirements of Schedule 6;(c) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation, at least 2 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires, in addition to any which may be carried in compliance with paragraph (b);(d) in each firing space a receptacle containing 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires, together with a scoop for its distribution, or alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.(3) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (1) there shall be provided in any such spaces containing internal combustion type machinery—(a) one foam fire extinguisher of at least 45 litres capacity or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of at least 16 kilograms;(b) at least one portable foam applicator complying with the requirements of Schedule 6;(c) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within the space: provided that there shall be not less than 2 extinguishers. 35. Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed pressure lubricated steam engines used either for main propulsion, or having in the aggregate power of not less than 373 kW for auxiliary purposes—(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 16 kilograms capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the pressure lubrication system and on to any part of the casings enclosing pressure lubricated parts of the turbines, engines or associated gearing and any other areas of high fire risk: provided that such extinguishers shall not be required if equivalent protection is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with regulation 34(1); and(b) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within the space: provided that there shall be not less than 2 extinguishers. 36. Fire extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces Where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire extinguishing are stated in regulations 34 and 35 there shall be provided in, or adjacent to, that space a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within that space unless equivalent means of fire extinction are provided. 37. Special requirements for machinery spaces In every ship of Class VII in any machinery space of Category A to which access is provided at a low level from an adjacent shaft tunnel there shall be provided in addition to any watertight door and on the side remote from that machinery space a light steel fire-screen door which shall be operable from each side. 37A. Paint lockers, etc.

In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, every paint locker and flammable liquid locker shall be protected by an approved fire-extinguishing system.(L.N. 412 of 1995) 38. Fire alarm and detection systems (1) This regulation applies to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.(2) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall be provided with an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with the requirements of Schedule 12 in any machinery space in which the installation of automatic and remote control systems and equipment has been approved in lieu of continuous manning of the space.(3) In every ship to which this regulation applies there shall be fitted in each cargo space containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with the requirements of Schedule 12. 39. Firemen’s outfits (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall carry firemen’s outfits which shall comply with the requirements of regulation 71 in accordance with the following scale— Tonnage of the ship Number of outfits 500 but under 2,500 2 2,500 but under 4,000 3 4,000 and over 4 (2) One such outfit carried in any such ship shall include a breathing apparatus of the air hose type and the remainder shall include breathing apparatus of the self-contained type.(3) In every ship of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over there shall be provided not less than four firemen’s outfits complying with the requirements of regulation 71. Such outfits shall not be required to be provided in addition to those required by subregulation (1).(4) Firemen’s outfits shall be stored so as to be easily accessible and ready for use and where more than one fireman’s outfit are carried they shall be stored in widely separated positions. 40. International shore connection Every ship of Class VII of 1,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least one international shore connection which shall comply with the requirements of Schedule 1 to enable water to be supplied from another ship, or from the shore, to the fire main and fixed provision shall be made to enable such a connection to be used on the port side and on the starboard side of the ship.Ships of Class VII of under 500 tons 41. Fire appliances for ships of Class VII of under 500 tons (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class VII of under 500 tons.(2) (a) Every such ship shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this regulation whereby at least one jet of water as required by these regulations can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated, and any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.(b) Every such ship shall be provided with at least one fire pump operated by power which shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water from any fire hydrant hose and nozzle provided in the ship, and which shall comply with the requirements of regulation 66.(c) In every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery there shall be provided in a position outside the spaces containing such boilers or machinery an additional fire pump and its source of power and sea connection. If such pump is operated by power, it shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (b) and if it is manually operated it shall be provided with a hose and 10-millimetre diameter nozzle through which it shall be capable of producing a jet of water having a throw of not less than 6 metres which can be directed on to any part of the ship. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(d) In every such ship there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes and hydrants which shall comply with the requirements of regulation 67 and at least 3 fire hoses and nozzles which shall comply with regulation 68.(e) In every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery there shall be provided a dual-spray nozzle suitable for use with the fire hoses required by paragraph (d).(3) Every such ship shall be provided with at least 3 portable fire extinguishers so situated as to be readily available for use in the accommodation and service spaces.(4) In every ship to which this regulation applies there shall be provided for the protection of any space containing any oil-fired boiler, oil fuel settling tank or oil fuel unit, at least one of the fixed fire extinguishing installations required by regulation 34(1).(5) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (4) there shall be provided—(a) in each boiler room and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation, at least 2 portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires;(b) in each firing space, a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution, or alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.(6) In every ship to which this regulation applies there shall be provided in any space containing internal combustion type machinery one portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires for each 74.6 kW or part thereof of such machinery, except that no more than 7 such extinguishers shall be required in any one space and that alternatively there may be provided 2 such extinguishers together with either—(a) one foam fire extinguisher of at least 45 litres capacity; or(b) one carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of at least 16 kilograms capacity.(7) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall be provided with at least one fireman’s outfit which shall comply with the requirements of regulation 71 and which shall contain a breathing apparatus of the air hose type.Ships of Class VII(A) 42. Regulations 31 to 40 apply to ships of Class VII(A) (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Regulations 31 to 40 apply to every ship of Class VII(A) of 500 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over. (L.N. 253 of 2018)(2) Every ship of Class VII(A) of less than 500 tons shall carry the fire appliances required by these regulations to be carried by ships of Class VII of under 500 tons.Tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over 43. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulations 31 and 32(1) and regulations 34 to 40 apply to every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over. (L.N. 253 of 2018) 44. Fixed deck foam system (L.N. 253 of 2018)Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 2,000 tons or over shall be provided with a fixed deck foam system complying with the requirements of regulation 52 except that this requirement shall not apply to chemical tankers.(L.N. 412 of 1995) 45. Mobile foam appliance (L.N. 253 of 2018)Every tanker of Class VII(T) of under 2,000 tons shall be provided with at least one mobile foam appliance whereby foam is immediately available, by simple and rapid means of operation, for discharge in the area of the cargo manifolds. 46. Inert gas system (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Subject to subregulation (1A), every tanker of Class VII(T) of 20,000 tonnes deadweight or over constructed or adapted and used to carry crude oil and petroleum products having a closed flash point not exceeding 60ºC the Reid vapour pressure of which is below that of atmospheric pressure, and other liquids having a similar fire hazard, shall be provided with an inert gas system complying with the requirements of regulation 51. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(1A) A tanker referred to in subregulation (1) need not be provided with an inert gas system complying with the requirements of regulation 51 if—(a) being a chemical tanker carrying as cargo any substance mentioned in subregulation (1), it is provided with an inert gas system complying with the requirements of regulation 51A;(b) being a chemical tanker carrying crude oil or petroleum products, it is provided with an inert gas system complying with the requirements of regulation 51B;(c) being a gas carrier carrying as cargo a substance mentioned in subregulation (1), it is provided with cargo tank inerting arrangements equivalent to those specified in paragraph (a) or (b);(d) being a chemical tanker or gas carrier, it is carrying a flammable cargo other than crude oil or petroleum products.In paragraph (d), the reference to a flammable cargo other than crude oil or petroleum products includes (without prejudice to the generality of that reference) a reference to any of the cargoes listed in Chapters VI and VII of the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(2) Combination carriers shall not carry solid cargoes unless all cargo tanks are empty of crude oil and other petroleum products having a closed flash point not exceeding 60ºC and other liquids having a similar fire hazard and are gas freed or unless the arrangements provided in each case are in accordance with the relevant operational requirements contained in the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems and are to the satisfaction of the Director. (E.R. 2 of 2024) 47. Tankers of Class VII(T) operating with tank cleaning procedure using crude oil washing (L.N. 253 of 2018; E.R. 2 of 2024)Despite regulation 46, every tanker of Class VII(T) operating with a tank cleaning procedure using crude oil washing shall be— (L.N. 253 of 2018)(a) fitted with an inert gas system complying with regulation 51; and(b) provided with fixed tank washing machines only. 48. Alternative fixed fire extinguishing installations (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Other fixed fire extinguishing installations may be provided, in place of those required by the foregoing provisions of these regulations, if each installation is equivalent to the said systems in the manner set out in subregulations (2) and (3).(2) An installation provided in place of the inert gas system referred to in these regulations shall be deemed to be equivalent to that system for the purpose of these regulations if it is—(a) capable of preventing dangerous accumulation of explosive mixtures in intact cargo tanks during normal service throughout the ballast voyage and necessary in-tank operations; and(b) so designed as to minimise the risk of ignition from the generation of static electricity by the system itself.(3) An installation provided in place of the fixed deck foam system referred to in these regulations shall be deemed to be equivalent to that system for the purpose of these regulations if it is—(a) capable of extinguishing spill fires and precludes ignition of spilled oil not yet ignited; and(b) capable of combating fires in ruptured tanks. 49. Fixed fire extinguishing system for pump room (L.N. 253 of 2018)In every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over, each cargo pump room and each pump room having a similar hazard shall be provided with at least one of the fixed fire extinguishing systems required by regulation 34(1) and which shall be operated from a readily accessible position outside the pump room.Tankers of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons 50. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulation 41 applies to every tanker of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons as it applies to ships of Class VII of under 500 tons. In addition regulations 45 and 49 shall apply to such tankers as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over.(L.N. 253 of 2018) 51. Inert gas system: standard requirements (1) Every fixed inert gas system fitted in accordance with regulation 46(1) or 47(a) shall comply with the requirements of subregulation (2) except that inert gas systems fitted before 1 June 1981 shall not be required to comply with subregulation (2)(h), (i)(ii), (j)(ii), (j)(vii), (j)(ix), (k)(iii), (k)(iv), (m)(iii)(B) and (s)(viii). (L.N. 412 of 1995)(2) (a) (i) The inert gas system shall be designed, constructed and tested to the satisfaction of the Director. It shall be so designed and operated as to render and maintain the atmosphere of the cargo tanks including the slop tanks non-flammable at all times, except where it is necessary for such tanks to be gas free;(ii) in the event that the inert gas system is unable to meet the operational requirement set out above and it has been assessed by the owner or master that it is impractical to effect a repair, then cargo discharge, deballasting and necessary tank cleaning shall only be resumed when the “emergency procedures” laid down in the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems are complied with; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(b) the system shall be capable of—(i) inerting empty cargo tanks including slop tanks by reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere in each tank to a level at which combustion cannot be supported;(ii) maintaining the atmosphere in any part of any cargo or slop tank at an oxygen content not exceeding 8% by volume and at a positive pressure at all times both in port and at sea except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas free;(iii) eliminating the need for air to enter a tank during normal operations except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas free; and(iv) purging empty cargo tanks including slop tanks of hydrocarbon vapour, so that subsequent gas freeing operations will at no time create a flammable atmosphere within the tank;(c) (i) the system shall be capable of delivering inert gas to the cargo tanks and slop tanks at a rate of at least 125% of the maximum rate of discharge capacity of the ship, expressed as a volume;(ii) the oxygen content of the inert gas main shall not normally exceed 5% by volume;(d) the inert gas supply may be treated flue gas from the main or auxiliary boilers, from one or more separate gas generators or other sources or from any combination thereof. The Director may approve systems using inert gases other than flue gas, provided he is satisfied that an equivalent standard of safety is achieved. Systems using stored carbon dioxide shall not be permitted unless the Director is satisfied that the risk of ignition from generation of static electricity by the system itself is minimized;(e) flue gas isolating valves shall be fitted in the inert gas supply mains between the boiler uptakes and the flue gas scrubber. These valves shall be provided with indicators to show whether they are open or shut, and precautions shall be taken to maintain them gas-tight and keep the seating clear of soot. Arrangements shall be made so that boiler soot blowers cannot be operated when the corresponding flue gas valve is open;(f) (i) a flue gas scrubber shall be fitted which will effectively cool the volume of gas specified in paragraph (c) and remove solids and sulphur combustion products. The cooling water arrangements shall be such that an adequate supply of water will always be available without interfering with any essential services on the ship. Provision shall be made for an alternative supply of cooling water;(ii) filters or equivalent devices shall be fitted to minimise the amount of water carried over to the inert gas blowers;(g) (i) at least 2 blowers shall be fitted which together shall be capable of delivering to the cargo tanks and slop tanks, at least the volume of gas required by paragraph (c). In a system provided with a gas generator, the Director may permit only one blower if that system is capable of delivering the total volume of gas required by paragraph (c) to the protected cargo tanks, on condition that sufficient spares and replacement parts for the blower and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the blower and its prime mover to be rectified by the ship’s crew;(ii) 2 fuel oil pumps shall be fitted to the inert gas generator. The Director may permit only one fuel oil pump on condition that sufficient spares and replacement parts for the fuel oil pump and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the fuel oil pump and its prime mover to be rectified by the ship’s crew;(iii) the inert gas system shall be so designed that the maximum pressure which it can exert on any cargo tank will not exceed the test pressure of any cargo tank. Suitable shut-off arrangements shall be provided on the suction and discharge connections of each blower. Arrangements shall be provided to enable the functioning of the inert gas plant to be stabilised before commencing cargo discharge. If the blowers are to be used for gas freeing, their air inlets shall be provided with blanking arrangements;(h) (i) the design and location of scrubber and blowers with relevant piping and fittings shall be such as to prevent flue gas leakages into enclosed spaces;(ii) to permit safe maintenance, an additional water seal or other effective means of preventing flue gas leakage shall be fitted between the flue gas isolating valves and scrubber or incorporated in the gas entry to the scrubber;(i) (i) a gas regulating valve shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main. Such valve shall be automatically controlled to close as required in paragraph (s)(iii) and (iv), and shall also be capable of automatically regulating the flow of inert gas to the cargo tanks unless means are provided for automatically controlling the speed of the inert gas blowers required in paragraph (g);(ii) the valve referred to in subparagraph (i) above shall be located at the forward bulkhead of the most forward gas safe space through which the inert gas supply main passes;(j) (i) at least 2 non-return devices, one of which shall be a water seal, shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main, in order to prevent the return of hydrocarbon vapour to the machinery spaces uptakes or to any gas safe spaces under all normal conditions of trim, list and motion of the ship. They shall be located between the automatic valve required by paragraph (i) and the aftermost connection to any cargo tank or cargo pipeline;(ii) the devices referred to in this paragraph shall be located in the cargo area on deck;(iii) the water seal referred to in subparagraph (i) above shall be capable of being supplied by 2 separate pumps, each of which shall be capable of maintaining an adequate supply at all times;(iv) the arrangement of the seal and its associated provisions shall be such that it will prevent back-flow of hydrocarbon vapours and will ensure the proper functioning of the seal under operating conditions;(v) provision shall be made to ensure that the water seal is protected against freezing, in such a way that the integrity of the seal is not impaired by overheating;(vi) a water loop or other arrangement approved by the Director shall also be fitted to all associated water supply and drain piping and all venting or pressure sensing piping leading to gas safe spaces. Means shall be provided to prevent such loops from being emptied by vacuum;(vii) the deck water seal and all loop arrangements shall be capable of preventing return of hydrocarbon vapours at a pressure equal to the test pressure of the cargo tanks;(viii) the second non-return device referred to in subparagraph (i) shall be a non-return valve or equivalent capable of preventing the return of vapours or liquids or both and fitted forward of the deck water seal required by subparagraph (i). It shall be provided with either positive means of closure or an additional valve having such means of closure located forward of the non-return valve to isolate the deck water seal from the inert gas main to the cargo tanks and slop tanks;(ix) as an additional safeguard against the possible leakage of hydrocarbon liquids or vapours back from the deck main, means shall be provided to permit the section of the line between the valve having positive means of closure referred to in subparagraph (viii) and the valve referred to in paragraph (i) to be vented in a safe manner when the first of these valves is closed;(k) (i) the inert gas main may be divided into 2 or more branches forward of the non-return devices required by paragraph (j);(ii) (A) the inert gas supply main shall be fitted with branch piping leading to each cargo tank and slop tank. Branch piping for inert gas shall be fitted with either stop valves or equivalent means of control for isolating each tank. Where stop valves are fitted, they shall be provided with locking arrangements, which shall be under the control of a responsible ship’s officer;(B) in combination carriers, the arrangements to isolate the slop tanks containing oil or oil residues from other tanks shall consist of blank flanges which will remain in position at all times when cargoes other than oil are being carried except as provided for in the relevant section of the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(iii) means shall be provided to protect cargo tanks and slop tanks against the effect of over-pressure or vacuum caused by thermal variations when such tanks are isolated from the inert gas main;(iv) piping systems shall be so designed as to prevent the accumulation of cargo or water in the pipelines under all normal conditions;(v) suitable arrangements shall be provided to enable the inert gas main to be connected to an external supply of inert gas;(l) the arrangements for the venting of all vapours displaced from the cargo tanks during loading or ballasting shall comply with regulation 70(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. R) and shall consist of either one or more mast risers, or a number of high velocity vents. The inert gas supply main may be used for such venting; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(m) the arrangements for inerting, purging or gas freeing of empty tanks as required in paragraph (b) shall be approved by the Director and shall be such that the accumulation of hydrocarbon vapours in pockets formed by the internal structural members in a tank is minimised and that—(i) in individual cargo tanks or slop tanks the gas outlet pipe if fitted, shall be positioned as far as practicable from the inert gas/air inlet and in accordance with regulation 70(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. R). The inlet of such outlet pipes may be located at either deck level or at not more than 1 metre above the bottom of the tank; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(ii) each gas outlet referred to in subparagraph (i) shall be fitted with suitable blanking arrangements;(iii) (A) if a connection is fitted between the inert gas supply main and the cargo piping system, arrangements shall be made to ensure an effective isolation having regard to the high pressure difference which may exist between the systems. This shall consist of 2 shut-off valves with an arrangement to vent the space between the valves in a safe manner or an arrangement consisting of a spool-piece with associated blanks;(B) the valve separating the inert gas supply main from the cargo main and which is on the cargo main side shall be a non-return valve with a positive means of closure;(n) (i) one or more pressure-vacuum breaking devices shall be provided to prevent the cargo tanks from being subject to—(A) a positive pressure in excess of the test pressure of the cargo tank if the cargo were to be loaded at the maximum rated capacity and all other outlets were left shut; and(B) a negative pressure in excess of 700 millimetres water gauge if cargo were to be discharged at the maximum rated capacity of the cargo pumps and the inert gas blower were to fail.Such devices shall be installed on the inert gas main unless they are installed in the venting system as set out in regulation 12 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. S) or on individual cargo tanks;(ii) the location and design of the devices referred to above shall be in accordance with regulation 70(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. R); (E.R. 2 of 2024)(o) means shall be provided for continuously indicating the temperature and pressure of the inert gas at the discharge side of the gas blowers, whenever those gas blowers are operating;(p) (i) instrumentation shall be fitted for continuously indicating and permanently recording when the inert gas is being supplied—(A) the pressure of the inert gas supply main forward of the non-return devices required by paragraph (j)(i); and(B) the oxygen content of the inert gas in the inert gas supply main on the discharge side of the gas blowers;(ii) the devices referred to in subparagraph (i) shall be placed in the cargo control room where provided. Where no cargo control room is provided, they shall be placed in a position easily accessible to the officer in charge of cargo operations;(iii) in addition, meters shall be fitted—(A) in the navigating bridge, to indicate at all times the pressure referred to in subparagraph (i)(A) and the pressure in the slop tanks of combination carriers, whenever those tanks are isolated from the inert gas supply main; and(B) in the machinery control room or in the machinery space, to indicate the oxygen content referred to in subparagraph (i)(B);(q) portable instruments for measuring oxygen and flammable vapour concentration shall be provided. In addition, suitable arrangements shall be made on each cargo tank and slop tank such that the condition of the tank atmosphere can be determined using these portable instruments;(r) suitable means shall be provided for the zero and span calibration of both fixed and portable gas concentration measurement instruments, referred to in paragraphs (p) and (q);(s) (i) audible and visual alarms shall be provided to indicate—(A) low water pressure or low water flow rate to the flue gas scrubber referred to in paragraph (f)(i);(B) high water level in the flue gas scrubber referred to in paragraph (f)(i);(C) high gas temperature referred to in paragraph (o);(D) failure of any of the inert gas blowers referred to in paragraph (g);(E) oxygen content referred to in paragraph (p)(i)(B) in excess of 8% by volume;(F) failure of the power supply to the automatic control system for the gas regulating valve and to the indicating devices referred to in paragraphs (i) and (p)(i) respectively;(G) low water level in the water seal referred to in paragraph (j)(i);(H) gas pressure as referred to in paragraph (p)(i)(A) less than 100 millimetres water gauge; the alarm arrangement for this gas pressure shall be such as to ensure that the pressure in slop tanks in combination carriers can be monitored at all times; and(I) high gas pressure referred to in paragraph (p)(i)(A);(ii) in systems fitted with gas generators, audible and visual alarms shall be provided in accordance with subparagraph (i)(A), (C) and (E) to (I) and additional alarms to indicate— (E.R. 2 of 2024)(A) insufficient fuel oil supply;(B) failure of the power supply to the generator;(C) failure of the power supply to the automatic control system for the generator;(iii) automatic shutdown of the inert gas blowers and gas regulating valve shall be arranged to operate on system design limits being reached in respect of subparagraph (i)(A), (B) and (C); (E.R. 2 of 2024)(iv) automatic shutdown of the gas regulating valve shall be arranged to operate on failure of the inert gas blowers referred to in paragraph (g); (E.R. 2 of 2024)(v) in relation to subparagraph (i)(E), when the oxygen content of the inert gas exceeds 8%, immediate action shall be taken to reduce the oxygen level. Unless the quality of the gas improves, all in-tank operations shall be suspended so as to avoid air being drawn into the tanks and the isolation valve referred to in paragraph (j)(viii) shall be closed;(vi) the alarms required in subparagraph (i)(E), (F) and (H) shall be fitted in the machinery space and cargo control room, where provided, but in any event in such a position that they are immediately received by responsible members of the crew;(vii) in relation to the water seal referred to in subparagraph (i)(G), arrangements shall be made to the satisfaction of the Director for the maintenance of an adequate reserve of water at all times for the automatic formation of the water seal when the gas flow ceases. The audible and visual alarm on the low level of the water in the water seal shall operate when the inert gas is not being supplied;(viii) an audible alarm system independent of that required in subparagraph (i)(H), or automatic shutdown of cargo pumps, shall be arranged to operate on the system designed limit of low pressure in the inert gas main being reached; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(t) a detailed instruction manual shall be provided on board by the owner which shall contain the operational safety and maintenance requirements and occupational health hazards relevant to the inert gas system and its application to the cargo tank system. In addition the manual shall include guidance on procedures to be followed in the event of a fault or failure of the inert gas system as detailed in the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(u) all tankers fitted with a fixed inert gas system in accordance with this regulation shall be provided with a closed ullage system. 51A. Inert gas systems: alternative requirements for chemical tankers (1) (a) Every inert gas system fitted in accordance with regulation 46(1A)(a) shall be designed, constructed and tested to the satisfaction of the Director and shall comply with the following requirements of this regulation.(b) In this regulation a reference to a cargo tank includes a reference to a slop tank containing cargo residues.(2) The system shall be capable of—(a) inerting empty cargo tanks by reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere in each tank to a level at which combustion cannot be supported;(b) maintaining the atmosphere, in all parts of each cargo tank designated to carry flammable products requiring protection by an inert gas system, with an oxygen content not exceeding 8% by volume and at a positive pressure at all times in port and at sea except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas-free;(c) eliminating the need for air to enter a tank during normal operations except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas-free;(d) purging empty cargo tanks of flammable vapour, so that subsequent gas-freeing operations will at no time create a flammable atmosphere within the tanks.(3) (a) The system shall be capable of delivering inert gas to the cargo tanks at a rate of at least 125% of the maximum rate of discharge capacity of the ship expressed as a volume. The Director may accept an inert gas system having a lower delivery capacity provided that the maximum rate of discharge of cargoes from cargo tanks being protected by the system is restricted to 80% of the inert gas capacity.(b) The system shall be capable of delivering inert gas with an oxygen content of not more than 5% by volume in the inert gas supply main to the cargo tanks at any required rate of flow.(4) (a) Suitable fuel in sufficient quantity shall be provided for the inert gas generators.(b) The inert gas generators shall be located outside the cargo tank area as defined in the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk. Spaces containing inert gas generators shall have no direct access to accommodation, service or control station spaces, but may be located in machinery spaces. If they are not located in machinery spaces, they shall be located in a compartment reserved solely for their use. Such a compartment shall be separated by a gastight steel bulkhead or deck from accommodation, service and control station spaces. Adequate positive-pressure-type mechanical ventilation shall be provided for such a compartment. Access to such compartments located aft shall be only from an open deck outside the cargo tank area. Access shall be located on the end bulkhead not facing the cargo area or on the outboard side of the superstructure or deckhouse at a distance of at least 25% of the length of the ship but not less than 5 metres from the end of the superstructure or deckhouse facing the cargo area. In the case of such a compartment being located in the forecastle, access shall be through the deckhead forward of the cargo area.(c) Inert gas piping systems shall not pass through accommodation, service and control station spaces.(5) (a) Means shall be provided which will effectively cool the volume of gas specified by subregulation (3) and remove solids and sulphur combustion products. The cooling water arrangements shall be such that an adequate supply of water will always be available without interfering with any essential services on the ship. Provision shall also be made for an alternative supply of cooling water.(b) Filters or equivalent devices shall be fitted to minimise the amount of water carried over to the inert gas main.(6) (a) Two air blowers shall be fitted to each inert gas generator, which together shall be capable of delivering to the cargo tanks required to be protected by the system at least the volume of gas required by subregulation (3). The Director may permit only one blower if it is capable of delivering to the protected cargo tanks the total volume of gas required by subregulation (3), provided that sufficient spares for the air blower and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the air blower and its prime mover to be rectified.(b) The inert gas system shall be so designed that the maximum pressure which it can exert on any cargo tank will not exceed the test pressure of that tank.(c) Where more than one inert gas generator is provided, suitable shut-off arrangements shall be provided on the discharge outlet of each generator plant.(d) Arrangements shall be made to vent the inert gas to the atmosphere in case the inert gas produced is sub-standard, e.g. during starting-up or in case of equipment failure.(e) Where inert gas generators are served by positive displacement blowers, a pressure relief device shall be provided to prevent excess pressure being developed on the discharge of the blower.(7) Two fuel oil pumps shall be fitted to each inert gas generator. The Director may permit only one fuel oil pump on condition that sufficient spares for the fuel oil pump and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the fuel oil pump and its prime mover to be rectified by the ship’s crew.(8) A gas-regulating valve shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main. This valve shall be automatically controlled to close as required by subregulation (17)(b) and (c). It shall also be capable of automatically regulating the flow of inert gas to the cargo tanks unless other means are provided to control automatically the inert gas flow rate.(9) (a) At least 2 non-return devices, one of which shall be a water seal, shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main in order to prevent the return of flammable vapour to the inert gas generator and to any gas-safe space under all normal conditions of trim, list and motion of the ship. They shall be located between the automatic valve required by subregulation (8) and the first connection to any cargo tank or cargo pipeline. The Director may permit an alternative arrangement or device providing a measure of safety equivalent to that of a water seal.(b) The devices referred to in paragraph (a) shall be located in the cargo tank area on deck.(c) The water seal referred to in paragraph (a) shall be capable of being supplied by 2 separate pumps, each of which shall be capable of maintaining an adequate supply at all times.(d) The arrangement of the water seal and its associated provisions shall be such that it will prevent backflow of flammable vapours and will ensure the proper functioning of the water seal under operating conditions.(e) Provision shall be made to ensure that any water seal is protected against freezing, in such a way that the integrity of the water seal is not impaired by overheating.(f) A water loop or other approved arrangement shall also be fitted to all associated water supply and drain piping and to all venting or pressure-sensing piping leading to gas-safe spaces. Means shall be provided to prevent such loops from being emptied by vacuum.(g) Any water seal or equivalent device and all loop arrangements shall be capable of preventing the return of flammable vapours to an inert gas generator at a pressure equal to the test pressure of the cargo tanks.(h) The second device shall be a non-return valve or equivalent capable of preventing the return of vapours or liquids or both and fitted between the water seal or the equivalent device required by paragraph (a) and the first connection from the inert gas main to a cargo tank. It shall be provided with positive means of closure. As an alternative to positive means of closure, an additional valve having such means of closure may be provided between the non-return valve and the first connection to the cargo tanks to isolate the water seal or equivalent device.(i) As an additional safeguard against the possible leakage of flammable liquids or vapours back from the deck main, means shall be provided to permit the section of the line between the valve having positive means of closure referred to in paragraph (h) and the valve referred to in subregulation (8) to be vented in a safe manner when the first of these valves is closed.(10) (a) The inert gas main may be divided into 2 or more branches between the non-return devices required by subregulation (9) and the cargo tanks.(b) Inert gas supply mains shall be fitted with branch piping leading to each cargo tank designated for the carriage of flammable products required to be inerted by this regulation. Each cargo tank containing or loading products not required to be inerted shall be separated from the inert gas main by—(i) removing spool pieces, valves or other pipe sections, and blanking the pipe ends; or(ii) an arrangement of 2 spectacle flanges in series with provision for detecting leakage into the pipe between the 2 spectacle flanges.(c) Means shall be provided to protect cargo tanks against the effect of overpressure or vacuum caused by thermal variations when the tanks are isolated from the inert gas mains.(d) Piping systems shall be so designed as to prevent the accumulation of cargo or water in the pipelines under all normal conditions.(e) Suitable arrangements shall be provided to enable the inert gas main to be connected to an external supply of inert gas.(11) Unless the arrangements for venting of all vapours displaced from the cargo tanks during loading and ballasting comply with the requirements of the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk for controlled venting, such arrangements shall comply with regulation 12 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. S) and shall consist either of one or more mast risers or of a number of high velocity vents. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(12) The arrangements for inerting, purging or gas-freeing of empty tanks as required by subregulation (2) shall be to the satisfaction of the Director and shall be such that the accumulation of hydrocarbon vapours in pockets formed by the internal structural members in a tank is minimised and that—(a) on individual cargo tanks the gas outlet pipe, if fitted, shall be positioned as far as practicable from the inert gas air inlet and in accordance with regulation 12(5)(c) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built On or After 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. S). The inlet of such outlet pipes may be located either at deck level or at not more than 1 metre above the bottom of the tank; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(b) the cross-sectional area of such gas outlet pipe referred to in paragraph (a) shall be such that an exit velocity of at least 20 metres per second can be maintained when any 3 tanks are being simultaneously supplied with inert gas. Their outlets shall extend not less than 2 metres above deck level. When in accordance with subregulation (3) the Director permits a system designed to supply only one tank or 2 tanks simultaneously, the outlet pipes shall be sized such that an exit velocity in the outlet pipes of 20 metres per second can be maintained;(c) each gas outlet referred to in paragraph (b) shall be fitted with suitable blanking arrangements.(13) Means shall be provided for continuously indicating the temperature and pressure of the inert gas at the discharge side of the system, whenever it is operating.(14) (a) Instrumentation shall be fitted for continuously indicating and permanently recording, when the inert gas is being supplied—(i) the pressure of the inert gas supply mains between the non-return devices required by subregulation (9)(a) and the cargo tanks; and(ii) the oxygen content of the inert gas in the inert gas supply main.(b) The devices referred to in paragraph (a) shall be placed in the cargo control room where provided. Where no cargo control room is provided, they shall be placed in a position easily accessible to the officer in charge of cargo operations.(c) In addition, meters shall be fitted—(i) in the navigating bridge to indicate at all times the pressure referred to in paragraph (a)(i); and(ii) in the machinery control room or in the machinery space to indicate the oxygen content referred to in paragraph (a)(ii).(15) Portable instruments for measuring oxygen and flammable vapour concentration shall be provided. In addition, suitable arrangements shall be made on each cargo tank such that the condition of the tank atmosphere can be determined using these portable instruments.(16) Suitable means shall be provided for the zero and span calibration of both fixed and portable gas concentration measurement instruments, referred to in subregulations (14) and (15).(17) (a) Audible and visual alarms shall be provided to indicate—(i) low water pressure or low water flow rate to the cooling and scrubbing arrangements referred to in subregulation (5)(a);(ii) low fuel supply;(iii) high gas temperature referred to in subregulation (13);(iv) failure of the power supply to the inert gas generators;(v) oxygen content in excess of 8% by volume referred to in subregulation (14)(a)(ii);(vi) failure of the power supply to the indicating devices referred to in subregulation (14)(a) and to the automatic control systems for the gas-regulating valve referred to in subregulation (8) and the inert gas generator;(vii) low water level in the water seal referred to in subregulation (9);(viii) gas pressure less than 100 millimetres water gauge referred to in subregulation (14)(a);(ix) high gas pressure referred to in subregulation (14)(a)(i).(b) Automatic shutdown of the gas-regulating valve and of the fuel oil supply to the inert gas generator shall be arranged on predetermined limits being reached in respect of paragraph (a)(i) and (iii).(c) Automatic shutdown of the gas-regulating valve shall be arranged in respect of paragraph (a)(iv).(d) In respect of paragraph (a)(v), when the oxygen content of the inert gas exceeds 8% by volume, immediate action shall be taken to improve the gas quality. Unless the quality of the inert gas improves, all operations in those tanks to which inert gas is being supplied shall be suspended so as to avoid air being drawn into the tanks. The deck isolation valve referred to in subregulation (9)(h) shall be closed, and the sub-standard gas shall be vented to atmosphere.(e) The alarms required by paragraph (a)(v), (vi) and (viii) shall be fitted in the machinery space and cargo control room where provided, but in each case in such a position that they are immediately received by responsible members of the crew. All other alarms required by this subregulation shall be audible to responsible members of the crew either as individual alarms or as a group alarm.(f) In respect of paragraph (a)(vii), the Director shall be satisfied as to the maintenance of an adequate reserve of water at all times and the integrity of the arrangements to permit the automatic formation of the water seal when the gas flow ceases. The audible and visual alarm on the low level of water in the water seal shall operate when the inert gas is not being supplied.(g) An audible alarm system, independent of that required by paragraph (a)(viii) or automatic shutdown of cargo pumps shall be provided to operate on predetermined limits of low pressure in the inert gas mains being reached.(18) Detailed instruction manuals shall be provided on board, covering the operations, safety and maintenance requirements and occupational health hazards relevant to the inert gas system and its application to the cargo tank system. The manuals shall include guidance on procedures to be followed in the event of a fault or failure of the inert gas system.(L.N. 412 of 1995) 51B. Inert gas systems: alternative requirements for chemical tankers carrying crude oil or petroleum products (1) (a) Every inert gas system fitted in accordance with regulation 46(1A)(b) shall be designed, constructed and tested to the satisfaction of the Director and shall comply with the following requirements of this regulation.(b) In this regulation a reference to a cargo tank includes a reference to a slop tank containing oil residues.(2) The system shall be capable of—(a) inerting empty cargo tanks by reducing the oxygen content of the atmosphere in each tank to a level at which combustion cannot be supported;(b) maintaining the atmosphere in all parts of each cargo tank designated to carry flammable products requiring protection by an inert gas system with an oxygen content not exceeding 8% by volume and at a positive pressure at all times in port and at sea except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas-free;(c) eliminating the need for air to enter a tank during normal operations except when it is necessary for such a tank to be gas-free;(d) purging empty cargo tanks of flammable vapour, so that subsequent gas-freeing operations will at no time create a flammable atmosphere within the tank.(3) (a) The system shall be capable of delivering inert gas to the cargo tanks at a rate of at least 125% of the maximum rate of discharge capacity of the ship expressed as a volume. The Director may accept an inert gas system having a lower delivery capacity provided that the maximum rate of discharge of cargoes from cargo tanks being protected by the system is restricted to 80% of the inert gas capacity.(b) The system shall be capable of delivering inert gas with an oxygen content of not more than 5% by volume in the inert gas supply main to the cargo tanks at any required rate of flow.(4) (a) Suitable fuel in sufficient quantity shall be provided for the inert gas generators.(b) The inert gas generators shall be located outside the cargo tank area as defined in the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk. Spaces containing inert gas generators shall have no direct access to accommodation, service or control station spaces, but may be located in machinery spaces. If they are not located in machinery spaces they shall be located in a compartment reserved solely for their use. Such a compartment shall be separated by a gastight steel bulkhead or deck from accommodation, service and control station spaces. Adequate positive-pressure-type mechanical ventilation shall be provided for such a compartment. Access to such compartments located aft shall be only from an open deck outside the cargo tank area.

Access shall be located on the end bulkhead not facing the cargo area or on the outboard side of the superstructure or deckhouse at a distance of at least 25% of the length of the ship but not less than 5 metres from the end of the superstructure or deckhouse facing the cargo area. In the case of such a compartment being located in the forecastle, access shall be through the deckhead forward of the cargo area.(c) Inert gas piping systems shall not pass through accommodation, service or control station spaces.(5) (a) Means shall be provided which will effectively cool the volume of gas specified by subregulation (3) and remove solids and sulphur combustion products. The cooling water arrangements shall be such that an adequate supply of water will always be available without interfering with any essential services on the ship. Provision shall also be made for an alternative supply of cooling water.(b) Filters or equivalent devices shall be fitted to minimise the amount of water carried over to the inert gas main.(6) (a) Two air blowers shall be fitted to each inert gas generator, which together shall be capable of delivering to the cargo tanks required to be protected by the system at least the volume of gas required by subregulation (3). The Director may permit only one blower if it is capable of delivering to the protected cargo tanks the total volume of gas required by subregulation (3), provided that sufficient spares for the air blower and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the air blower and its prime mover to be rectified.(b) The inert gas system shall be so designed that the maximum pressure which it can exert on any cargo tank will not exceed the test pressure of that tank.(c) Where more than one inert gas generator is provided, suitable shut-off arrangements shall be provided on the discharge outlet of each generator plant.(d) Arrangements shall be made to vent the inert gas to the atmosphere in case the inert gas produced is sub-standard, e.g. during starting up or in case of equipment failure.(e) Where inert gas generators are served by positive displacement blowers, a pressure relief device shall be provided to prevent excess pressure being developed on the discharge side of the blower.(7) Two fuel oil pumps shall be fitted to each inert gas generator. The Director may permit only one fuel oil pump on condition that sufficient spares for the fuel oil pump and its prime mover are carried on board to enable any failure of the fuel oil pump and its prime mover to be rectified by the ship’s crew.(8) A gas-regulating valve shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main. This valve shall be automatically controlled to close as required by subregulation (17)(b) and (c). It shall also be capable of automatically regulating the flow of inert gas to the cargo tanks unless other means are provided to control automatically the inert gas flow rate.(9) (a) At least 2 non-return devices, one of which shall be a water seal, shall be fitted in the inert gas supply main in order to prevent the return of flammable vapour to the inert gas generator and to any gas-safe space under all normal conditions of trim, list and motion of the ship. They shall be located between the automatic valve required by subregulation (8) and the first connection to any cargo tank or cargo pipeline. The Director may permit an alternative arrangement or device providing a measure of safety equivalent to that of a water seal.(b) The devices referred to in paragraph (a) shall be located in the cargo tank area on deck.(c) The water seal referred to in paragraph (a) shall be capable of being supplied by 2 separate pumps, each of which shall be capable of maintaining an adequate supply at all times.(d) The arrangement of the water seal and its associated provisions shall be such that it will prevent backflow of flammable vapours and will ensure the proper functioning of the water seal under operating conditions.(e) Provision shall be made to ensure that any water seal is protected against freezing in such a way that the integrity of the water seal is not impaired by overheating.(f) A water loop or other approved arrangement shall also be fitted to all associated water supply and drain piping and to all venting or pressure-sensing piping leading to gas-safe spaces. Means shall be provided to prevent such loops from being emptied by vacuum.(g) Any water seal or equivalent device and all loop arrangements shall be capable of preventing the return of flammable vapours to an inert gas generator at a pressure equal to the test pressure of the cargo tanks.(h) The second device shall be a non-return valve or equivalent capable of preventing the return of vapours or liquids or both and fitted between the water seal or the equivalent device required by paragraph (a) and the first connection from the inert gas main to a cargo tank. It shall be provided with positive means of closure. As an alternative to positive means of closure, an additional valve having such means of closure may be provided between the non-return valve and the first connection to the cargo tanks to isolate the water seal or equivalent device.(i) As an additional safeguard against the possible leakage of flammable liquids or vapours back from the deck main, means shall be provided to permit the section of the line between the valve having positive means of closure referred to in paragraph (h) and the valve referred to in subregulation (8) to be vented in a safe manner when the first of these valves is closed.(10) (a) The inert gas main may be divided into 2 or more branches between the non-return devices required by subregulation (9) and the cargo tanks.(b) Inert gas supply mains shall be fitted with branch piping leading to each cargo tank designated for the carriage of flammable products required to be inerted by this regulation. Each cargo tank containing or loading products not required to be inerted shall be separated from the inert gas main by—(i) removing spool pieces, valves or other pipe sections, and blanking the pipe ends; or(ii) an arrangement of 2 spectacle flanges in series with provision for detecting leakage into the pipe between the 2 spectacle flanges.(c) Means shall be provided to protect cargo tanks against the effect of overpressure or vacuum caused by thermal variations when the cargo tanks are isolated from the inert gas mains.(d) Piping systems shall be so designed as to prevent the accumulation of cargo or water in the pipelines under all normal conditions.(e) Suitable arrangements shall be provided to enable the inert gas main to be connected to an external supply of inert gas.(11) Unless the arrangements for venting of all vapours displaced from the cargo tanks during loading and ballasting comply with the requirements of the I.M.O. Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk for controlled venting, such arrangements shall comply with regulation 70(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. R) and shall consist either of one or more mast risers or a number of high velocity vents. The inert gas supply mains shall not be used for such venting. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(12) (a) The arrangements for inerting, purging or gas-freeing of empty tanks as required by subregulation (2) shall be made to the satisfaction of the Director and shall be such that the accumulation of flammable vapours in pockets formed by the internal structural members in a tank is minimized.(b) When in accordance with subregulation (3) the Director permits a system designed to supply only one tank or 2 tanks simultaneously; the outlet pipes shall be sized such that an exit velocity in the outlet pipes of 20 metres per second can be maintained.(13) Means shall be provided for continuously indicating the temperature and pressure of the inert gas at the discharge side of the system, whenever it is operating.(14) (a) Instrumentation shall be fitted for continuously indicating and permanently recording when the inert gas is being supplied—(i) the pressure of the inert gas supply mains between the non-return devices required by subregulation (9)(a) and the cargo tanks; and(ii) the oxygen content of the inert gas in the inert gas supply main.(b) The devices referred to in paragraph (a) shall be placed in the cargo control room where provided. Where no cargo control room is provided, they shall be placed in a position easily accessible to the officer in charge of cargo operations.(c) In addition, meters shall be fitted—(i) in the navigating bridge to indicate at all times the pressure referred to in paragraph (a)(i); and(ii) in the machinery control room or in the machinery space to indicate the oxygen content referred to in paragraph (a)(ii).(15) Portable instruments for measuring oxygen and flammable vapour concentration shall be provided. In addition, suitable arrangements shall be made on each cargo tank such that the condition of the tank atmosphere can be determined using these portable instruments.(16) Suitable means shall be provided for the zero and span calibration of both fixed and portable gas concentration measurement instruments, referred to in subregulations (14) and (15).(17) (a) Audible and visual alarms shall be provided to indicate—(i) low water pressure or low water flow rate to the cooling and scrubbing arrangement referred to in subregulation (5)(a);(ii) low fuel supply;(iii) high gas temperature referred to in subregulation (13);(iv) failure of the power supply to the inert gas generators;(v) oxygen content in excess of 8% by volume referred to in subregulation (14)(a)(ii);(vi) failure of the power supply to the indicating devices referred to in subregulation (14)(a) and to the automatic control systems for the gas-regulating valve referred to in subregulation (8) and the inert gas generator;(vii) low water level in the water seal referred to in subregulation (9)(a);(viii) gas pressure less than 100 millimetres water gauge referred to in subregulation (14)(a);(ix) high gas pressure referred to in subregulation (14)(a)(i).(b) Automatic shutdown of the gas-regulating valve and of the fuel supply to the inert gas generator shall be arranged on predetermined limits being reached in respect of paragraph (a)(i) and (iii).(c) Automatic shutdown of the gas-regulating valve shall be arranged in respect of paragraph (a)(iv).(d) In respect of paragraph (a)(v), when the oxygen content of the inert gas exceeds 8% by volume, immediate action shall be taken to improve the gas quality. Unless the quality of the inert gas improves, all operations in those tanks to which inert gas is being supplied shall be suspended so as to avoid air being drawn into the tanks. The deck isolation valve referred to in subregulation (9)(h) shall be closed and the sub-standard gas shall be vented to atmosphere.(e) The alarms required by paragraph (a)(v), (vi) and (viii) shall be fitted in the machinery space and cargo control room, where provided, but in each case in such a position that they are immediately received by responsible members of the crew. All other alarms required by this subregulation shall be audible to responsible members of the crew either as individual alarms or as a group alarm.(f) In respect of paragraph (a)(vii), the Director shall be satisfied as to the maintenance of an adequate reserve of water at all times and the integrity of the arrangements to permit the automatic formation of the water seal when the gas flow ceases. The audible and visual alarm on the low level of water in the water seal shall operate when the inert gas is not being supplied.(g) An audible alarm system, independent of that required by paragraph (a)(viii), or automatic shutdown of cargo pumps shall be provided to operate on predetermined limits of low pressure in the inert gas mains being reached.(18) Detailed instruction manuals shall be provided on board, covering the operations, safety and maintenance requirements and occupational health hazards relevant to the inert gas system and its application to the cargo tank system. The manuals shall include guidance on procedures to be followed in the event of a fault or failure of the inert gas system.(L.N. 412 of 1995) 52. Deck foam installations Every fixed deck foam system fitted in accordance with these regulations shall comply with the following—(1) The arrangements for providing foam shall be capable of delivering foam to the entire cargo tank area as well as into any cargo tank, the deck of which has been ruptured.(2) The deck foam system shall be capable of simple and rapid operation. The main control station for the system shall be suitably located outside of the cargo tank area, adjacent to the accommodation spaces and readily accessible and operable in the event of fire in the areas protected.(3) The rate of supply of foam solution (that is, the mixture of foam concentrate and water before expansion) shall be not less than the following whichever is the greatest—(i) 0.6 litre per minute per square metre of cargo deck area, where cargo deck area means the maximum breadth of the ship times the total longitudinal extent of the cargo tank spaces;(ii) 6 litres per minute per square metre of the horizontal sectional area of the single tank having the largest such area; or(iii) 3 litres per minute per square metre of the area protected by the largest monitor such area being entirely forward of the monitor, but not less than 1,250 litres per minute.(4) Sufficient foam concentrate shall be supplied to ensure at least 20 minutes of foam generation in ships fitted with an inert gas installation in compliance with regulation 51 or 30 minutes of foam generation in ships not fitted with an inert gas installation. The foam expansion ratio (that is, the ratio of the volume of foam produced to the volume of the mixture of water and foam-making concentrate supplied) shall not generally exceed 12 to 1.(5) Foam from the fixed foam system shall be supplied by means of monitors and foam applicators. At least 50% of the foam solution rate required in subregulation (3)(i) and (ii) shall be delivered from each monitor. On tankers of less than 4,000 tonnes deadweight, applicators may be substituted for an installation of monitors. In such a case the capacity of each applicator shall be at least 25% of the foam solution rate required in subregulation (3)(i) or (ii).(6) (i) The number and position of monitors shall be such as to comply with subregulation (1). The capacity of any monitor shall be at least 3 litres per minute of foam solution per square metre of deck area protected by that monitor, such area being entirely forward of the monitor. Such capacity shall be not less than 1,250 litres per minute.(ii) The distance from the monitor to the farthest extremity of the protected area forward of that monitor shall not be more than 75% of the monitor throw in still air conditions.(7) A monitor and hose connection for a foam applicator shall be situated both port and starboard on the poop front or accommodation spaces facing the cargo deck. Alternatively on tankers of a deadweight of less than 4,000 tonnes not fitted with monitors a hose connection for a foam applicator shall be situated both port and starboard at the poop front or accommodation spaces facing the cargo deck.(8) The capacity of any applicator shall be not less than 400 litres per minute and the applicator throw in still air conditions shall be not less than 15 metres. The number of foam applicators provided in accordance with the requirements of subregulation (5) shall be not less than 4. The number and disposition of foam main outlets shall be such that foam from at least 2 applicators can be directed on to any cargo tank deck area.(9) Valves shall be provided in the foam main, and in the fire main when this is an integral part of the deck foam system, immediately forward of any monitor position to isolate damaged sections of those mains.(10) Operation of a deck foam system at its required output shall permit the simultaneous use of the minimum required number of jets of water at the required pressure from the fire main.Ships of Class VIII(E.R. 2 of 2024)Ships of 500 tons or over 53. Regulations 31 to 40 apply to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulations 31 to 40 apply to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over. (L.N. 253 of 2018)Ships of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons 54. Regulation 41 applies to ships of Class VIII of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulation 41 applies to ships of Class VIII of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons as it applies to ships of Class VII of under 500 tons.(L.N. 253 of 2018)Ships of under 150 tons 55. Fire appliances for ships of Class VIII of under 150 tons (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) This regulation applies to ships of Class VIII of under 150 tons.(2) (a) Regulation 41(2) shall apply to every ship to which this regulation applies of 21.34 metres in length or over, as it applies to ships of Class VII of under 500 tons except that the fire pump required by regulation 41(2)(b) may be driven by the main engine.(b) Every ship to which this regulation applies of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in a position outside the machinery spaces with a hand pump with a permanent sea connection, a hose with a 10-millimetre diameter nozzle capable of producing a jet of water having a throw of not less than 6 metres which can be directed on to any part of the ship, and in addition a spray nozzle suitable for use with the hose, provided that in any ship of less than 9 metres in length or in any open ship of less than 21.34 metres in length, 2 fire buckets one of which shall be fitted with a lanyard may be substituted for such equipment but such buckets shall not be required in addition to buckets provided in compliance with subregulation (3). (E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) Every ship to which this regulation applies shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers or with fire buckets in accordance with the following table— Length of ship Minimum number ofextinguishers or buckets Under 21.34 metres 2 21.34 metres or over 3 Where fire buckets are provided, at least one shall be fitted with a lanyard.(4) In addition to the requirements of subregulation (3) every ship to which this regulation applies which is fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires in accordance with the following table— Length of ship Minimum number ofextinguishers Under 6 metres 1 6 metres or over 2 (5) Every ship to which this regulation applies of 9 metres in length or over which is fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery shall, if it is mainly or wholly constructed of wood and is decked by way of the machinery space, be provided with means outside the space for rapidly injecting into the machinery space a quantity of fire smothering gas equivalent to at least 60% of the gross volume of that space, or in the case of any such ship where the machinery space is bounded by steel bulkheads the quantity of fire smothering gas shall be equivalent to at least 40% of the gross volume of the space: provided that in such a ship to which this regulation applies of less than 21.34 metres in length, there may be substituted a water spraying system supplied from a hand pump and a permanent sea connection situated outside the machinery space which may be the hand pump and the sea connection referred to in subregulation (2)(b). Such pump shall be connected by fixed piping to a sufficient number of water spraying nozzles suitably sited in the machinery space and capable of extinguishing oil fires.(6) Every ship to which this regulation applies being a fully-decked ship of 21.34 metres in length or over shall be provided with a fireman’s axe.Ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A) 56. Regulations 53, 54 and 55 apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A) (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Regulations 53, 54 and 55 apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A) as they apply to ships of Class VIII. (L.N. 253 of 2018)(2) The Director may exempt any ship of Classes VIII(A) and IX(A) and any ship of Class IX which is under 500 tons or which is not engaged on an international voyage, from any of the requirements of these regulations.Tankers of Class VIII(T) Tankers of 500 tons or over 57. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 500 tons or over (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Regulation 53 applies to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 500 tons or over as it applies to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over. (L.N. 253 of 2018)(2) Regulations 43 to 49 inclusive shall apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 500 tons or over as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over.Tankers of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons 58. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulation 54 applies to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons as it applies to ships of Class VIII of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons. In addition regulations 45 and 49 shall apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons.(L.N. 253 of 2018)Tankers of under 150 tons 59. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) of under 150 tons (L.N. 253 of 2018)Regulation 55 applies to tankers of Class VIII(T) of under 150 tons as it applies to ships of Class VIII of under 150 tons. In addition there shall be provided a mobile foam appliance in accordance with regulation 45.(L.N. 253 of 2018)Tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T)(L.N. 253 of 2018) 60. Certain regulations apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Subject to subregulation (1A), regulations 57 to 59 inclusive shall apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) as they apply to tankers of Class VIII(T). (1A) Every tanker of 2,000 tons or over of any of the Classes specified in subregulation (1) fitted with a deck foam system in compliance with regulation 52 shall be provided with not less than 4 firemen’s outfits complying with the requirements of regulation 71. Such outfits shall not be required to be provided in addition to those required by regulation 39(1).(2) The Director may exempt any tanker of Class VIII(A)(T) or IX(A)(T) which is under 500 tons or which is not engaged on an international voyage from any of the requirements of these regulations. 61. No provision. Ships of Class XI 62. Regulations 53, 54 and 55 apply to ships of Class XI (L.N. 253 of 2018)(1) Regulations 53, 54 and 55 apply to ships of Class XI as they apply to ships of Class VIII. (L.N. 253 of 2018)(2) The Director may exempt any ship of Class XI from any of the requirements of these regulations. 63. No provision. Part IV General 64. Additional requirements for ships carrying explosives (1) In any ship to which these regulations apply, other than a ship carrying more than 12 passengers, which carries explosives of such nature or in such quantity as are not permitted to be carried in a passenger ship by Chapter 7.1 of the IMDG Code, steam shall not be used for fire smothering purpose in any compartment containing explosives. In any such compartment containing explosives and in every adjacent cargo compartment there shall be provided a fire detection system complying with the requirements of Schedule 12. (L.N. 253 of 2018; L.N. 152 of 2022)(2) For the purposes of this regulation, compartment (艙室) means all spaces contained between 2 adjacent permanent bulkheads and includes the lower hold and all cargo spaces above it. The whole of any shelter deck space not subdivided by steel bulkheads the openings in which can be closed by steel closing plates shall, for the purpose of this regulation, be considered as a single space. Where steel bulkheads with openings closed by steel closing plates are fitted, the enclosed spaces in the shelter deck shall be considered as part of the compartment below. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) In this regulation—IMDG Code (《海運危險貨物規則》) means the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code adopted by the International Maritime Organization by Resolution MSC.122(75), as from time to time revised or amended by any revision or amendment that applies to Hong Kong. (L.N. 253 of 2018) 65. Requirements for ships provided with helicopter landing with or without fuelling facilities (1) On any helicopter deck there shall be provided and stored adjacent to the means of access to that deck—(a) Dry powder extinguishers of total capacity not less than 45 kilograms.(b) A suitable foam applicator system consisting of monitors or foam making branch pipes capable of delivering foam solution at a rate of not less than 6 litres per minute per square metre of the area contained within a circle of diameter D metres for not less than 5 minutes. For the purpose of this regulation, D is the distance across the main rotor and tail rotor in the fore and aft line of a helicopter with a single main rotor and across both rotors for a tandem rotor helicopter.(c) Carbon dioxide extinguishers of total capacity of not less than 16 kilograms, which shall be so equipped as to enable it to be applied to the engine area of any helicopter using the deck.(2) The arrangement of water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles shall be such that at least 2 jets of water can reach any part of the helicopter deck and, where helicopter refuelling facilities are provided, any part of the fuel storage tanks and associated pumps and piping.(3) All such nozzles provided in accordance with subregulation (2) shall be of dual-purpose type. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(4) In every ship provided with helicopter refuelling at least 2 portable extinguishers suitable for fighting oil fires shall be provided adjacent to the fuel storage tanks and associated pumps and piping in addition to any portable extinguishers required in these regulations. 66. Fire pumps (1) (a) In every passenger ship to which these regulations apply which is required by these regulations to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pump) shall together be capable of delivering for fire fighting purposes a quantity of water, under the conditions and at the pressure specified in regulation 67 of not less than two-thirds of the quantity required to be dealt with by the bilge pumps provided in the ship in compliance with Part III of the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL). (E.R. 2 of 2024)(b) In every ship, other than a passenger ship, to which these regulations apply which is required by these regulations to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pump) shall together be capable of delivering for fire fighting purposes a quantity of water, under the conditions and at the pressure specified in regulation 67, which shall not be less than the quantity obtained from the following formula—Quantity of water in cubic metres per hour = Cd2Where—(i) C = 5 for ships required to be provided with more than one fire pump (excluding any emergency fire pump) and C = 2.5 for ships required to be provided with only one fire pump; and (ii) d ＝ 1 + L ( B + D ) 2 500 to the nearest 1/4 Where—L = length of the ship in feet on the summer load water line from the foreside of the stem to the afterside of the rudder post. Where there is no rudder post, the length is measured from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock. For ships with cruiser sterns, the length shall be taken as 96% of the total length on the designed summer load water line or as the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock if that be the greater;B = greatest moulded breadth of the ship in feet; andD = moulded depth of the ship in feet measured to the bulkhead deck amidships;or d = 1 + 0.066 L(B+D) to the nearest 1/4 where L, B and D are measured in metres:provided that in any such ship the total capacity of the fire pumps for fire fighting purposes shall not be required to exceed 180 cubic metres per hour.(2) Every fire pump required by these regulations to be operated by power shall, except as expressly provided otherwise in these regulations, be operated by a means other than the ship’s main engines. Fire pumps provided in compliance with these regulations may be sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service 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 oil, suitable change-over arrangements are fitted and operating instructions are conspicuously displayed at the change-over position.(3) In any ship in which automatic and remote control systems have been provided in the machinery space in lieu of continuous manning of the space, arrangements shall be made to ensure immediate availability of a water supply from the fire main at the required pressure either by permanent pressurisation or by suitably placed remote starting of the fire pumps.(4) (a) In every ship to which these regulations apply which is required by these regulations to be provided with more than one fire pump operated by power (other than any emergency pump) every such fire pump shall have a capacity of not less than 80% of the total capacity of the fire pumps required by subregulation (1) divided by the number of fire pumps required by these regulations to be provided in the ship, provided that when more fire pumps operated by power than are required by these regulations are provided in any ship, the Director may permit the capacity of any such additional fire pumps to be less than 80%.(b) Every fire pump required by these regulations which is operated by power shall be capable of producing from any fire hydrant or hydrants in the ship, at least the minimum number of jets of water required by these regulations as appropriate to the class and tonnage of the ship, while maintaining the pressure required by regulation 67(2).(5) Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with all fire pumps if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the fire main, water service pipes, hydrants and hoses. Such valves shall be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.(6) Every centrifugal pump which is connected to the fire main shall be fitted with a non-return valve.(7) In every ship of Class I, II or II(A) to which these regulations apply any emergency fire pump shall be situated in a position aft of the ship’s collision bulkhead. 67. Fire main, water service pipes and hydrants (1) In every ship which is required by these regulations to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, the diameter of the fire main and of the water service pipes connecting the hydrants thereto shall be sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum discharge required by these regulations from—(a) where only one pump is required by these regulations, that pump; or (E.R. 2 of 2024)(b) where 2 such pumps are so required, both pumps operating simultaneously; or(c) where more than 2 such pumps are so required, the 2 largest of such pumps operating simultaneously:provided that in any ship other than a passenger ship the diameter of the fire main and of the water service pipes shall be required to be sufficient only for the discharge of 140 cubic metres per hour.(2) When the fire pumps required by these regulations are discharging the quantity of water required by subregulation (1) through adjacent fire hydrants in any part of the ship from nozzles of sizes specified in regulation 68 the following minimum pressure shall be capable of being maintained at any hydrant—(a) in any passenger ship—(i) of 4,000 tons and upwards:45 pounds per square inch; or 3.2 kilograms per square centimetre;(ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards but under 4,000 tons:40 pounds per square inch; or 2.8 kilograms per square centimetre;(iii) of under 1,000 tons:30 pounds per square inch; or 2.1 kilograms per square centimetre;(b) in any ship other than a passenger ship—(i) of 6,000 tons and upwards:40 pounds per square inch; or 2.8 kilograms per square centimetre;(ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards but under 6,000 tons:37 pounds per square inch; or 2.6 kilograms per square centimetre;(iii) of under 1,000 tons:30 pounds per square inch; or 2.1 kilograms per square centimetre. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) (a) Where any ship is required by these regulations to provide 2 jets of water under the conditions required by these regulations, hydrants sufficient in number shall be so positioned as to enable at least 2 jets of water, not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which shall be from a single length of hose, to reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated, and to any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.(b) Where any ship is required by these regulations to provide one jet of water under the conditions required by these regulations, hydrants sufficient in number shall be so positioned as to enable one jet of water from a single length of hose to reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated, and any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.(4) (a) The fire main shall have no connections other than those necessary for fire-fighting and washing down.(b) Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not be used for fire mains unless adequately protected. The pipes and fire hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them. In ships which may carry deck cargo the fire hydrants shall be so placed that they are always readily accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo. Unless there is provided one fire hose and nozzle for each fire hydrant in the ship there shall be complete interchangeability of fire hose couplings and nozzles.(c) Valves of the screw lift type or cocks shall be fitted in such position on the pipes that any of the fire hoses may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.(d) The water pipes shall not be made of cast iron, and if made of iron or steel shall be galvanised.(e) Where wash deck lines are not self-draining suitable drain cocks shall be fitted to avoid damage by frost. 68. Fire hoses, nozzles, etc. (1) Fire hoses provided in compliance with these regulations shall not exceed 18 metres in length except that in ships having a moulded breadth of 27 metres or more, the length of fire hoses for exterior locations and for cargo spaces shall not exceed 27 metres in length. Every such hose forming part of the ship’s equipment before 1 February 1992 shall be made of closely woven flax, canvas or other suitable material, and every other such hose shall be made of non-perishable material. Every such hose shall be provided with couplings, branch-pipes, other necessary fittings, and with plain nozzles or dual-purpose nozzles as required by these regulations. (L.N. 412 of 1995)(2) Every fire hose provided in compliance with these regulations, together with the tools and fittings necessary for its use, shall be kept in a conspicuous position near the hydrants or connections with which it is intended to be used. In interior locations in passenger ships fire hoses shall be connected to the hydrants at all times. Hose diameters shall be not less than 64 millimetres if unlined or 45 millimetres if lined except that the Director may permit smaller diameter hoses in smaller ships.(3) (a) Every ship which is required by these regulations to be provided with fire pumps operated by power shall be provided with nozzles of 12 millimetres, 16 millimetres, 19 millimetres in diameter or as near thereto in diameter as possible. Nozzles larger in diameter may be provided if the requirements of these regulations relating to the provision of water for fire fighting purposes are otherwise complied with.(b) For machinery spaces and exterior locations the diameter of the nozzles shall be such as to obtain the maximum possible discharge from the minimum number of jets of water and at the pressure required by these regulations from the smallest fire pump permitted by regulation 66(4)(a): provided that the diameter of the nozzles shall not be required to be greater than 19 millimetres.(c) For accommodation and service spaces the diameter of the nozzles shall not be required to be greater than 12 millimetres.(d) Every dual-purpose nozzle provided in compliance with these regulations shall be capable of producing a water spray suitable for extinguishing oil fires and a plain water jet and shall incorporate a shut-off facility. 69. Fire extinguishers (1) Non-portable foam, carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Schedules 2, 3 and 4 respectively. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(2) (a) Portable fire extinguishers (other than carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers) provided in compliance with these regulations shall, if they are a type discharging fluid, have a capacity of not more than 13.5 litres and not less than 9 litres.(b) Portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall have a capacity of not less than 3 kilograms of carbon dioxide.(c) Portable dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall have a capacity of not less than 4.5 kilograms of dry powder.(d) Portable halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall be of not less fire extinguishing capability than a 9 litres fluid fire extinguisher.(e) Portable fire extinguishers of other types provided in compliance with these regulations shall be of not less than the fire extinguishing equivalent of a 9 litres fluid fire extinguisher. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) Portable halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall use either bromochlorodifluoromethane (B.C.F.) or bromotrifluoromethane (B.T.M.) as the extinguishing medium.(4) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations for use in accommodation or service spaces of any ship shall so far as practicable have a uniform method of operation.(5) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these regulations shall, subject to subregulations (2), (3) and (4), be constructed in accordance with British Standard BS 5423:1977 or any other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director.(6) Where portable dry powder fire extinguishers are provided in accordance with these regulations either in accommodation and service spaces or in machinery spaces, their number shall not exceed one half of the total number of extinguishers provided in either of those spaces.(7) Portable halogenated hydrocarbon extinguishers shall not be located in accommodation spaces. Where such extinguishers are provided in compliance with these regulations in radio rooms, at switchboards and other similar positions, the volume of any space containing one or more extinguishers shall be such as to limit the concentration of vapour that can occur due to discharge, to not more than 5% of the net volume of the space. For the purpose of this regulation, at 21oC and atmospheric pressure, 1 kilogram of liquid BCF may be taken to occupy 0.14 cubic metre and 1 kilogram of liquid BTM 0.16 cubic metre.(8) Where portable halogenated fire extinguishers are provided in compliance with these regulations in machinery spaces, their number shall not exceed one half of the total number of extinguishers provided in such spaces.(9) Fire extinguishers provided for use in any ship to which these regulations apply shall not contain any extinguishing medium which has not been approved by the Director.(10) For the purposes of these regulations the capacity of any fire extinguishers other than a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher shall be taken to be the greatest volume or weight of extinguishing medium which it can contain when sufficient space is left to ensure the proper operation of the extinguisher.(11) For the purposes of these regulations the capacity of a carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbon extinguisher shall be taken to be the greatest weight of carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbon respectively which it can safely contain in a tropical climate.(12) Every fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these regulations shall be kept fully charged at all times.(13) A spare charge shall be provided for every portable fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these regulations except that for each such fire extinguisher which is of a type that cannot readily be recharged while the ship is at sea, an additional portable fire extinguisher of the same type, or its equivalent, shall be provided in lieu of a spare charge. 70. No provision. 71. Firemen’s outfits (1) Every fireman’s outfit carried in compliance with these regulations shall consist of—(a) a breathing apparatus complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 5;(b) a portable self-contained electric battery-operated safety lamp capable of functioning efficiently for a period of at least 3 hours;(c) a fireman’s axe;(d) protective clothing of material capable of protecting the skin from the heat radiating from the fire and from burns and scalding by steam; the outer surface shall be water-resistant;(e) boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material;(f) a rigid helmet providing effective protection against impact.(2) Firemen’s outfits shall be stored in readily accessible positions which are not likely to be cut off in the event of fire and, where more than one such outfit is provided, they shall be stored in widely separated positions. 72. Means of stopping machinery, shutting off oil fuel suction pipes and closing of openings (1) In every ship to which these regulations apply there shall be provided means for stopping ventilating fans serving machinery, accommodation and cargo spaces. For machinery, cargo spaces and accommodation spaces there shall be provided means for closing all skylights, doorways, ventilators, annular spaces around funnel and other openings to such spaces. In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers means shall be provided to permit the release of smoke from machinery spaces. Such means shall be capable of being operated from positions outside the said spaces which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces.(2) In every ship to which these regulations apply machinery driving forced and induced draught fans, oil fuel transfer pumps, oil fuel unit pumps and other similar fuel pumps shall be fitted with remote controls situated outside the spaces in which such machinery or pumps are situated. The controls shall be capable of stopping such machinery or pumps in the event of fire in such spaces. For machinery spaces in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers such controls together with the controls required in subregulation (1) shall be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible, as the Director may permit.(3) In every ship to which these regulations apply every pipe connected to any oil fuel or lubricating oil storage, settling, or daily service tank, not being a double bottom tank, which if damaged would permit discharge of the contents so as to cause a fire hazard, shall be fitted with a valve or cock which shall be secured to the tank to which it is connected and which shall be capable of being closed from a readily accessible position outside the space in which the tank is situated: provided that in the case of any inlet pipe to such a tank, a non-return valve similarly secured to the tank may be substituted. In the case of an oil fuel or lubricating oil deep tank traversed by any shaft or pipe tunnel, a valve shall be fitted on the tank but an additional valve or valves may be fitted on the pipe line or lines outside the tunnel or tunnels to enable control to be exercised in the event of fire. 73. Fire control plans (1) In every ship of Classes I and II and in every ship of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over there shall be permanently exhibited by the owner of the ship for the guidance of the master and officers of the ship, general arrangement plans showing clearly for each deck the position of the control stations, the sections of the ship which are enclosed by fire resisting bulkheads, the sections of the ship which are enclosed by fire retarding bulkheads, together with particulars of the fire alarms, fire detection systems, the sprinkler installations, the fixed and portable fire extinguishing appliances and firemen’s outfits, the means of access to the various compartments and decks in the ship, the ventilating system including particulars of the master fan controls, the position of dampers and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section of the ship, the location of the international shore connection and the position of all means of control referred to in regulation 72.(2) In every ship of 500 tons or over, other than a ship of Class I or II or a ship of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over, there shall be permanently exhibited by the owner of the ship for the guidance of the master and officers of the ship general arrangement plans showing clearly the information referred to in subregulation (1) where it is applicable to the ship.(3) The general arrangement plans required by this regulation shall be kept up-to-date, any alterations being recorded thereon without delay.(4) A duplicate set of the fire control plans shall be permanently stored in a prominently marked weather-tight enclosure outside the deck house for the assistance of shore-side fire-fighting personnel.(5) Instructions concerning the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installations on board for the fighting and containment of fire shall be kept in one book, readily available in an accessible position. 74. Availability of fire fighting appliances Fire appliances carried in any ship to which these regulations apply shall be maintained in good order and shall be kept available for immediate use at all times. All movable fire appliances, other than firemen’s outfits, carried in compliance with these regulations shall be stowed where they will be readily accessible from the spaces in which they are intended to be used, and, in particular, one of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stowed near the entrance to that space. 75. Fixed fire-extinguishing installation not required by these regulations (E.R. 2 of 2024)In every ship where a fixed fire extinguishing installation not required by these regulations is provided, such an installation shall be to the satisfaction of the Director. 76.

Equivalents and exemptions (1) Where these regulations require that a particular fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitted or carried in a ship, or that any particular provision shall be made, the Director may approve any other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, to be fitted or carried, or any other provision to be made in that ship, if he is satisfied by trial thereof or otherwise that such other fitting, material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, or provision, is at least as effective as that required by these regulations.(2) The Director may grant exemptions from all or any of the provisions of these regulations (as may be specified in the exemption) for classes of cases or individual cases on such terms (if any) as he may so specify and may, subject to giving reasonable notice, alter or cancel any such exemption. 77. Offences If regulation 11(7), (8), (9) or (10)(a) or (d), 12, 39, 41(7), 60(1A) or 71 is contravened, the owner and the master of the ship concerned each commits an offence and is liable to a fine at level 4 and to imprisonment for 2 years.(L.N. 253 of 2018) 78. Several regulations are fire-fighting appliances regulations Regulations 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 10A, 11 (except subregulations (7), (8), (9) and (10)(a) and (d)), 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 37A, 38, 40, 41 (except subregulation (7)), 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 51A, 51B, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60 (except subregulation (1A)), 62, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 72, 73, 74 and 75 are fire-fighting appliances regulations for the purposes of section 44 of the Ordinance.(L.N. 253 of 2018) Schedule 1 [regs. 13 & 40]International Shore Connection (1) The international shore connection which is required by these regulations to be carried in the ship shall be in accordance with the following specification— Details of flange Outside diameter: 178 millimetres (7 inches). Inner diameter: 64 millimetres (2 1/2 inches). Bolt circle diameter: 132 millimetres (5 1/4 inches). Holes: 4 holes of 19 millimetres (3/4 inch) in diameter equidistantly placed, slotted to the flange periphery. Flange thickness: 14.5 millimetres (9/16 inch) minimum. Bolts: 4 each of 16 millimetres (5/8 inch) diameter; 50 millimetres (2 inches) in length with washers. Flange surface: flat face. Material: any suited to 10.5 kilograms per square centimetre (150 pounds per square inch) service. Gasket: any suited to 10.5 kilograms per square centimetre (150 pounds per square inch) service. (2) The connection shall be constructed of material suitable for 10.5 kilograms per square centimetre (150 pounds per square inch). The flange shall have a flat face on one side, and to the other there shall be permanently attached a coupling which will fit the ship’s hydrants and hose. The connection shall be kept aboard the ship together with its gasket, bolts and washers. Schedule 2 [reg. 69(1)]Non-portable Foam Fire Extinguishers (1) Every foam fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these regulations shall be constructed of suitable materials and shall be of an efficient design and of sufficient strength to withstand with an adequate factor of safety the maximum internal pressure to which it may be subjected and shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure. For the purpose of this Schedule the maximum working pressure shall be the equilibrium pressure that develops within the body at 70ºC when the correctly charged extinguisher has been operated with all outlets closed.(2) Where the extinguisher is provided with a gas cylinder as the means for expelling the extinguishing medium, such gas cylinder shall be constructed in accordance with British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5045: Part 1: 1976, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director.(3) The extinguisher shall be provided with a nozzle and a reinforced discharge hose constructed to withstand 4 times the maximum working pressure specified in paragraph (1).(4) Where the extinguisher is provided with an inner container, such container shall be adequately supported.(5) Any necessary openings in the extinguisher body shall be fitted with caps or covers so designed that any pressure remaining in the container may be released gradually before the cap or cover can be removed completely.(6) Every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.(7) The extinguisher shall be provided with a controllable device to enable the discharge to be interrupted and a means to prevent the loss of liquid when the extinguisher is standing.(8) The extinguisher actuating mechanism shall be protected so that it is safeguarded against inadvertent operation.(9) The design shall permit the ready availability of the extinguisher to be verified as required and ensure that it will be apparent whether or not the extinguisher has been operated. (10) A fully charged extinguisher shall when operated under normal conditions be capable of projecting foam a distance of 14 metres for a period of not less than 90 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of 136 litres capacity and over, and a distance of 10 metres for a period of not less than 60 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of 45 litres or over but under 136 litres capacity.(11) The outside of the extinguisher body shall be clearly marked in accordance with the relevant parts of Section Five of the British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5423:1977, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director. Schedule 3 [reg. 69(1)]Non-portable Carbon Dioxide Fire Extinguishers (1) Every carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher, provided in compliance with these regulations shall be provided with cylinders constructed in accordance with British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5396:1976, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director.(2) Each cylinder shall be provided with an internal discharge tube and a valve to release the gas.(3) The extinguisher shall be provided with a discharge hose which shall be reinforced so as to withstand a pressure of at least 122 bar when the necessary couplings are fitted. The bore of the discharge hose shall not be less than the sizes respectively set forth in the following table— Capacity of extinguisher Minimum bore of discharge hose 16 kilograms 10 millimetres 45 kilograms 12 millimetres The discharge hose shall be provided with a horn which shall be of electrically non-conducting material and of a design which will reduce the velocity of the gas discharged. The metal part of the operating handle shall be suitably sheathed to protect the hands of the operator from extreme cold.(4) At any temperature between 15oC and 18oC inclusive, the extinguisher shall discharge gas at such a rate that carbon dioxide equal in weight to 3/4 of the capacity of the container will be discharged in the periods respectively set forth in the following table— Capacity of extinguisher Period 16 kilograms 30 to 45 seconds 45 kilograms 60 to 90 seconds (5) The outside of the extinguisher shall be clearly marked in accordance with Section Seven of the British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5423:1977, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director. Schedule 4 [reg. 69(1)]Non-portable Dry Powder Fire Extinguishers (1) Every dry powder fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher, provided in compliance with these regulations shall be constructed of suitable materials and shall be of an efficient design and of sufficient strength to withstand with an adequate factor of safety the maximum internal pressure to which it may be subjected and shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure. For the purpose of this Schedule the maximum working pressure shall be the equilibrium pressure that develops within the body at 70oC when the correctly charged extinguisher has been operated with all outlets closed. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(2) Where the extinguisher is provided with a gas cylinder as the means for expelling the extinguishing medium, such gas cylinder shall be constructed in accordance with British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5045: Part 1: 1976, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director.(3) The extinguisher shall be provided with a nozzle and a reinforced discharge hose constructed to withstand four times the maximum working pressure specified in paragraph (1).(4) Any necessary openings in the extinguisher body shall be fitted with caps or covers so designed that any pressure remaining in the container may be released gradually before the cap or cover can be removed completely.(5) Every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.(6) The extinguisher shall be effectively sealed to prevent the ingress of moisture, but such sealing arrangements shall not interfere with the discharge of the extinguisher.(7) The extinguisher shall be provided with a controllable device to enable the discharge to be interrupted.(8) The extinguisher actuating mechanism shall be protected so that it is safeguarded against inadvertent operation.(9) The design shall permit the ready availability of the extinguisher to be verified as required and ensure that it will be apparent whether or not the extinguisher has been operated. (10) A fully charged extinguisher shall, when operated under normal conditions, be capable of discharging not less than 85% of the mass of the dry powder charge. The discharge rate shall be not less than 1 kilogram per second.(11) The outside of the extinguisher body shall be clearly marked in accordance with the relevant parts of Section Five of the British Standards Institution specification number B.S. 5423:1977, or other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director. Schedule 5 [reg. 71(1)(a)]Breathing Apparatus Smoke helmet and smoke mask type breathing apparatus (1) Every smoke helmet or smoke mask provided in compliance with these regulations shall be provided with a hose for the supply of air from the outside atmosphere. An air pump or bellows shall be provided which shall be suitable for pumping air through the hose. The hose shall be of the non-collapsing type and shall be sufficient in length to enable the air pump or bellows to be on the open deck in clean air well clear of any hatch or doorway while the wearer of the helmet or mask is in any part of the accommodation, service, cargo or machinery spaces. Efficient couplings shall be provided if two or more lengths of hose are to be joined in order to reach the aforesaid spaces. The air inlet to the pump or bellows shall be so protected as to ensure that the supply of air cannot be obstructed. (E.R. 2 of 2024) Self-contained breathing apparatus (2) (a) Every self-contained breathing apparatus provided in compliance with these regulations shall be of the open circuit compressed air type and shall be of a type complying with the requirements of the Joint Testing Memorandum of the Health and Safety Executive, the Department of Transport and the Home Department U.K. or any other equivalent standard acceptable to the Director.(b) Provision may be made to enable an alternative means of air supply to be connected to the apparatus.(c) Every self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided with not more than one face mask unless the apparatus has been certified by the United Kingdom Health and Safety Executive for use with a second face mask which may be used in extreme emergency.(d) The storage capacity of the compressed air cylinder or cylinders attached to the apparatus and carried by the wearer shall be at least 1,200 litres of free air. The storage cylinders shall be constructed of suitable material and shall be of efficient design and of sufficient strength to withstand with an adequate factor of safety, the internal air pressure to which they may be subjected and each cylinder shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure.(e) Means shall be provided for the automatic regulation of the air supply to the wearer of the apparatus in accordance with his breathing requirements when he is breathing any volume of free air of up to 85 litres per minute at any time when the pressure in the supply cylinder or cylinders is above 10.5 kilograms per square centimetre. Means shall be provided for overriding the automatic air supply to increase the volume of air available to the wearer if required.(f) A pressure gauge with an anti-bursting orifice shall be incorporated in the high-pressure air supply system to enable the wearer to read directly and easily the pressure of air in the supply cylinder or cylinders.(g) The maximum weight of any such apparatus shall not exceed 16 kilograms, excluding any lifeline, and if they do not form an integral part of the apparatus, any safety belt or harness.(h) Every self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided with fully charged spare cylinders having a spare storage capacity of at least 2,400 litres of free air except that—(i) if the ship is carrying 5 sets or more of such apparatus the total spare storage capacity of free air shall not be required to exceed 9,600 litres; or(ii) if the ship is equipped with means for re-charging the air cylinders to full pressure with air, free from contamination, the spare storage capacity of the fully charged spare cylinders of each such apparatus shall be of at least 1,200 litres of free air, and the total spare storage capacity of free air provided in the ship shall not be required to exceed 4,800 litres.(i) A servicing and instruction manual shall be kept with each such apparatus. General (3) (a) Every breathing apparatus shall be constructed of materials having adequate mechanical strength, durability and resistance to deterioration by heat or by contact with water and such materials shall be resistant to fire and shall not allow the breathing circuit to be penetrated by smoke or chemical fumes likely to be encountered in service. The fabric used in the construction of any harness provided with such apparatus shall be resistant to shrinkage. Exposed metal parts of the apparatus, harness and fittings shall be of materials so far as practicable resistant to frictional sparking.(b) The following equipment shall be provided for use with each set of breathing apparatus—(i) a fire-proof life-and-signalling-line at least 3 metres longer than is required to reach from the open deck in clean air well clear of any hatch or doorway to any part of the accommodation, service, cargo, or machinery spaces. The line shall be made of copper or galvanised steel wire rope having a breaking strength of at least 500 kilograms and shall be overlaid up to at least 32 millimetres in circumference by hemp or other covering to provide a surface which can be firmly gripped when wet; (E.R. 2 of 2024)(ii) an adjustable safety belt or harness to which such line shall be capable of being securely attached and detached by the wearer by means of a snap-hook;(iii) means for protecting the eyes and face of the wearer against smoke;(iv) plates of suitable non-flammable material bearing a clearly legible code of signals to be used between the wearer and his attendant, one of which shall be attached to the safety belt or harness and another attached to the free end of the life-line.(c) Every breathing apparatus shall be clearly marked with the name of the maker or vendor and the year of manufacture. Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to such apparatus. Schedule 6 [regs. 4(3)(b), 7(2)(b) & (3)(b), 32(2)(b), 34(2)(b) & (3)(b)]Portable Foam Applicator Units (1) Every portable foam applicator unit provided in compliance with these regulations shall be provided with—(a) an induction type of air-foam nozzle capable of being connected to the fire main by means of a fire hose;(b) a portable tank containing at least 20 litres of foam concentrate from which the nozzle specified at subparagraph (a) can induce the contents;(c) a spare tank identical to that specified at subparagraph (b).(2) The nozzle shall be suitable for delivering foam solution (which is the mixture of water and foam concentrate) at the rate of at least 200 litres per minute.(3) The foam expansion ratio (i.e. the ratio of the volume of foam produced to the volume of foam solution) shall not exceed 12 to 1. Schedule 7 [regs. 7(1)(a) & 34(1)(a)]Fixed Pressure Water Spraying Systems for Machinery Spaces and Cargo Pump Rooms (1) Every fixed pressure water spraying system fitted in compliance with these regulations shall be provided with a pump, piping system, control valves and spraying nozzles. For machinery space protection the pump shall not be used for any other purpose except that the Director may permit the pump to be used for supplying cargo pump room or cargo space water spraying systems where such systems are permitted. For cargo pump room protection the water supply may be from the ship’s main fire pumps provided such pumps comply with the requirements of this Schedule.(2) The spraying nozzles shall be of such a type, sufficient in number and so arranged as to ensure an effective average distribution of water in accordance with the following table— Application rate Protected area litres persq. metre/min. gallons persq. ft./min. Boiler fronts or roof firing areas, oil fuel units, centrifugal separators (not oily water separators), oil fuel purifiers and clarifiers 20 0.4 Hot oil fuel pipes near exhaust pipes or similar heated surfaces on main or auxiliary diesel engines 10 0.2 Tank top areas and oil tanks not forming part of the ship’s structure 5 0.1 Cargo pump rooms 10 0.2 (E.R. 2 of 2024) (3) Spraying nozzles shall be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and above other main fire hazards in the spaces to be protected.(4) The water spraying system may be divided into sections and shall be controlled from distribution manifolds the valves of which shall be capable of being operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected and which will not be readily cut off by an outbreak of fire within the protected space.(5) The water spraying system shall be kept charged at the necessary pressure and the pump supplying the water for the system shall be automatically put into action by a pressure drop in the system.(6) The pump may be driven by independent internal combustion type machinery but if it is dependent upon power being supplied from the emergency generator fitted in compliance with the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Passenger Ship Construction) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. AL) or the Merchant Shipping (Safety) (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) (Ships Built Before 1 September 1984) Regulations (Cap. 369 sub. leg. R) the generator shall be arranged to start automatically in case of main power failure so that power for the pump is immediately available. When the pump is driven by independent internal combustion type machinery it shall be so situated that a fire in the protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery and the pump compartment. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(7) The pump shall be capable of supplying water at the necessary pressure simultaneously to all sections of the water spraying system in any one compartment to be protected. The pump and its controls shall be installed outside the space or spaces to be protected. It shall not be possible for a fire in the space or spaces protected by the water spraying system to put the system out of action.(8) Means shall be provided which will prevent nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water or corrosion of piping, nozzles, valves and pump.(9) No part of the water spraying system shall be situated forward of the collision bulkhead in any passenger ship. (10) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every water spraying system or in a position adjacent thereto. Schedule 8 [regs. 6(1) & (3) & 33(4)]Fixed Pressure Water Spraying Systems for Cargo Spaces (1) Every fixed pressure water spraying system fitted in compliance with these regulations shall be provided with a pump, piping system, control valves and spraying nozzles.(2) The nozzles shall be of an accepted full bore type and shall be arranged so as to secure an effective distribution of water in the spaces which are to be protected.(3) The system shall be such as will provide water application at a rate of at least 3.5 litres per square metre per minute for spaces with a deck height not greater than 2.5 metres and at least 5 litres per square metre per minute for spaces with a deck height greater than 2.5 metres.(4) Precautions shall be taken to prevent the nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water.(5) The system shall cover the full breadth of the protected space except that in ships where the protected space is subdivided with longitudinal Class “A” divisions forming boundaries of staircases etc. the breadth of the sections may be reduced accordingly. In ships of Class I, II, VII or VIII and in ships of Class II(A) or VIII(A) of 76 metres or over in length or where the length of the enclosed part of the protected space is 50 metres or over, the system may be divided into sections provided they are at least 20 metres in length. In ships of other classes the length of a section may be less than 20 metres but shall be not less than 10 metres provided the capacity of the pumps are capable of supplying the 2 largest adjacent sections simultaneously at the application rate referred to in paragraph (3).(6) The distribution valves for the system shall be situated in an easily accessible position adjacent to, but outside, the space to be protected which will not readily be cut off by a fire within the space. Direct access to the distribution valves from the protected spaces and from outside the spaces shall be provided. Adequate ventilation shall be fitted in the space containing the distribution valves.(7) The water supply to the system shall be provided by a pump or pumps, other than the ship’s required fire pumps which shall additionally be connected to the system by a lockable non-return valve which will prevent a back flow from the system into the fire main.(8) The principal pump or pumps shall be capable of supplying simultaneously, at all times, at the required pressure all nozzles in the protected spaces, or 2 adjacent sections if this is less, a quantity of water in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (3).(9) The principal pump or pumps shall be capable of being brought into operation by remote control, which may be manually actuated, from the position at which the distribution valves are situated. (10) In ships of Classes I and II, and in ships of Class II(A) of 76 metres or over in length or where the length of the enclosed part of the protected space is 50 metres or over the principal pump or pumps shall be situated in a position reasonably remote from the protected space and from any machinery space of Category A. In ships of other Classes the principal pump or pumps shall be situated outside the protected space but may be situated within any machinery space.(11) In ships of Classes I and II, and in ships of Class II(A) of 76 metres or over in length or where the length of the enclosed part of the protected space is 50 metres or over, if the principal pump or pumps are electrically driven there shall be two sources of power, one of which shall be the emergency generator. In ships of other Classes there shall be 2 sources of power which may be 2 of the auxiliary generators provided they are independently driven. If the principal pump or pumps are driven by independent internal combustion type machinery they shall be so situated that a fire in the protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery and the pump compartment.(12) When a fixed pressure water spraying system is provided for the machinery spaces in accordance with Schedule 7 the pump required for that system may also be used for the purpose of complying with this Schedule.(13) The sea suction of the pump shall be so arranged that, when the ship is afloat, it will not be necessary to shut off the supply of sea water to the pump for any purpose other than the inspection or repair of the pump.(14) The pump suction and discharge valves and any other valves requiring to be operated to bring the pump into operation shall be locked open or be operable from any control position of the system. A pressure gauge shall be provided at such control positions to show when water is available.(15) A waste valve with a short open ended pipe shall be fitted between the pump discharge and section control valves for testing purposes.(16) The pipes of the system shall be solid drawn or welded steel or equivalent and they shall be hydraulically tested by the manufacturers to twice the working pressure but not less than 20 kilograms per square centimetre and be galvanised internally to prevent corrosion.(17) Fittings such as self-aligning swivel joints and flexible pipes situated within the protected space shall not be readily rendered ineffective by heat and where such fittings are used at least one spare of each type fitted shall be carried. Schedule 9 [regs. 5(1), 6(2), 7(1)(b), 33(1) & (2) & 34(1)(b)]Fixed Gas Fire Extinguishing Installations (1) Fire extinguishing installations provided for use in any ship to which these regulations apply shall not contain an extinguishing medium which either itself or under expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger personnel.(2) In every such installation provided for the injection of gas into any compartment for fire extinguishing purposes, the pipes for conveying the gas shall be provided with control valves or cocks which shall be so placed that they will be easily accessible and not readily cut-off from use by an outbreak of fire within the protected compartment. Such control valves or cocks shall be permanently marked to indicate clearly the compartments to which the pipes are led. Suitable provisions shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of gas to any compartment. Where cargo spaces fitted with a gas extinguishing system for fire protection are used as passenger spaces the extinguishing connection shall be blanked during service as a passenger space.(3) The piping shall be so arranged as to provide effective distribution of the fire extinguishing gas. (4) (a) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium in cargo spaces, the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30% of the gross volume of the largest cargo compartment in the ship which is capable of being sealed.(b) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium in cargo spaces containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion or in closed ro/ro spaces or closed ro/ro spaces used for bulk stowage of cargo, the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 45% of the gross volume of the largest such cargo space which is capable of being effectively sealed.(c) When carbon dioxide is used as an extinguishing medium for machinery spaces or pump rooms the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum quantity of free gas equal to the larger of the following quantities, either—(i) 40% of the gross volume of the largest space, such volume being measured up to the level at which the horizontal area of the casing is 40% or less of the gross area of such space measured midway between the tank top and the lowest part of the casing; or(ii) 35% of the gross volume of the largest space including the casing: provided that the aforesaid percentages may be reduced to 35% and 30% respectively for ships of under 2,000 tons, not being passenger ships. Where the volume of free air contained in air receivers in any machinery space of Category A is such that, if released in such space in the event of fire, such a release of air within the space would seriously affect the efficiency of the fixed fire installation, an additional quantity of carbon dioxide shall be provided.(d) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium for machinery spaces and cargo spaces or pump rooms the quantity of gas shall not be required to be more than the maximum required for the largest compartment so protected.(e) For the purpose of this paragraph the volume of gas shall be calculated at 0.56 cubic metre to the kilogram.(f) (i) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium for machinery spaces or pump rooms the arrangements shall be such that 85% of the gas required to provide the concentration referred to in subparagraph (c) when applied to the space concerned can be discharged into that space within 2 minutes.(ii) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium in cargo spaces containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion or in closed ro/ro spaces the arrangements shall be such as to ensure that at least two thirds of the gas required for the space can be introduced within 10 minutes.(g) Carbon dioxide cylinder storage rooms shall be situated at a safe and readily accessible position and shall be effectively ventilated. Access to such rooms shall normally be from the open deck and shall be independent of the protected space and accommodation spaces. Access doors shall be gas-tight and bulkheads and decks which separate such rooms from enclosed spaces shall be gas-tight and adequately insulated.(h) Means shall be provided for giving audible warning to persons within the space when carbon dioxide is about to be released into any working space. The warning shall operate for a suitable period before the gas is released.(5) Where gas other than carbon dioxide is produced on the ship and is used as an extinguishing medium, it shall be a gaseous product of fuel combustion in which the oxygen content, the carbon monoxide content, the corrosive elements and any solid combustible elements have been reduced to a permissible minimum. Any installation using such gas shall afford equivalent protection to that provided by a fixed carbon dioxide system.(6) When a system producing inert gas is used to provide extinguishing gas in a fixed fire extinguishing installation for cargo spaces, except cargo oil tanks, in compliance with these regulations it shall be capable of producing hourly a volume of free gas at least equal to 25% of the gross volume of the largest compartment protected in this way for a period of 72 hours.(7) No part of the control, storage or generating arrangement of any fixed fire extinguishing installation shall be situated forward of the collision bulkhead in any passenger ship.(8) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every fixed fire extinguishing gas installation or in a position adjacent thereto. Schedule 10 [regs. 7(1)(c) & 34(1)(c)]Fixed Halogenated Hydrocarbon Fire Extinguishing Installation for Machinery Spaces and Cargo Pump Rooms (1) A halogenated hydrocarbon medium which, in the opinion of the Director, either by itself or under expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger persons shall not be used in a fixed halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishing system.(2) Means of control shall be provided and shall be clearly marked to indicate the compartment into which the medium can be admitted. Suitable provisions shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of the medium into any compartment.(3) Discharge nozzles shall be so positioned that a uniform distribution of fire extinguishing medium is obtained and the discharge does not endanger personnel engaged on maintenance of machinery or equipment or using the normal access ladders and escapes serving the compartment.(4) The system shall be arranged for the manual initiation of release of the medium and such means shall be located outside the space protected. Automatic initiation of release shall not be permitted except as allowed for by paragraph (14)(e) and in respect of local automatically operated units referred to in paragraphs (15) and (16).(5) The means of manual initiation of release shall be simple to operate and shall be so located in as few positions as possible where they will be easily accessible and not readily cut off from use by the outbreak of fire within the protected space or spaces.(6) When the quantity of medium provided is required for use in more than one space, the arrangements for its storage and release shall be such that compliance with paragraphs (7) and (8) in each such space is obtained. The quantity available need only be sufficient for the largest compartment. (7) (a) Where the medium is bromotrifluoromethane, (CBrF3), (BTM), the quantity required shall be such that when it is released into the space the vapour concentration in air shall be not less than 4.25% of the gross volume and not more than 7% of the net volume including casings of that space. The volume of the medium shall be calculated at 0.16 cubic metre to the kilogram.(b) When the medium is bromochlorodifluoromethane, (CBrClF2), (BCF), the quantity required shall be such that when it is released into the space, the vapour concentration in air shall not be less than 4.25% of the gross volume or more than 5.5% of the net volume including casings of that space. The volume of the medium shall be calculated at 0.14 cubic metre to the kilogram.(c) Where the volume of free air contained in air receivers in any machinery space is such that, if released in such a space in the event of a fire, it seriously affects the efficiency of the installation, the Director shall require the provision of an additional quantity of the medium.(8) The arrangements shall be such that the liquid phase of the minimum quantity of medium required by paragraph (7) when applied to the space concerned can be discharged into that space within 20 seconds or less.(9) Means shall be provided for giving audible warning to persons within the space when the medium is about to be released into any working space. The alarm shall operate for a suitable period before the medium is released. (10) Means shall be provided for automatically stopping all ventilation fans serving the protected space before the medium is released.(11) Means shall be provided for the crew to safely check the quantity of medium in the containers and the pressure therein.(12) The storage containers and associated pressure components shall be constructed of suitable material and shall be of efficient design and sufficient strength having regard to their locations and maximum ambient temperatures expected in service.(13) Except as permitted in paragraph (14), the medium shall be stored in suitable containers outside the protected space in a storage room situated at a safe and readily accessible position which shall be effectively ventilated. Any access to such storage rooms shall be from the open deck and shall be independent of the protected space and accommodation spaces. Access doors shall be gas tight and open outwards and bulkheads and decks which separate such rooms from other enclosed spaces shall be gas tight and adequately insulated.(14) Where the medium is BTM the storage containers may be permitted within the protected space provided that the arrangements comply with the following requirements—(a) The containers shall be distributed throughout the space having regard to the requirement of paragraph (3).(b) Duplicate sources of power shall be provided for releasing the medium and shall be immediately available. At least one of the sources of power shall be located outside the protected space. Pneumatic or hydraulic circuits essential for the release of medium from the containers shall be duplicated.(c) The sources of pneumatic and hydraulic pressure and of electrical power shall be monitored for loss of pressure or power as appropriate and electrical circuits essential for the release of the medium from the containers shall be monitored for all fault conditions. Visual and audible alarms shall be provided to indicate this.(d) Within the protected space, electrical circuits essential for the release of the medium shall be mineral insulated cable or other equivalent material. Hydraulic and pneumatic piping systems essential for the release of the medium shall be of steel or other equivalent material.(e) Each container shall be fitted with an automatic overpressure release device which will safely vent the contents of the container into the protected space in the event of overpressure caused by the container being exposed to a fire and in operation or failure of the power. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(f) The arrangements of the containers and the power circuits essential for the release of the medium shall be such that in the event of damage at any one location in a circuit through fire or explosion, i.e. a single fault concept, at least two-thirds of the quantity of medium required for that space in accordance with paragraph (7) can still be discharged at will, having regard to the requirement for uniform distribution of medium throughout the space. In small compartments, the Director may permit only one or two containers if he is satisfied with the storage and release arrangements.(g) Not more than 2 discharge nozzles shall be fitted to any container.(h) The containers shall be monitored for decrease or loss of pressure due to leakage and discharge. Visual and audible alarms in the protected space and at the control station shall be provided to indicate this.(15) Local automatically operated units containing BTM or BCF fitted in enclosed areas of high fire risk within machinery spaces in addition to and independent of any required fixed fire extinguishing system may be accepted provided the units comply with the following requirements—(a) The space in which such additional local protection is provided shall be on one working level and on the same level as the access.(b) The escape arrangements shall be such that escape from anywhere in such protected spaces can be effected in not more than ten seconds.(c) The operation of any unit shall be indicated by visual and audible alarms outside each access into the space and at the control station.(d) A notice stating that the space contains one or more automatically operated units and the name of the medium used shall be displayed outside each access.(e) The total quantity of medium provided in such units within a protected space shall be such that the maximum vapour concentrations specified in paragraph (7) is not exceeded when all such units operate within that space.(f) The time to discharge the liquid phase of the medium in any local automatically operated unit shall not exceed 10 seconds.(g) The arrangements of such units shall be such that release of the medium from any unit does not result in the loss of electrical power or reduction in the manoeuvrability of the ship.(h) Every such unit shall comply with paragraphs (3), (11) and (12).(16) Local automatically operated units fitted in machinery spaces over equipment having high fire risk in addition to and independent of any required fixed fire extinguishing system may be accepted provided that they comply with the following requirements—(a) The total quantity of medium provided in such units within the machinery space shall be such that the maximum vapour concentration of 1.25% of the gross volume of that space is not exceeded when all such units operate simultaneously.(b) Every such unit shall also comply with paragraphs (3) (except that uniform distribution of the medium may not be required), (11), (12) and (15)(c), (d), (f) and (g).(17) Suitable spares shall be provided to ensure the effective operation of such systems.(18) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed either to the means of control or in a position adjacent thereto. Such instruction shall take account of the safety of personnel. Schedule 11 [reg. 11(5)]Automatic Sprinkler, Fire Alarm and Fire Detection System (1) Type and charging of system The automatic sprinkler and fire alarm and detection system shall be of the wet type with overhead sprinklers and shall at all times be fully charged. Small sections of the dry type may be permitted as necessary. (2) The sprinkler pump and tank shall be situated in a position reasonably remote from any machinery space of Category A and shall not be situated in any space required to be protected by the sprinkler system.(3) Details of the system The system shall comply with the following arrangements—(a) Pressure tank(i) A pressure tank of adequate strength and construction having regard to the charge of water specified in this subparagraph shall be provided and shall contain a standing charge of fresh water equivalent to the amount of water which would be discharged in one minute by the pump referred to in subparagraph (e)(v). The total capacity of the tank shall not be less than twice the standing charge of fresh water required for the automatic operation of the system. The arrangements shall provide for maintaining such air pressure in the tank to ensure that when the standing charge of fresh water in the tank has been used the pressure will be not less than the working pressure of the sprinkler plus the pressure due to a head of water measured from the bottom of the tank to the highest sprinkler in the system.(ii) The pressure tank shall be fitted with an efficient relief valve and with a water gauge glass and a pressure gauge. Stop valves or cocks shall be provided at each of the gauge connections. Means shall be provided to prevent the inadvertent admission of sea water into the tank.(b) Air supplyThe pressure tank shall be connected to an air supply capable of maintaining in the tank the pressure required by subparagraph (a).(c) Pipes(i) The pipes forming part of the system shall be made of steel or other suitable material and shall be of adequate strength having regard to the pressure to which they may be subjected, and shall be properly jointed and supported.(ii) Means shall be provided which will enable the standing fresh water charge in the pressure tank to be replenished and the pipes to be flushed with fresh water after the use of salt water in the system.(iii) Any pipes which may be affected by frost shall be insulated so as to prevent the water therein from freezing.(d) External connectionsEvery sprinkler system shall have a connection from the ship’s fire main provided with a screw-down valve and a non-return valve at the connection which will prevent a back flow from the sprinkler system to the fire main. In addition, there may be fitted hose couplings with shut-off valves and non-return valves situated close to the couplings for the purpose of coupling to a shore supply, but no other external connection shall be fitted. The sprinkler system shall be a self-contained unit. Shut-off valves for the shore supply and the ship’s fire mains connections shall be clearly and permanently marked to show their purpose and shall be capable of being locked in the closed position. (E.R. 2 of 2024) (e) Pump(i) An independent power pump shall be provided solely for the purpose of continuing automatically the discharge of water from the sprinkler heads. The pump shall be brought into action automatically by the pressure drop in the system before the standing fresh water charge in the pressure tank is completely exhausted.(ii) The pump shall have a suction direct from the sea which shall be independent of any other suction and which shall be in the space containing the pump. The sea inlet to the pump shall be so arranged that when the ship is afloat it will not be necessary to shut off the supply of sea water to the pump for any purpose other than the inspection or repair of the pump.(iii) The pump shall have fitted on the delivery side a test valve with a short open-ended discharge pipe. The effective area through the valve and pipe shall be adequate to permit the release of the required pump output while maintaining the pressure in the system specified in subparagraph (a).(iv) The arrangements shall be such as will prevent the pump from passing sea water into the pressure tank.(v) The pump and the piping system shall be capable of maintaining the necessary pressure at the level of the highest sprinkler to ensure a continuous output of water sufficient for the simultaneous coverage of a minimum area of 280 square metres at the application rate specified in subparagraph (f)(v).(f) Sprinkler heads(i) Sprinkler heads shall be grouped into separate sections, each of which contains not more than 200 sprinkler heads. A section of sprinkler heads shall not serve more than 2 decks and shall not be in more than 1 water-tight compartment. Provided that, in any ship, a section of sprinkler heads may serve more than 2 decks or be in more than 1 vertical zone if the Director is satisfied that the protection of the ship against fire is not thereby reduced.(ii) Each section of sprinkler heads shall be controlled by one control valve and no other valves shall be provided for controlling any of the sprinklers in that section. The control valves shall be readily accessible and their location shall be clearly and permanently indicated. Means shall be provided to prevent the operation of the control valves by any person not authorised to do so by the master of the ship.(iii) A pressure gauge shall be provided at each control valve and at a central station to indicate the pressure of water available throughout the system.(iv) The sprinkler shall be resistant to corrosion by marine atmospheres and shall come into operation at a temperature of not less than 68ºC and not more than 79ºC, except in drying rooms and similar hot spaces the operating temperature may be increased by not more than 30ºC above the maximum deck head temperature.(v) Sprinklers shall be placed in an overhead position and spaced in a suitable pattern to maintain an average application rate of not less than 5 litres per square metre per minute over the nominal area covered by the sprinkler. Alternative distribution arrangements or sprinklers providing other amounts of water may be permitted providing the arrangements are no less effective.(vi) Sprinkler heads shall be spaced not more than 4 metres apart and not more than 2 metres from a bulkhead. They shall be placed as clear as possible of beams or other objects likely to obstruct the projections of water and in such positions that combustible material in the space concerned will be well sprayed.(vii) At least 6 spare sprinkler heads shall be provided for each section.(g) Automatic alarmEach section of sprinklers shall include means for giving a visual and audible alarm signal automatically at one or more indicating units whenever any sprinkler comes into operation. Such units shall give an indication of any fire and its location in any space served by the system and shall be secularized on the navigating bridge or in the main fire control station which shall be so manned or equipped as to ensure that any alarm from the system is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew. Such alarm system shall be constructed so as to indicate if any fault occurs in the system.(h) Power supplyNot less than 2 sources of power supply for the sprinkler pump, air compressor and automatic alarm and detection system shall be provided.

Where the sources of power are electrical one shall be an emergency source. One supply for the pump shall be taken from the main switchboard and one from the emergency switchboard by separate feeders reserved solely for that purpose. The feeders shall be arranged so as to avoid galleys, machinery spaces and other enclosed spaces of high fire risk except in so far as it is necessary to reach the appropriate switchboards, and shall be run to an automatic change-over switch situated near the sprinkler pump. This switch shall permit the supply of power from the main switchboard so long as a supply is available therefrom, and be so designed that upon failure of that supply it will automatically change over to the supply from the emergency switchboard. The switches on the main and emergency switchboards shall be clearly labelled and normally kept closed. No other switch shall be permitted in the feeders concerned. One of the sources of power supply for the alarm and detection system shall be an emergency source. Where one of the sources of power for the pump is an internal combustion-type engine it shall, in addition to complying with the provisions of paragraph (2), be so situated that a fire in any protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery. (i) Provision for testing(i) A test valve shall be provided for testing the automatic alarm for each section of sprinklers by a discharge of water equivalent to the operation of one sprinkler. The test valve for each section shall be situated near the control valve for that section.(ii) Means shall be provided for testing the automatic operation of the pump on reduction of pressure in the system.(iii) Means shall be provided at one of the indicating positions referred to in subparagraph (g) which will enable the alarm and the indicators for each section of the sprinkler system to be tested. (4) A plan shall be displayed at each indicating unit showing the spaces covered and the location of the zone in respect of each section. (5) Suitable instructions for testing and maintenance shall be provided. Schedule 12 [regs. 11(1)(a), (2), (3) & (6), 38(2) & (3) & 64(1)]Automatic Fire Alarm and Fire Detection Systems General Every automatic fire alarm and fire detection system shall comply with the following requirements—(1) The system shall be capable of immediate operation at all times and no action of the crew shall be necessary to set it into operation.(2) The system shall be based on the self-monitoring principle and include facilities for periodic testing. (E.R. 2 of 2024)(3) The system shall not be used for any purpose other than fire detection.(4) The system shall be operated by an abnormal air temperature, by an abnormal concentration of smoke or by other factors indicative of incipient fire in any one of the spaces to be protected. Systems which are sensitive to air temperature shall not operate at less than 57oC and shall operate at a temperature of not greater than 74ºC when the temperature increase to those levels is not more than 1ºC per minute. The permissible temperature of operation may be increased to 30oC above the maximum deckhead temperature in drying rooms and similar places of normally high ambient temperature. Systems which are sensitive to smoke concentration shall operate on the reduction of the intensity of a transmitted light beam, scatter of a light beam or changes in electric current in an ionising chamber by an amount determined by the Director. Other methods of operation may be accepted if the Director is satisfied that such methods are equally effective.(5) The detectors may be arranged to operate the alarm by the opening or closing of contacts or by other appropriate methods and shall be of a re-settable type such that after response to an alarm condition they can be restored to normal surveillance without the renewal of any component. They shall be fitted in an overhead position and shall be suitably protected against impact and physical damage. They shall be suitable for use in a marine environment. They shall be placed in an open position clear of beams and other objects likely to obstruct the flow of hot gases or smoke to the sensing element. Detectors operated by the closing of contacts shall be of the sealed contact type.(6) Each section of detectors shall include means for giving a visual and audible alarm automatically at one or more indicating units whenever any detector comes into operation. Such units shall give an indication of any fire and its location in any space served by the system. A list or plan shall be displayed adjacent to each indicating unit showing the spaces covered by each section and the location of that section in the ship.(7) Provision shall be made for testing the correct operation of the detectors and the indicating unit by supplying means for applying hot air or smoke at detector positions.(8) At least one spare detector of each type for each section shall be provided.(9) There shall be not less than 2 sources of power supply for the electrical equipment used in the operation of the system, one of which shall be an emergency source. The supply shall be provided by separate feeders reserved solely for that purpose. Such feeders shall run to a change over switch situated in the control station for the system. The electric wiring shall be so arranged as to avoid galleys, machinery spaces and other enclosed spaces having a high fire risk except in so far as it is necessary to provide for fire detection and alarm in such spaces or to reach the appropriate switchboard.(10) Suitable instructions for testing and maintenance shall be available. Accommodation and service spaces (11) In accommodation and service spaces, the system shall comply with the following additional requirements—(a) Detectors shall be grouped into separate sections. Each section shall contain not more than 100 detectors and shall cover not more than 50 rooms. No section covering such spaces shall cover machinery spaces of Category A or cargo spaces.(b) In passenger ships, each section shall not serve spaces on both the port and starboard sides of the ship nor more than one deck and neither shall it be situated in more than one main vertical zone, except that the Director, if satisfied that the protection of the ship against fire will not thereby be reduced, may permit such a section of detectors to serve both port and starboard sides of the ship and more than one deck.(c) At least one detector shall be installed in each space where detection facilities are required and in accommodation and service spaces there shall be not less than one detector for approximately each 37 square metres of deck area. In large spaces the detectors shall be arranged in a regular pattern so that no detector is more than 9 metres from another detector or more than 4.5 metres from a bulkhead. However the surface area and distances referred to in this subparagraph may be varied if the Director deems that safety is not lessened taking into account the type of detectors used, the conditions of ventilation and other factors prevailing in the space in which the detectors are installed.(d) The indicating units required in paragraph (6) shall be centralised on the navigating bridge or in the main fire control station of passenger ships which shall be so manned or equipped as to ensure that such alarm from the system is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew. Machinery spaces (12) In machinery spaces the system shall comply with the following additional requirements—(a) The system shall be designed and the detectors so positioned as to detect rapidly the onset of fire in any part of these spaces and under any normal conditions of operation of the machinery and variations of ventilation as required by the possible range of ambient temperatures.(b) No section covering a machinery spaces of Category A shall cover any accommodation, service or cargo spaces.(c) Except in spaces of restricted height and where their use is specially appropriate, systems using only thermal detectors shall not be permitted.(d) The indicating units required in paragraph (6) shall be located in sufficient places to ensure that any alarm is received by a responsible engineer officer. When the bridge is unmanned in port the alarm shall sound in a place where a responsible person will be on duty. In addition, when a machinery space of Category A is to be left periodically unattended, such indicating units shall also be located on the navigating bridge. Cargo spaces (13) In cargo spaces the system shall comply with the following additional requirements—(a) Detectors shall be grouped into separate sections such that a section shall cover not more than one cargo space. Each section shall contain not more than 100 detectors.(b) The type, number and spacing of detectors shall be to the satisfaction of the Director taking into account the conditions of ventilation and other factors prevailing in the space in which the detectors are installed.(c) The indicating units required by paragraph (6) shall be located on the navigating bridge or in the main fire control station, if fitted, which shall be so manned or equipped to ensure that the alarm from the system is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew.