S.I. No. 279/1985:

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FIRE PROTECTION) RULES 1985.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FIRE PROTECTION) RULES 1985.

ARRANGEMENT OF RULES.

PART I--PRELIMINARY

SCHEDULES

S.I. No. 279 of 1985.

MERCHANT SHIPPING (FIRE PROTECTION) RULES,

1985.

I, JAMES MITCHELL, Minister for Communications, in exercise of the powers conferred on me by section 427 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894 (inserted by section 11 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act, 1952 (No. 29 of 1952), as amended by section 10 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1966 (No. 20 of 1966), section 10 of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act, 1952 , as amended by section 9 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1966 , section 3 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1966 , and the Ministers and Secretaries (Amendment) Act, 1983 (No. 40 of 1983), hereby make the following Rules:--

PART I PRELIMINARY

1. (1) These Rules may be cited as the Merchant Shipping (Fire protection) Rules, 1985 and shall come into operation on the 16th day of September, 1985.

(2) In these Rules the following expressions have the following meanings respectively:

" 'A' Class Division" means a bulkhead or part of a deck which is:

( a ) constructed of steel or other equivalent material;

( b ) suitably stiffened;

( c ) so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the 60 minute standard fire test; and

( d ) so insulated where necessary with suitable non-combustible materials that if the division is exposed to a standard fire test the average temperature on the unexposed side of the division shall not increase more than 139°C above the initial temperature nor shall the temperature at any one point, including any point, rise more than 180°C above the initial temperature within the time listed below:--

"A-60" standard 60 minutes

"A-30" standard 30 minutes

"A-15" standard 15 minutes

"A-0" standard 0 minutes;

"Accommodation spaces" means:--

( a ) public spaces;

( b ) corridors and lobbies;

( c ) stairways;

( d ) lavatories;

( e ) cabins;

( f ) offices;

( g ) hospitals;

( h ) hairdressing salons;

( i ) pantries not containing cooking appliances;

( j ) lockers;

( k ) games and hobbies' rooms;

( l ) spaces similar to any of the foregoing and trunks to such spaces allocated to passengers or crew;

" 'B' Class Division" means a bulkhead, part of a deck, ceiling or lining which is:--

( a ) so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the first 30 minutes of the standard fire test;

( b ) so constructed as to provide an insulation standard such that, if the division is exposed to a standard fire test, the average temperature on the unexposed side of the division shall not increase more than 139°C above the initial temperature, nor shall the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225°C above the initial temperature within the time listed below:--

"B-15" standard 15 minutes

"B-0" standard 0 minutes; and

( c ) constructed of suitable non-combustible materials and all materials whose use is necessary for or ancillary to its construction and erection shall be non-combustible, with the exception that combustible veneers may be permitted provided that they meet the requirements of Rules 84, 100, 121 or 137 of these Rules;

"Bulkhead deck" means the uppermost deck up to which transverse watertight bulkheads are carried;

" 'C' Class division" means a bulkhead, ceiling or lining which is constructed of suitable non-combustible materials not being an 'A' Class division or a 'B' Class division;

"Cargo area" means that part of the ship that contains cargo tanks, slop tanks and cargo pump rooms, cofferdams, ballast and void spaces adjacent to cargo tanks and also deck areas throughout the entire length and breadth of the part of the ship over such spaces;

"Cargo control station" means a space from which the loading, discharging or transferring of any cargo may be controlled;

"Cargo pump room" means a room in which any pumps used for loading, discharging or transferring cargoes are located;

"Cargo spaces" are all spaces used for cargo including cargo oil tanks, slop tanks and trunks to such spaces;

"Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk" means a certificate in compliance with the requirements of the "Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk" or the "International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk";

"Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk" means a certificate in compliance with the requirements of the "Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk" for the "International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk";

"Chemical tanker" means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquid product of a flammable nature listed in either:

1. Chapter 17 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk; or

2. Chapter VI of the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk,

whichever is applicable;

"Closed ro/ro cargo space" means 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 Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk" means the code so entitled adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution A 212 (VII);

"Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk" means the code so entitled adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution A 328 (IX);

"Combination carrier" means a tanker designed to carry oil or alternatively solid cargoes in bulk;

"Continuous 'B' Class ceiling or lining" means a 'B' Class division forming a ceiling or lining which terminates only at an 'A' or 'B' Class division;

"Control room" means a room either within or outside a propulsion machinery space from which propulsion machinery and boilers may be controlled;

"Control stations" means spaces in which radio or main navigating equipment, or the emergency source of power, or the central fire recording equipment, or fire control equipment, or fire extinguishing installations are located or a control room located outside a propulsion machinery space;

"Crude oil" 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" means goods as defined in the Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods) Rules 1983 ( S.I. No. 306 of 1983 ) and any reference to a particular class of dangerous goods is a reference to that class of dangerous goods as defined in those Rules;

"Deadweight" means the difference in tonnes between the displacement of a ship in water of a specific gravity of 1.025 at the load waterline corresponding to the assigned summer freeboard and the lightweight of the ship;

"Equivalent material" as used in the expression "steel or other equivalent material" means any non-combustible material which, by itself or due to insulation provided, has structural and integrity properties equivalent to steel at the end of an appropriate fire test;

"Existing ship" means a ship which is not a new ship;

"Fishing boat" has the same meaning as in section 370 of the Principal Act;

"Gas carrier" means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any liquefied gas or certain other substances of a flammable nature listed in either:

1. Chapter 19 of the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

2. Chapter XIX of the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk; whichever is applicable;

"Gas safe space" is a space into which the entry of hydrocarbon gases or other gases of a flammable or toxic nature has been restricted;

"Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems" (MSC/Circ 353) forms part of the publication "Inert Gas System" 1983 edition published by the International Maritime Organisation;

"International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk" means the code so entitled adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution MSC 4 (48);

"International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk" means the code so entitled adopted by the International Maritime Organisation by Resolution MSC 5 (48);

"International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code" (the IMDG Code) means the code of that name published by the International Maritime Organisation; 1977 edition as amended by amendments numbers 1-20;

"Length" 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" 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" means spaces which contain propulsion machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrigerating, stabilising ventilation and air conditioning machinery and similar spaces and where the context so admits, any trunk to such a space;

"Machinery spaces of Category 'A' " means machinery 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 kilowatts, or

( b ) any oil-fired boiler or oil-fuel unit; and any trunk to such a space;

"Main vertical zones" means the main vertical zones into which the hull, superstructure and deck houses of a ship are divided in accordance with Rule 76 or 91 of these Rules;

"Marine Notice" means a notice described as such and issued by the Department of Communications; and any reference to a particular Marine Notice includes a reference to that Notice as amended or replace from time to time by a subsequent Notice;

"Minister" means the Minister for Communications;

"New ship" means a ship the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after 1st September 1984; for the purpose of this definition "a similar stage of construction" means the stage at which construction identifiable with a specific ship begins and assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural materials whichever is less;

"Newly converted passenger ship" means an existing ship other than a passenger ship which is converted into a passenger ship after 1st September 1984 such conversion having commenced after that date;

"Non-combustible material" means material which when heated to a temperature of 750°C neither flames for longer than 10 seconds duration, nor raises either its internal temperature or the temperature of the test furnace more than 50°C above 750°C when tested in accordance with British Standard Specification 476: Part 4: 1970, and the expression "combustible material" shall be construed accordingly;

"Oil-fired boiler" means any boiler wholly or partly fired by liquid fuel;

"Oil-fuel unit" 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 bar (0.18 N/mm2);

"Passenger ship" means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;

"Pleasure craft" means a vessel primarily used for sport or recreation;

"the Principle Act" means the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894;

"Protocol of 1978" means the Protocol of 1978 relating to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea 1974;

"Public spaces" includes halls, dining rooms, bars, smoke rooms, lounges, recreation rooms, nurseries, libraries, conemas, sale shops and similar permanently enclosed spaces allocated to passengers or crew;

"Reid vapour pressure" means the vapour pressure of a liquid as determined by laboratory testing in a standard manner in the Reid apparatus;

"Rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk" means rooms in which:

( a ) all case furniture such as desks, wardrobes, dressing tables, bureaux, dressers, is constructed entirely of approved non-combustible materials, except that a combustible veneer not exceeding 2 millimetres may be used on the finished surface of such furniture;

( b ) all free-standing furniture such as chairs, sofas, tables is constructed with frames of non-combustible materials;

( c ) all draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame in accordance with the requirement of Type B performance of British Standard 5867: Part 2:1980;

( d ) all surface floor coverings have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Minister; and

( e ) the upholstered parts of furniture have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Minister;

"Ro/ro cargo spaces" means spaces not normally subdivided in any way and extending to either a substantial length or the entire length of the ship in which goods (packaged or in bulk), in or on rail or road cars, vehicles (including road or rail tankers), trailers, containers, pallets, demountable tanks or in or on similar stowage units or other receptacles can be loaded and unloaded normally in a horizontal direction;

"Open ro/ro cargo spaces" 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;

"Sailing ship" includes a ship provided with sufficient sail area for navigation under sails alone, whether or not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion;

"Service spaces" include galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, laundries, drying rooms, lockers and 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 spaces;

"Special category space" means any enclosed space above or below the bulkhead deck intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, into and from which such vehicles can be driven and to which passengers have access;

"Standard fire test" means a test in which a specimen of the relevant "A" Class or "B" Class division, having an exposed surface area of not less than 4.65 square metres and a bulkhead height or deck length of 2.44 metres, resembling as closely as possible the intended construction and including where appropriate at least one joint, is exposed in a test furnace to a series of time temperature relationships defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following temperature points measured above the initial furnace temperature:

At the end of the first 5 minutes 556°C

At the end of the first 10 minutes 659°C

At the end of the first 15 minutes 718°C

At the end of the first 30 minutes 821°C

At the end of the first 60 minutes 925°C

"Suitable" in relation to material means approved by the Minister as suitable for the purpose for which it is used;

"Surface spread of flame" means the surface spread of flame classified as Class 1 or Class 2 within the meaning of British Standard 476: Part 7: 1971;

"Tanker" means a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes of a flammable nature;

"Tons" means gross tons and a reference to tons:

( a ) in relation to a ship having alternative gross tonnages under paragraph 12 of the Fourth Schedule to the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1984 ( S.I. No. 369 of 1984 ) is a reference to the larger of these tonnages; and

( b ) in relation to a ship having its tonnage determined both under Part II and Regulation 16 of those Regulations is a reference to its gross tonnage as determined under Regulation 16 of those regulations;

"Water seal" 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" means a deck completely exposed to the weather from above and at least two sides.

(3) Any reference in these Rules to:--

( a ) the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;

( b ) the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk;

( c ) the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

( d ) the International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk;

( e ) the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code;

( f ) the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes;

( g ) The Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems;

( h ) a British Standard; or

( i ) a Marine Notice;

shall include a reference to any document amending that publication which is considered by the Minister to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Marine Notice.

(4) These Rules shall apply to ships registered in the State which are:

( a ) new ships;

( b ) newly converted passenger ships; and

to the extent that the Minister deems reasonable and practical, to any major repairs, alterations and modifications to existing ships registered in the State commencing on or after 1st September 1984; provided that any such repairs, alterations and modifications carried out pursuant to a contract entered into before 1st September 1984 shall be deemed to have commenced before that date; and

( c ) other new seagoing ships while they are within a port in the State;

provided that these Rules shall not apply to:

(i) a ship by reason of her being within a port in the State if she would not have been in any such port but for stress of weather or any other circumstances that neither the master nor the owner nor the character (if any) could have prevented;

(ii) pleasure craft which are not passenger ships and are of less than 13.7 metres in length;

(iii) mechanically-propelled sea-going fishing vessels registered in the State under the Mercantile Marine Act, 1955 (No. 29 of 1955) or entered in the fishing boat register under Part IV of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1894.

2. (1) For the purpose of these Rules the ships to which these Rules apply shall be arranged in the following classes:

PASSENGER SHIPS:

Class 1. 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.

Class III. Passenger ships in respect of which there is or should be in force a certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate Class III" being a certificate for ships engaged only on voyages in the course of which they are at no time more than 70 miles by sea from their point of departure and not more than 18 miles from the coast of the State, and which are at sea only in fine weather and during restricted periods.

Class IV. Passenger ships in respect of which there is or should be in force a certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate Class IV" being a certificate for ships engaged only on voyages in partially smooth waters, or in smooth and partially smooth waters.

Class V. Passenger ships in respect of which there is or should be in force a certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate Class V" being a certificate for ships engaged only on voyages in smooth waters.

Class VI. Passenger ships in respect of which there is or should be in force a certificate entitled "Passenger Certificate Class VI" being a certificate for ships engaged only on voyages with not more than 250 passengers on board, to sea, in smooth or in partially smooth waters, in all cases in fine weather and during restricted periods in the course of which the ships are at no time more than 15 miles, exclusive of any smooth waters, from their point of departure nor more than 3 miles from land.

SHIPS OTHER THAN PASSENGER SHIPS:

Class VII. Ships (other than ships of Classes 1: VII(T), VII(A), X, XI and XII) engaged on voyages any of which are long international voyages.

Class VII(A). Ships employed as fish processing or canning factory ships, and ships engaged in the carriage of persons employed in the 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, X, XI and XII) engaged on voyages (not being long international voyages) any of which are short international voyages.

Class VIII(A). Ships (other than ships of Classes II(A) to VI inclusive, VIII(A)(T), IX, IX(A), X, XI and XII), engaged on voyages which are not international voyages.

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), III and VI which proceed to sea but are not engaged on long international voyages.

Class IX(A). Ships (other than ships of Classes IV to VI inclusive) which do not proceed to sea.

Class IX(A)(T). Tankers which do not proceed to sea.

Class X. Fishing vessels other than ships of Classes I to VI inclusive.

Class XI. Sailing ships (other than fishing boats and ships of Class XII which proceed to sea.

Class XII. Pleasure craft (other than ships of Classes I to VI inclusive) of 13.7 metres in length or over.

(2) For the purpose of this Rule the following expressions have the following meanings respectively:

"Long international voyage" means an international voyage which is not a short international voyage within the meaning of the Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Act, 1952 (No. 29 of 1952);

"partially smooth waters" means the waters of the areas specified in column 3 of the Fifteenth Schedule to these Rules with the restriction, if any, as to time and type of vessel specified in that column in relation to those waters;

"Restricted period" means a period falling wholly within the following limits:

( a ) from 1st April to 31st October, both dates inclusive; and

( b ) between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset in the case of ships fitted with navigation lights conforming to the collision regulations and between sunrise and sunset in the case of any other ships;

"sea" does not include any partially smooth waters;

"smooth waters" means any waters not being the sea or partially smooth waters, and in particular, means waters of any of the areas specified in column 2 of the Fifteenth Schedule to these Rules.

"Voyage" includes an excursion.

PART II FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES: Passenger Ships.

Ships of Class I

3. (1) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this Rule whereby at least two jets of water as required by these Rules, 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 three fire pumps operated by power and every such ship of under 4,000 tons shall be provided with at least two such pumps. Each pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 60 of these Rules.

(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 this source of power and sea connection. Such pump shall be capable of producing at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two hydrants and hoses through nozzles which shall comply with Rule 62(4)(b) of these Rules, while simultaneously maintaining a pressure of at least 2.1 bar (0.21 N/mm²) 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 Rules 61 and 62 of these Rules when all watertight doors and all doors in main vertical zone bulkheads are closed.

( b ) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over, the arrangement of fire pumps, fire mains and hydrants shall be such that at least one 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 Rules.

(5) In every ship of Class I at least one fire hose shall be provided for every hydrant fitted in compliance with these Rules. Such hoses shall be used only for the purpose of extinguishing fires or for testing the fire extinguishing appliances at fire drills and surveys.

(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, two hydrants fitted with hoses and 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 another space or spaces there shall be provided in one of those spaces two hydrants fitted with hoses and 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 and nozzles. Additionally, in respect of ships carrying more than 36 passengers, each machinery space of Category A shall be provided with at least two suitable water fog applicators.

(8) 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 two jets of water each from a single length of hose, not emanating from the same hydrants, may reach any part of the space. Such hydrants shall be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces.

(9) In every ship of Class I at least three water fog applicators in addition to the nozzles required by these Rules shall be provided in special category spaces.

4. (1) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided on each deck below the bulkhead deck a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers so that at least two shall be readily available for use in every accommodation space, service space and control station between main vertical zones. In enclosed accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations above the bulkhead deck at least one such extinguisher shall be provided for use on each side of the ship in such spaces. The number of such extinguishers in such spaces shall not be less than five in a ship of 1,000 tons or over. 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 two such extinguishers and two such blankets shall be provided.

(2) In every ship of Class I at least one portable fire extinguisher shall be provided for use in each control station.

(3) One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be available near the entrance to that space.

(4) 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 two 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;

( b ) one portable foam applicator unit complying with the requirements of the Sixth Schedule to these Rules; not less than two such applicators shall be available in the ship for use in any such space.

5. (1) ( a ) 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 gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules to protect every cargo space, (other than special category spaces and spaces where a fixed pressure water spraying system is fitted in accordance with paragraphs (3) and (4) of this Rule).

( b ) The Minister may exempt any ship (other than a ship engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods) from the requirements of paragraph (1) of this Rule 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.

(2) 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 the Ninth Schedule to these Rules. The Minister may permit in lieu of such a system any other fixed fire extinguishing system provided that it 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.

(3) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in each cargo space (other than special category space) intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of the Ninth Schedule, or a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule of these Rules.

(4) 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, fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the Ninth Schedule to these Rules.

6. (1) In every ship of Class I there shall be provided:--

( a ) in each special category space an effective power ventilation system sufficient to give at least 10 air changes per hour; the Minister may require an increased number of air changes when vehicles are being loaded and unloaded;

( b ) in each cargo space, other than special category spaces, intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion an effective power ventilation system sufficient to give at least 10 air changes per hour for ships carrying more than 36 passengers and 6 air changes per hour for ships carrying not more than 36 passengers.

(2) The power ventilation systems referred to in sub-paragraphs (1) (a) and (1) (b) of this Rule shall be entirely separate from other ventilation systems and shall be operated at all times when vehicles are in such spaces. Ventilation ducts serving such spaces capable of being effectively sealed shall be separated from each such space. The system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces. In addition:--

( a ) the ventilation shall be such as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air pockets;

( b ) means shall be provided to indicate on the navigating bridge any loss or reduction of the required ventilating capacity;

( c ) arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of the ventilation system in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.

(3) In each special category space the electrical equipment shall comply with the provisions of Rule 53(3) of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules 1985 ( S.I. No. 274 of 1985 ) and in each cargo space, other than special category space, intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, the electrical equipment shall comply with the provisions of Rule 53(5) of the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules 1985.

7. (1) In every ship of Class 1 there shall be provided for the protection of any machinery space of Category A at least one of the following fixed fire extinguishing systems:--

( a ) a fixed pressure water spraying system, complying with the requirements of the Eighth Schedule to these Rules;

( b ) a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules.

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 paragraph, be regarded as a single space.

(2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided:--

( a ) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 135 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 45 killogrammes capacity placed in such positions as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and 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 unit complying with the Sixth Schedule to these Rules;

( c ) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation at least two 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 extinguishing 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 paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided in any space containing internal combustion type machinery:

( a ) one or more foam fire extinguishers of at least 45 litres of carbon dioxide extinguishers of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity; in 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 unit complying with the requirements of the Sixth Schedule to these Rules;

( 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 two such extinguishers; and

( d ) in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers each machinery space of Category A shall be provided with at least two suitable water fog applicators.

8. 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, of having in the aggregate a total power of not less than 375 KW for auxiliary purposes:

( a ) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity of carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 16 kilogrammes 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 system fitted in compliance with Rule 7 (1) of these Rules;

( b ) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to ensure that at least one extinguishere is not more than 10 metres walking distance, from any position within the space; provided that there shall be not less than two such extinguishers;

( c ) in addition, where such spaces are not to be periodically unattended, either a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of the Eighth Schedule, or a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules shall be fitted.

9. 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 Rules 7 or 8 of these Rules 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. (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 a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules.

( b ) In every ship of Class I manually operated call points complying with the requirements of the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules shall be fitted throughout the accommodation, service and special category spaces which will enable the fire patrol to give an alarm immediately to the navigating bridge or fire control station. Such a manually operated call point 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 is not reasonably accessible to the fire patrol and in each cargo space (other than special category spaces) containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the requirements of the Twelfth Schedule to these Rules.

(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 a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules.

(4) The Minister may exempt any ship from the requirement in paragraph (2) of this rule to provide a fixed fire alarm and fire detection system or a sample extraction smoke detection 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) 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.

(6) 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.

(7) 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.

11. (1) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with:--

( a ) two firemen's outfits and, in addition,

( b ) (i) two 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;

(ii) every such outfit shall comply with the requirements of Rule 69 of these Rules; two such outfits shall include breathing apparatus of the air-hose type and the remainder shall include breathing apparatus of the self-contained type provided that where the air-hose of an air-hose type breathing apparatus has, in order to comply with paragraph 1 of the Fifth Schedule, to exceed 36 metres in length a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided either in addition to or as a substitute for that air-hose type breathing apparatus.

(2) Two such firemen's outfits shall be available at any one storage position.

(3) 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.

12. Every ship of Class I of 500 tons or over shall be provided with at least one international shore connection which shall comply with the requirements of the First Schedule to these Rules to enable water to be supplied from another ship or from the shore to the fire main. 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

13. Rules 3 to 12 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class II as they apply to ships of Class I.

Ships of Class II(a) of 21.34 metres in length or over

14. Rules 3 to 12 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class 11A of 21.34 metres in length or over as they apply to ships of Class I.

Ships of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length

15. Every ship of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in a posiiton outside the machinery spaces with either a power or hand operated pump with a permanent sea connection and a hose with a 10 millimetres 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.

16. Every ship of Class 11(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided with at least one portable fire extinguisher in each of the passenger spaces above the bulkhead deck, and with at least two such extinguishers in each of the crew spaces and in each of the passenger spaces below that deck. At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be available for use in any galley.

17. (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 kilogrammes 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 space containing any part of the oil fuel installation. In addition there shall be provided:--

( a ) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires; and

( b ) in each firing space a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for extinguishing oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution, or alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.

(2) In every ship of Class II(A) of 15.24 metres in length or over but of less than 21.34 metres in length there shall be provided in each space containing internal combustion type propulsion machinery at least five 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 three such portable fire extinguishers in such spaces; provided that where internal combustion machinery is situated in a space to which paragraph (1) of this Rule applies, only two such portable fire extinguishers need be provided in addition to the extinguishers required by that paragraph.

Ships of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over

18. (1) Every ship of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this Rule whereby at least one jet of water as required by these Rules 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 such ship shall be provided with at least one fire pump operated by power. Each pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water from any fire hydrant, hise and nozzle provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 61 of these Rules.

(3) Every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery shall be provided with an additional fire pump which shall be permanently connected to the fire main but which shall not be required to be operated by power. Such pump and its source of power, if any, shall not be situated in the same compartment as the pump required by paragraph (2) of this Rule and shall be provided with a permanent sea connection situated outside the machinery space. If such a pump is operated by power it shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this Rule and if it is manually operated it shall be capable of producing a jet of water having a throw of not less than 6 metres from nozzles provided in compliance with this Rule.

(4) Every such ship shall be provided with a fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles which shall comply with the requirements of Rules 61 and 62 of these Rules.

(5) Every such ship shall be provided with at least one fire hose for every hydrant fitted in compliance with these Rules.

(6) Every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type machinery shall be provided with at least one fire hydrant in each space containing such boilers or machinery. A nozzle shall be provided for every fire hose at every hydrant fitted in such spaces in compliance with these Rules.

19. Every ship of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over shall be provided with at least one portable fire extinguisher in each of the passenger spaces above the bulkhead deck, and with at least two such extinguishers in each of the crew spaces and in each of the passenger spaces below that deck. At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be available for use in any galley.

20. (1) In every ship of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over there shall be provided for the protection of any machinery space of Category A at least one of the fixed fire extinguishing installations required by Rule 7 (1) of these Rules.

(2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided:

( a ) in each boiler room two or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 16 kilogrammes 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 or spaces containing any part of the oil fuel installation;

( b ) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires;

( c ) in each firing space a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for extinguishing 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 paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided in any such space 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 kilogrammes capacity; and

( b ) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires, so located that an extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any point in the space, but in no event less than two such extinguishers.

21. Every ship of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over shall carry one fireman's outfit for each 30.5 metres (or part thereof) of the registered length of the ship. Every such outfit shall comply with the requirements of Rules 69 of these Rules.

Ships of Class III of less than 21.34 metres in length

22. Rules 15 to 17 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class III of less than 21.34 metres in length as they apply to ships of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length.

Ships of Class IV of 21.34 metres in length or over

23. Rules 18, 19 and 20 of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class IV of 21.34 metres in length or over as they apply to ships of Class III of 21.34 metres in length or over.

Ships of Class IV of less than 21.34 metres in length

24. Rules 15 to 17 inclusive of these Rules apply to ships of Class IV of less than 21.34 metres in length as they apply to ships of Class 11(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length.

Ships of Class V

Fully-Decked Ships

25. (1) Rule 23 of these Rules shall apply to fully-decked ships of Class V of 21.34 metres in length or over as it applies to ships of Class IV of 21.34 metres in length or over.

(2) Rules 15 to 17 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to fully-decked ships of Class V of less than 21.34 metres in length as they apply to ships of Class 11(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length.

Ships not Fully-decked

26. (1) Every ship of Class V which is not fully-decked shall be provided with:

( a ) a receptacle containing an adequate quantity of sand or other dry material suitable for extinguishing oil fires;

( b ) a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle; and

( c ) the number of portable foam fire extinguishers shown in the following table:

( d ) in the case of any ship of 12.20 metres in length or over, two fire buckets, and, in the case of any ship of less than 12.20 metres in length, one fire bucket, unless the equipment required by paragraph (2) of this Rule is provided.

(2) Every ship of Class V which is not fully-decked but is decked in way of the machinery spaces shall be provided in a position outside such spaces with a hand pump, 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.

Ships of Class VI

Fully-Decked Ships

27. (1) Rule 23 shall apply to fully-decked ships of Class VI of 21.34 metres in length or over as it applies to ships of Class IV of 21.34 metres in length or over.

(2) Rules 15 to 17 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to fully-decked ships of Class VI of less than 21.34 metres in length as they apply to ships of Class II(A) of less than 21.34 metres in length.

Ships not Fully-Decked

28. Rule 26 of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class VI which are not fully-decked at it applies to ships of Class V which are not fully-decked.

PART III FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES Ships other than Passenger Ships and Tankers

Ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over

29. (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this Rule whereby at least two jets of water as required by these Rules 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 two fire pumps operated by power. Each such pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 60 of these Rules.

( b ) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons shall be provided with at least one fire pump operated by power, which shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and shall comply with the requirements of Rule 60 of these Rules, provided that the capacity of the fire pump shall not be less than 25 cubic metres per hour.

( c ) In addition, in every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, where other pumps, such as general service, bilge and ballast, etc., are fitted in a machinery space, arrangements shall be made to ensure that at least one of these pumps, having the capacity and pressure required by Rule 60 (5) and Rule 61 (2) of these Rules, is capable of providing water to the fire main.

(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 ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over the emergency fire pump shall meet the requirements of Rule 60 (10) of these Rules.

( c ) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 2,000 tons, the emergency fire pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two hydrants and hoses through nozzles which shall comply with Rule 62 (4) (b) of these Rules whilst maintaining a pressure of at least 2.1 bar at any hydrant in the ship, provided that for such ships of 1,000 tons or over the pressure at any hydrant shall not be less than 2.5 bar.

(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 Rules 61 and 62 of these Rules.

( 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 (or part thereof) length of the ship but in no case less than five hoses and such hoses shall have a total length of at least 60 per cent of the length of the ship. In addition to such hoses there shall be provided one spare fire hose.

(ii) In every such ship of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in ro/ro cargo spaces at least three water fog applicators in addition to the nozzles required by these Rules.

(iii) 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 two jets of water each from a single length of hose not emanating from the same hydrant may reach any part of the space. Such hydrants shall be positioned near the accesses to the protected space.

(iv) 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 two fire hoses having a total length of at least 60 per cent 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 two 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 nozzle shall be provided at every such fire hydrant.

30. (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 spaces, service spaces and control stations. The number of such extinguishers shall not be less than five in a ship of 1,000 tons or over and not less than three 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 intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion:

( a ) at least two 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 portable foam applicator unit complying with the requirements of the Sixth Schedule to these Rules. Not less than two such applicators shall be available in the ship for use in any such space.

31. (1) In every ship of Class VII engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods there shall be provided:

( a ) a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules for every cargo space (other than ro/ro cargo spaces not capable of being sealed); and

( b ) a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of the Ninth Schedule to these Rules for every ro/ro cargo space not capable of being sealed.

(2) ( a ) In every ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over other than ships to which paragraph (1) of this Rule applies, there shall be provided a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules for every cargo space.

( b ) The Minister may exempt any ship from the requirements of paragraph (2) (a) of this Rule if:

(i) the ship is constructed and solely intended for the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber or non-combustible cargoes or cargoes which, in the opinion of the Minister, constitute a low fire risk; and

(ii) the ship is fitted with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to the cargo spaces.

(3) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided for every ro/ro cargo space capable of being sealed and for every cargo space (other than a ro/ro cargo space) intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the Ninth Schedule to these Rules, or a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the Tenth Schedule to these Rules.

(4) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided for every ro/ro cargo space not capable of being sealed a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the Ninth Schedule to these Rules.

32. (1) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in each closed ro/ro cargo space and each cargo space intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion an effective power ventilation system to provide at least six air changes per hour based on an empty hold. Ventilation fans shall where practicable be run continuously whenever vehicles are on board. Where this is impracticable, they shall be operated for a limited period daily as weather permits and in any case for a reasonable period prior to discharge, after which period such spaces shall be proved gas free. One or more portable combustible gas detecting instruments shall be carried for this purpose, the system shall be entirely separate from other ventilating systems. Ventilation ducts serving such spaces capable of being effectively sealed shall be separated for each cargo space. The Minister may require an increased number of air changes when vehicles are being loaded or unloaded. The system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces. In addition:

( a ) the ventilation shall be so arranged as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air pockets;

( b ) means shall be provided to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity on the navigating bridge;

( c ) arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of the ventilating system in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.

(2) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over in each closed ro/ro cargo space carrying motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion and each cargo space intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, the electrical equipment of such spaces shall comply with the provisions of Rules 50 (1) to 50 (4) inclusive of the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules 1985 ( S.I. No. 276 of 1985 ).

33. (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 fire extinguishing installations:

( a ) a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of the Eighth Schedule to these Rules;

( b ) a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule.

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 paragraph be regarded as a single space.

(2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided:

( a ) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 135 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 45 kilogrammes 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 unit complying with the requirements of the Sixth Schedule to these Rules;

( c ) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation, at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires, in addition to any which may be carried in compliance with the preceeding sub-paragraph;

( d ) in each firing space a receptacle containing 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry material suitable for extinguishing 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 paragraph (1) of this Rule there shall be provided in any such spaces containing internal combustion type machinery:

( a ) one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity 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 unit complying with the requirements of the Sixth Schedule to these Rules;

( 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 two extinguishers.

34. 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 375 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 kilogrammes 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 system fitted in compliance with Rule 33 (1) of these Rules;

( 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 two extinguishers; and

( c ) where such spaces are to be periodically unattended there shall be provided additionally either a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of the Eighth Schedule or a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements of the Tenth Schedule to these Rules.

35. Where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire extinguishing are made in Rules 33 and 34 of these Rules there shall be provided in, or adjacent to that space 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.

36. (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall be provided with a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules in any machinery space where:

( a ) the installation of automatic and remote control systems and equipment has been approved in lieu of continuous manning of the space; or

( b ) the main propulsion and associated machinery including sources of main electrical supply are provided with some automatic or remote control and are under continuous manned supervision from a control room.

(2) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in each ro/ro cargo space a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules.

(3) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there shall be provided in each cargo space (other than ro/ro cargo space) intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion either a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the Eleventh Schedule or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the Twelfth Schedule to these Rules.

37. (1) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall carry firemen's outfits which shall comply with requirements of Rule 69 of these Rules in accordance with the following scale:

(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 provided that where the air-hose of an air-hose type breathing apparatus has, in order to comply with paragraph (1) of the Fifth Schedule to these Rules to exceed 36 metres in length a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided either in addition to or as a substitute for that air-hose breathing apparatus.

38. Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over shall be provided with at least one international shore connection which shall comply with the requirements of the First Schedule to these Rules to enable water to be supplied from another ship or from the shore, to the fire main. 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

39. (1) This Rule applies to ships of Class VII of under 500 tons.

(2) ( a ) Every such ship shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this Rule whereby at least one jet of water as required by these Rules 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 Rule 60 of these Rules.

( c ) In every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion 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 a pump is operated by power it shall comply with the requirements of the preceding sub-paragraph and if it is manually operated it shall be provided with a hose and a 10 millimetre 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.

( d ) In every such ship there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes and hydrants which shall comply with the requirements of Rule 61 of these Rules and at least three fire hoses and nozzles which shall comply with Rule 62 of these Rules.

(3) Every such ship shall be provided with at least three 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 Rule 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 fire extinguishing systems referred to in Rule 33 (1) of these Rules.

(5) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (4) of this Rule there shall be provided:

( a ) in each boiler room and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation, at least two 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 extinguishing 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 Rule applies there shall be provided in any space containing internal combustion type machinery either:

( a ) one portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires for each 74.6 kilowatts or part thereof of such machinery provided that no more than seven such extinguishers shall be required in any one space; or

( b ) two portable extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires together with either:

(i) one foam fire extinguisher of at least 45 litres capacity; or

(ii) one carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity.

(7) Every ship to which this Rule applies shall be provided with at least one fireman's outfit which shall comply with the requirements of Rule 69 of these Rules and which shall contain a breathing apparatus of the air-hose type.

Ships of Class VII(A)

40. (1) Rules 29 to 38 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to every ship of Class VII(A) of 500 tons or over which is employed as a fish processing or canning factory ship, or which is engaged in the carriage of persons engaged in the fish processing or canning industries, as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

(2) Rule 45 of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class VII(A) other than those ships specified in paragraph (1) of this Rule as they apply to ships of Class X.

Ships of Class VIII

Ships of 500 tons or over

41. Rule 29 to 38 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

Ships of 150 tons or over but under 500 tons

42. Rule 39 shall apply 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.

Ships of under 150 tons

43. (1) This Rule applies to ships of Class VII of under 150 tons.

(2) ( a ) Rule 39 (2) of these Rules shall apply to every ship to which this Rule 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 Rule 39 (2) (b) of these Rules may be driven by the main engine.

( b ) Every ship to which this Rule applies of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in a position outside the machinery spaces with either a power or a hand operated 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, two 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 paragraph (3) of this Rule.

(3) Every ship to which this Rule applies shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers or with fire buckets in accordance with the following Table:

When fire buckets are provided, at least one shall be fitted with a lanyard.

(4) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (3) of this

Rule every ship to which this Rule applies which is fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires in accordance with the following Table:

(5) Every ship to which this Rule applies of 9 metres in length or over which is fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery shall, if it is mainly or wholly constructed of wood and is decked in way of the machinery space, be provided with means outside the machinery space for rapidly injecting into the machinery space a quantity of fire smothering gas equivalent to at least 60 per cent of the gross volume of that space, or where the machinery space is bounded by steel bulkheads, equivalent to at least 40 per cent of the gross volume of the space; provided that in any ship to which this Rule 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 paragraph (2) (b) of this Rule. 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 Rule 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)

44. (1) Rules 41 to 43 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A) as they apply to ships of Class VIII.

(2) The Minister 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 Rules.

Ships of Class X

45. Every ship of Class X shall carry fire appliances in accordance with the requirements of the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1967 ( S.I. No. 101 of 1967 ) as amended by the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) (Amendment) Rules, 1983 ( S.I. No. 304 of 1983 ) and the Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) (Amendment) Rules, 1985 ( S.I. No. 277 of 1985 ) or any Rules replacing or amending the same made by the Minister.

Ships of Class XI

46. (1) Rules 41 to 43 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class XI at they apply to ships of Class VIII.

(2) The Minister may exempt any ship of Class XI from any of the requirements of these Rules.

Ships of Class XII

47. (1) Rules 41 and 42 of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class XII of 150 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VIII of 150 tons or over.

(2) ( a ) Every ship of Class XII of under 150 tons and of 21.34 metres in length or over, shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this Rule whereby at least one jet of water as required by these Rules 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 may be driven by the main engine and 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 Rule 60 of these Rules:

( c ) in every such ship fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery, if the pump required by the preceding sub-paragraph and its source of power and sea connection are not situated outside spaces containing such boilers or machinery, there shall be provided in a position outside such spaces an additional fire pump and its source of power and sea connection. If such a pump is operated by power it shall comply with the requirements of the preceding sub-paragraph and if it is manually operated it shall be provided with a hose and a 10 millimetre diameter nozzle through which it shall be capable of producing a jet of water having a throw or not less than 6 metres which can be directed on to any part of the ship.

( d ) in every such ship there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes and hydrants which shall comply with the requirements of Rule 61 of these Rules and at least two fire hoses.

(3) Every ship of Class XII of under 150 tons and of less than 21.34 metres in length shall be provided in a position outside the machinery spaces with either a power or a hand operated pump with a permanent sea connection, a hose with a nozzle at least 6 millimetres in diameter 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 such ship of less than 15 metres in length and in any open ship of less than 21.34 metres in length, two 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 paragraph (4) of this Rule.

(4) Every ship of Class XII of under 150 tons shall be provided with portable fire extinguishers or with fire buckets in accordance with the following Table:

When fire buckets are provided at least one shall be fitted with a lanyard.

(5) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (4) of this Rule every ship of Class XII of under 150 tons which is fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery shall be provided with two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires.

(6) Every ship of Class XII of under 150 tons being a fully decked ship of 21.34 metres in length or over shall be provided with a fireman's axe.

(7) The Minister may exempt any ship of Class XII from any of the requirements of these Rules.

PART IV--FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES: Tankers

Tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over

48. Rules 29 and 30(1) Rules 33 to 36(1) inclusive and Rule 38 of these Rules shall apply to every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

49. (1) Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over shall be provided with a fixed deck foam system complying with the requirements of the Thirteenth Schedule to these Rules except that this requirement shall not apply to chemical tankers having a valid Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, nor to gas carriers having a valid Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk.

(2) 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 60°C 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 the Fourteenth Schedule to these Rules except that in the case of a chemical tanker having a valid Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of dangerous Chemicals in Bulk or a gas carrier having a valid Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Liquefied Gases in Bulk alternative arrangements may be provided to the satisfaction of the Minister.

(3) ( a ) Every inert gas system provided in accordance with this Rule shall be designed, constructed and tested to the satisfaction of the Minister. It shall be designed and operated so as to render and keep the atmosphere of the cargo tanks including the slop tanks non-flammable at all times, except where such tanks are to be gas free.

( b ) In the event that the inert gas system is unable to meet the operational requirement set out above and it has been assessed that it is impractical to effect a repair, then cargo discharge, deballasting and necessary tank cleaning may only be resumed when the "emergency procedures" laid down in the "Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems" are complied with.

(4) 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 60°C and other liquids having a similar fire hazard and are gas freed unless the arrangements provided in each case are to the satisfaction of the Minister and in accordance with the relevant operational requirements contained in the "Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems".

(5) ( a ) Every tanker of Class VII(T) of less than 20,000 tonnes deadweight operating with a tank cleaning procedure using crude oil washing, shall be fitted with an inert gas system complying with the Fourteenth Schedule to these Rules.

( b ) Every tanker of Class VII(T) operating with a tank cleaning procedure using crude oil washing shall be provided with fixed tank washing machines only.

Every tanker of Class VII(T) fitted with a fixed inert gas system shall be provided with a closed ullage system.

(7) ( a ) Other fixed fire extinguishing systems may be provided in place of those required by the foregoing provisions of these Rules if each system is deemed to be equivalent to the said systems in the manner set out in sub-paragraph (b) and (c) of this paragraph;

( b ) a system provided in place of the inert gas system referred to in these Rules shall be deemed to be equivalent to that system for the purpose of these Rules if it is:

(i) 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

(ii) so designed as to minimise the risk of ignition from the generation of static electricity by the system itself;

( c ) an installation provided in place of the fixed deck foam system referred to in these Rules shall be deemed to be equivalent to that system for the purpose of these Rules if it is:

(i) capable of extinguishing spill fires and precludes ignition of spilled oil not yet ignited; and

(ii) capable of combating fires in ruptured tanks.

50. (1) In every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over arrangements for purging and/or freeing shall be such as to minimise the hazards due to the dispersal of the flammable vapours in the atmosphere and to flammable mixtures in a cargo tank.

(2) When the ship is provided with an inert gas system the cargo tanks shall first be purged in accordance with the provisions of paragraph (13) of the Fourteenth Schedule to these Rules until the concentration of hydrocarbon vapours in the cargo tanks has been reduced to less than 2 per cent by volume. Thereafter, venting may be at the cargo tank deck level.

(3) When the ship is not provided with an inert gas system, the operation shall be such that the flammable vapour is initially discharged:

( a ) through the vent outlets as specified in Rule 12 of the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985; or

( b ) with a vertical exit velocity of at least 20 metres per second through outlets at least 2 metres above the cargo tank deck level and through devices (other than flame screens) complying with the First Schedule to the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985 so as to prevent the passage of flame into the cargo tanks. When the flammable vapour concentration in the outlet has been reduced to 30 per cent of the lower flammable limit the discharge of the vapour mixture may be at the cargo tank deck level.

51. (1) Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (2) of this Rule, 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 Rule 33 (1) of these Rules and which shall be operated from a readily accessible position outside the pump room, provide that where the fixed extinguishing system is a gas system:

( a ) The alarms referred to in the Tenth Schedule to these Rules shall be safe for use in a flammable cargo vapour/air mixture;

( b ) a notice shall be exhibited at the controls stating that due to the electrostatic ignition hazard, the system is to be used only for fire extinguishing and not for inerting purposes;

( c ) where the extinguishing medium used in the cargo pump room system is also used in systems serving other spaces, the quantity of medium provided or its delivery rate need not be more than the maximum required for the largest compartment.

(2) In chemical tankers having a valid Certificate of Fitness for the Carriage of Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, where the fixed fire extinguishing system referred to in paragraph (1) of this Rule is a gas system, the concentration shall be as specified in the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.

52. In every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over isolation valves shall be fitted in the fire main at poop front in a protected position and on the tank deck at intervals of not more than 40 metres to preserve the integrity of the fire main system in case of fire or explosion.

53. 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 Rule 69 of these Rules.

Tankers of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons

54. (1) Rule 39 of these Rules shall apply 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 Rules 50 and 51 shall apply to such tankers as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over.

(2) In addition to the requirements of paragraph (1) of this Rule, every tanker of Class VII(T) of under 500 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.

Tankers of Class VIII(T) Tankers of 500 tons or over

55. Rules 48 to 53 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 500 tons of 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

56. Rule 42 of these Rules shall apply 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 Rules 50, 51 and 54 (2) of these Rules shall apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of under 500 tons.

Tankers of under 150 tons

57. Rule 43 of these Rules shall apply to tankes 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 Rule 54 (2) of these Rules.

Tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T)

58. (1) (a) Rule 37 of these Rules shall apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over as it applies to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

( b ) Rules 48 to 52 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over; provided that tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of less than 2,000 tons may instead of complying with Rule 49 (1) Comply with Rule 54 (2).

(2) Rules 56 and 57 inclusive of these Rules shall apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) as they apply to tankers of Class VIII(T).

(3) The Minister may exempt any tanker of Classes 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 Rules.

PART V -- FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES: General

59. (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 kilogrammes; and

( 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 five minutes. For the purpose of this Rule, 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; and

( c ) carbon dioxide extinguishers of total capacity of not less than 16 kilogrammes, which shall be so equipped as to enable the medium to be applied to the engine area of any helicopter using the deck.

(2) The arrangement of water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles required by these Rules for fire purposes shall be such that at least two 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) In every ship provided with helicopter refuelling facilities at least two 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 Rules.

60. (1) In every passenger ship to which these Rules apply which is required by these Rules to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pumps) shall together be capable of delivering for fire fighting purposes a quantity of water under the conditions and at the pressure specified in Rule 61 of these Rules 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 (Passenger Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985;

(2) In every ship, other than a passenger ship, to which these Rules apply which is required by these Rules to be provided with fire pumps operated by power such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pumps) shall together be capable of delivering for fire fighting purposes a quantity of water, under the conditions and at the pressure specified in Rule 61 of these Rules, which shall not be less than the quantity obtained from the following formula;

Quantity of water in cubic metres per hour/Cd2 where:

( a ) 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

( b ) d=1 + 0.066 VL(B+D) to the nearest 0.25

where

L = length of the ship in metres 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 per cent of the total length on the designated 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 metres; and

D = moulded depth of the ship in metres measured to the bulkhead deck amidships;

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.

(3) Every fire pump required by these Rules to be operated by power shall, except as expressly provided otherwise in these Rules, be operated by means other than the ship's main engines. Fire pumps provided in compliance with these Rules 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.

(4) In every ship to which these Rules apply 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. The Minister may waive this requirement for ships of Class VII of less than 1,600 tons if the arrangement of the machinery space access makes it unnecessary.

(5) In every ship to which these Rules apply which is required by these Rules 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 per cent of the total capacity of the fire pumps required by paragraph (1) of this Rule divided by the number of fire pumps required by these Rules to be provided in the ship provided that each pump has a capacity of not less than 25 cubic metres per hour. When more fire pumps operated by power than are required by those Rules are provided in any ship, the Minister may permit the capacity of any such additional fire pumps to be less than 80 per cent.

(6) Every fire pump required by these Rules which is operated by power (other than any emergency pump) 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 Rules as appropriate to the class and tonnage of the ship, while maintaining the pressure required by Rule 61 (2) of these Rules.

(7) Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with all fire pumps referred to in this Rule 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.

(8) Every centrifugal pump which is connected to the fire main shall be fitted with a non-return valve.

(9) In every ship of Class I, II or II(A), any emergency fire pump shall be situated in a position aft of the ship's collision bulkhead.

(10) For every ship of 2,000 tons or over, other than a passenger ship, the arrangements of the emergency fire pump shall be such that:

( a ) The capacity of the emergency fire pump shall not be less than 40 per cent of the total capacity of the fire pumps required by this Rule and in any case not less than 25 cubic metres per hour whilst maintaining at any hydrant the minimum pressures prescribed in Rule 61 (2) (b) of these Rules.

( b ) Any diesel driven power source for the emergency fire pump shall be capable of being readily started in its cold condition down to a temperature of 0°C by hand cranking. Where lower temperatures are likely to be encountered, heating arrangements acceptable to the Minister shall be provided. Where hand cranking is impractical alternative arrangements other than by hand shall be such as to enable the diesel driven power source to be started at least 6 times within a period of 30 minutes, and at least twice within the first 10 minutes.

( c ) Any service fuel tank for the diesel driven power source referred to in sub-paragraph (b) of this paragraph shall contain sufficient fuel to enable the emergency fire pump to run on full load for at least three hours and sufficient reserve of fuel shall be available outside the main machinery space to enable such pump to be run on full load for an additional 15 hours.

( d ) The total suction head of the emergency fire pump shall not exceed 4.5 metres under all conditions of list and trim likely to be encountered in service and the suction piping shall be designed to minimise suction losses.

( e ) The boundaries of the space containing the emergency fire pump shall be insulated to a standard of structural fire protection equivalent to that required for a control station in Rule 115 or Rule 131 of these Rules.

(f) Direct access shall not be permitted between the machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power except where the access is by means of an airlock with each of the two doors being self-closing or through a watertight door capable of being operated from a space remote from the machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire pump and unlikely to be cut off in the event of fire in those spaces. In cases where such access by means of an airlock is provided, a second means of access to the space containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power shall be provided.

( g ) Ventilation arrangements to the space containing the independent source of power for the emergency fire pump shall be such as to prevent the possibility of smoke from a machinery space fire entering or being drawn into that space.

61. (1) In every ship which is required by these Rules 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 Rules from:

( a ) where only one pump is required by the Rules, that pump, or

( b ) where two such pumps are so required, both pumps operating simultaneously, or

( c ) where more than two such pumps are so required, the two 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) Any fire pump required to be provided by these Rules shall, when discharging the quantity of water required by paragraph (1) of this Rule through adjacent fire hydrants in any part of the ship from nozzles of sizes specified in Rule 62 of these Rules, be capable of maintaining the following pressure at any hydrant:

( a ) in any passenger ship,

(i) of 4,000 tons and upwards;

3.1 bar (0.31 N/mm²)

(ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards but under 4,000 tons:

2.7 bar (0.27 N/mm²)

(iii) of under 1,000 tons:

2.1 bar (0.21 N/mm²)

( b ) in any ship other than a passenger ship,

(i) of 6,000 tons and upwards:

2.7 bar (0.27 N/mm²)

(ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards but under 6,000 tons;

2.5 bar (0.25 N/mm²)

(iii) of under 1,000 tons;

2.1 bar (0.21 N/mm²)

provided that the maximum pressure at any hydrant shall not exceed that at which the effective control of a fire hose can be demonstrated.

(3) ( a ) Where any ship is required by these Rules to be provided with appliances capable of producing two jets of water under the conditions required by these Rules, hydrants sufficient in number shall be so positioned as to enable at least two 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, except that in any special category space or ro/ro cargo space two jets shall reach any part of the space, each from a single length of hose. Such hydrants shall be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces.

( b ) Where any ship is required by these Rules to be provided with appliances capable of producing one jet of water under the conditions required by these Rules, 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 passenger 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.

( c ) The fire hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them.

( d ) 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.

( e ) 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.

( f ) Hydrant valves of the screw lift type or cocks shall be fitted in such position that any of the fire hoses may be isolated and removed while the fire pumps are at work.

( g ) The water pipes shall not be made of cast iron, and if made of iron or steel shall be galvanised or alternatively the pipes wall thickness shall be increased by a corrosion allowance satisfactory to the Minister.

( h ) The arrangements of pipes and hydrants shall be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing.

( i ) Isolating valves to separate the section of the fire main within the machinery space containing the main fire pump or pumps from the rest of the fire main shall be fitted in a position outside the machinery spaces which shall be easily accessible when there is a fire. The fire main shall be so arranged that when the isolating valves are shut all the hydrants on the ship, except those in the machinery space referred to above, can be supplied with water by a fire pump not located in this machinery space through pipes which do not enter this space. Exceptionally, the Minister may permit short lengths of the emergency fire pump suction and discharge piping to penetrate the machinery space if it is impracticable to route it externally, provided that the integrity of the fire main is maintained by the enclosure of the piping in a substantial steel casing.

62. (1) Fire hoses provided in compliance with these Rules 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 may exceed 18 metres but shall not exceed 27 metres in length. Such hoses shall be made of closely woven flax, canvas or other suitable material and shall be provided with couplings, branch pipes, other necessary fittings and nozzles, as required by these Rules.

(2) Every fire hose provided in compliance with these Rules together with the tools and fittings necessary for its use, shall be kept in a conspicious 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 Minister may permit smaller diameter hoses in small ships.

(3) Except in partially decked ships of Class V, and in ships of Classes X and XII, fire hoses provided in compliance with these Rules shall not be used for any purpose other than for fire fighting or testing the fire appliances.

(4) ( a ) Every ship which is required by these Rules 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 Rules 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 Rules from the smallest fire pump permitted by Rule 60 (5) of these Rules, 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 Rules shall be capable of producing a water spray and a plain water jet and shall incorporate a shut-off facility.

63. Pumps required for the provision of water for other fire extinguishing systems required by these Rules, their sources of power and their controls shall be installed outside the space or spaces protected by such systems and shall be so arranged that a fire in the spaces protected will not put any such system out of action.

64. (1) Where halogenated hydrocarbon is used as an extinguishing medium in fixed fire extinguishing systems in accordance with these Rules, its use shall be permitted only in machinery spaces, pump rooms and in cargo spaces intended solely for the carriage of vehicles which are not carrying any cargo.

(2) Where a fixed pressure water spraying system is used for the protection of special category spaces, cargo spaces where permitted by these Rules or ro/ro cargo spaces, special consideration shall be given to the bilge pumping and drainage arrangements where such spaces are below the bulkhead deck and to the scupper arrangements where such spaces are above the bulkhead deck.

65. (1) Where in any machinery space a fixed low-expansion foam fire extinguishing system is fitted in addition to the requirements of these Rules, such system shall be capable of discharging through fixed discharge outlets in not more than five minutes a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of 150 mm the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread. The system shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires. Means shall be provided for effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to suitable discharge outlets, and for the foam to be effectively directed by fixed sprayers on other main fire hazards in the protected space. The expansion ratio of the foam shall not exceed 12 to 1.

(2) The means of control of any such system shall be readily accessible and simple to operate and shall be grouped together in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut off by a fire in the protected space.

66. In every ship where a fixed extinguishing system not required by these Rules is provided, such a system shall be to the satisfaction of the Minister, shall be installed outside the space or spaces protected by such systems and shall be so arranged that a fire in the space or spaces protected will not put any such system out of action.

67. (1) Non-portable foam, carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall be of approved types and designs and shall meet the requirements of the Second, Third and Fourth Schedules to these Rules respectively.

(2) ( a ) Portable fire extinguishers (other than carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers) provided in compliance with these Rules shall, if they are of 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 Rules shall have a capacity of not less than 3 kilogrammes of carbon dioxide.

( c ) Portable dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall have a capacity of not less than 4.5 kilogrammes of dry powder.

( d ) Portable halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall have a capacity of not less than 7 kilogrammes of halogenated hydrocarbon.

( e ) Portable fire extinguishers of other types provided in compliance with these Rules shall be of not less than the fire extinguishing equivalent of a 9 litre fluid fire extinguisher.

(3) Portable halogenated hydrocarbon fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall use either bromochlorodifluoromethane (B.C.F.)/(Halon 1211) or bromotrifluoromethane (B.T.M.)/(Halon 1301) as the extinguishing medium.

(4) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules 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 Rules shall subject to paragraphs (2), (3) and (4) of this Rule, be of an approved type and design and shall meet the requirements of British Standard BS5423:1980.

(6) Portable and non portable fire extinguishers shall be periodically examined and subject to such tests as the Minister may require.

(7) Where portable dry powder fire extinguishers are provided in accordance with these Rules 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 these spaces.

(8) Portable carbon dioxide and halogenated hydrocarbon extinguishers shall not be located in accommodation spaces. Where such extinguishers are provided in compliance with these Rules 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 per cent of the net volume of the space. For the purpose of this Rule the volume of carbon dioxide shall be calculated at 0.56 metres³/kilogramme, the volume of Halon 1301 at 0.16 metres³/kilogramme and the volume of Halon 1211 at 0.14 metres³/kilogramme.

(9) Where portable halogenated hydrocarbon extinguishers are provided in compliance with these Rules in machinery spaces their number shall not exceed one half of the total number of extinguishers provided in such spaces.

(10) One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stored near the entrance to that space.

(11) Fire extinguishers provided for use in any ship to which these Rules apply shall not contain any extinguishing medium which has not been approved by the Minister.

(12) For the purposes of these Rules 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.

(13) For the purposes of these Rules the capacity of any fire extinguisher, other than a carbon dioxide or halogenated hydrocarbon 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.

(14) Every fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these Rules shall be kept fully charged at all times.

(15) Spare charges shall be provided to the extent of at least 50 per cent for each type of fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these Rules, 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.

68. Fire buckets

(1) Every fire bucket provided in compliance with these Rules shall be painted red and shall be clearly and permanently marked with the word "FIRE". Except in open ships, every such fire bucket shall be kept filled with sand or water.

(2) Except in open ships, fire buckets provided in compliance with these Rules shall not be used for any purpose other than extinguishing fire.

69. (1) Every firemen's outfit carried in compliance with these Rules shall consist of:

( a ) a breathing apparatus complying with the requirements specified in the Fifth Schedule to these Rules; and

( b ) personal equipment comprising:

(i) a portable self-contained electric battery-operated safety lamp of an approved type capable of functioning efficiently for a period of at least three hours;

(ii) a fireman's axe;

(iii) 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;

(iv) boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material; and

(v) 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, except as provided for by Rule 11(2) of these Rules, where more than one such outfits is provided, they shall be stored in widely separated positions.

70. (1) In every ship to which these Rules apply, there shall be provided:

( a ) means for stopping ventilation fans serving machinery, accommodation and cargo spaces;

( b ) means for closing all skylights, doorways, ventilators, annular spaces around funnels and other openings to such spaces; and

( c ) means to permit the release of smoke from machinery spaces.

Such means shall be capable of being operated from positions outside the said spaces and which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces.

(2) 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 and which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces. 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 such controls together with the controls required in paragraph (1) of this Rule shall be situated at one control position or grouped in as few positions as possible. Such controls shall have safe access from the open deck.

(3) Except as provided for in paragraph (4) of this Rule in every ship to which these Rules 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 securec 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 secured to the tank may be substituted. In the case of an oil fuel or lubricating oil deep tank situated in or adjacent to a shaft or pipe tunnel or similar space, a valve or valves (additional to the valve required to be fitted on the tank) may be fitted on the pipe line or lines outside the tunnel or tunnels or similar spaces to enable control to be exercised in the event of fire. Such valve if fitted in the machinery space shall be operated from a position outside the space.

(4) The valve or cock required by paragraph (3) of this Rule may be dispensed with in the case of a pipe connected to a lubricating oil tank fitted in a space other than a machinery space of Category 'A' provided that the safety of the ship is not impaired.

71. Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes the arrangements for storage, distribution and utilisation of the fuel shall be in accordance with Rule 55 of the Merchant Shipping (Cargo Ship Construction and Survey) Rules, 1985.

72. (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 "A" Class divisions and the sections of the ship which are enclosed by "B" Class divisions 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 Rule 70 of these Rules. Descriptions in such plans shall be in English.

(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 in relation to the ship the information referred to in paragraph (1) of this Rule as is applicable to the ship.

(3) The general arrangement plans required by this Rule shall be kept up-to-date, any alterations to general arrangements being recorded thereon without delay.

(4) A duplicate set of the general arrangement plans required by this Rule 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.

73. Fire appliances carried in any ship 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 Rules 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.

PART VI -- STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION: Passenger Ships

Ships of Classes I, II and II(A) carrying more than 36 passengers.

74. Rules 75 to 89 inclusive of this Part of these Rules applying to passenger ships of Classes I, II and II(A) carrying more than 36 passengers.

75. (1) The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material, except that the crowns and casings of machinery spaces of Category A shall be constructed only of steel.

(2) Where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following requirements shall apply:--

( a ) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of "A" Class divisions or "B" Class divisions, and supports of such divisions, shall be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during a standard fire test of 60 minutes duration in the case of an "A" Class division and 30 minutes duration in the case of a "B" Class divisions; and

( b ) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other structural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation areas, shall be such that the temperature rise limitation specified in sub-paragraph (2) (a) of this Rule shall apply for 60 minutes duration.

76. (1) The hull, superstructure and deckhouses shall be subdivided by bulkheads consisting of "A" Class divisions into main vertical zones except in respect of special category spaces or ro/ro cargo spaces to which Rule 87 of these Rules applies. The mean length of each zone on any one deck, above the bulkhead deck, shall not normally exceed 40 metres. Steps and recesses shall be kept to a minimum, but any which are necessary shall consist of "A" Class divisions. These divisions shall have insulation values in accordance with the tables at the end of Rule 78 of these Rules.

(2) Any portions of such divisions which extend above the bulkhead deck shall, whenever possible, be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulkhead deck, and shall extend from deck to deck and to the ship's shell and in the case of a deckhouse, to the external plating thereof.

(3) A main vertical zone may, for the purpose of Rule 86, be subdivided by horizontal "A" Class divisions into two or more parts provided that such horizontal divisions shall extend between adjacent main vertical zone bulkheads and to the shell or exterior boundaries of the ship and shall have insulation and integrity values in accordance with table 3 at the end of Rule 78 of these Rules.

(4) In ships designed for special purposes such as train services, where the provision of main vertical zone bulkheads would conflict with the purpose for which the ship is intended, the Minister may allow an equivalent means for controlling and limiting a fire to be substituted.

77. (1) Every bulkhead within the accommodation spaces or service spaces not being a bulkhead required by these Rules to consist of an "A" Class division, shall consist of a "B" Class division or "C" Class division as required by the tables at the end of Rule 78 of these Rules. All such divisions may be faced with combustible materials in accordance with Rule 84 of these Rules.

(2) All corridor bulkheads where not required to be "A" Class divisions shall be "B" Class divisions which shall extend from deck to deck except that:--

( a ) when continuous "B" Class ceilings and/or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, the portion of the bulkhead behind the continuous ceiling or lining shall be of material which in thickness and composition meets the requirements of "B" Class divisions, but which is required to meet "B" Class fire integrity standards only so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Minister, and

( b ) in the case of a ship protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules the corridor bulkheads of "B" Class materials may terminate at ceiling in the corridor, provided that such a ceiling is of material which in thickness and composition meets the requirements of "B" Class divisions, not withstanding the requirement of Rule 78 of these Rules, such bulkheads and ceilings shall be required to meet "B" Class fire integrity standards only so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Minister; all doors and their frames in such bulkheads shall be of non-combustible materials and shall be constructed and erected so as to provide substantial fire resistance to the satisfaction of the Minister.

(3) Every bulkhead required to be a "B" Class division, except a corridor bulkhead, shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries unless continuous "B" Class ceilings and/or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead in which case the bulkhead may terminate at the continuous ceiling and/or lining.

78. (1) In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of these Rules, the minimum fire integrity and insulation standards of all bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in paragraphs (2) to (5) of this Rule and the tables at the end of this Rule.

(2) Where, due to any particular structural arrangement in the ship, there may be doubt in determining from the tables the minimum firo integrity and insulation standard of any division, such standard shall be determined to the satisfaction of the Minister.

(3) The following requirements shall govern application of the tables:--

( a ) table 1 shall apply to bulkheads bounding main vertical zones or horizontal zones;

table 2 shall apply to bulkheads not bounding either main vertical zones or horizontal zones;

table 3 shall apply to decks forming steps in main vertical zones or bounding horizontal zones;

table 4 shall apply to decks not forming steps in main vertical zones nor bounding horizontal zones; and

( b ) for the purpose of determining the appropriate fire integrity and insulation standards to be applied to boundaries between adjacent spaces, such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in categories (1) to (14) below; the title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive; where the contents and use of a space are such that there may be doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this Rule, it shall be treated as a space within the relevant category having the most stringent boundary requirements; the number in parentheses preceding each category refers to the applicable column or row numbers in the tables:--

(1) control stations and similar spaces are control stations as defined in Rule 1 (2) of these Rules; spaces containing centralized emergency public address systems and equipment;

(2) Stairways include interior stairways, lifts and escalators and enclosures thereto (other than those wholly contained within machinery spaces) for passengers or crew; a stairway which is enclosed at only one level shall be regarded as part of the space from which it is not separated by a fire door;

(3) corridors include passenger and crew space corridors and lobbies;

(4) lifeboat and liferaft handling and embarkation stations include open deck spaces and enclosed promenades forming lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations;

(5) open deck spaces include:

open deck spaces and enclosed promenades clear of lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations;

the air space outside superstructures and deckhouses;

(6) accommodation spaces of minor fire risk are:

cabins which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk as defined in Rule 1 (2);

public spaces which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk as defined in Rule 1 (2) and having a deck area of less than 50 square metres;

offices and dispensaries which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk as defined in Rule 1 (2);

(7) accommodation and service spaces of moderate fire risk are:

spaces listed in category (6) but which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk;

public spaces which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk as defined in Rule 1 (2) and having a deck area of 50 square metres or more;

lockers and store rooms within accommodation spaces having a deck area of less than 4 square metres in which no flamable liquids are stowed; sale shops;

motion picture projection and film storage rooms; laboratories in which no flamable liquids are stowed;

pharmacies;

drying rooms having a deck area of less than 4 square metres;

(8) accommodation spaces of greater fire risk are:

public spaces which are rooms containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk and having a deck area of 50 square metres or more;

hairdressing salons and beauty parlours;

(9) sanitary and similar spaces are:

communal sanitary facilities, showers, baths and water closets;

laundry rooms having a deck area of less than 6 square metres; indoor swimming pool areas; operating theatres;

pantries containing no cooking appliances and not annexed to galleys;

private sanitary facilities shall be considered part of the accommodation space in which they are located;

(10) tanks, voids and auxiliary machinery spaces having little or no fire risk include:

water tanks forming part of the ship's structure;

voids and cofferdams;

auxiliary machinery spaces which do not contain machinery having a pressure lubricated system and where storage of combustibles is prohibited, such as:--

a ventilation and air-conditioning room; windlass room; steering gear room; stabilizer equipment room; electrical propulsion motor room; a room containing section switchboards and purely electrical equipment other than oil-filled electrical transformers (above 10 kVA); shaft and pipe tunnels; spaces for pumps and refrigeration machinery not using flammable liquids; closed trunks serving the spaces listed in this paragraph; other closed trunks such as pipe and cable trunks;

(11) auxiliary machinery spaces, cargo spaces, special category spaces, cargo and other oil tanks and other spaces of moderate fire risk are;

cargo oil tanks;

cargo holds, ro/ro cargo spaces, trunkways and hatchways; refrigerated chambers;

oil fuel tanks where installed in a separate space with no machinery;

shaft and pipe tunnels allowing storage of combustibles;

auxiliary machinery spaces specified in category (10) which contain machinery having a pressure lubricated system or where storage of combustibles is permitted;

oil fuel filling stations;

spaces containing oil-filled electrical transformers (above 10 kVA);

spaces containing turbine and reciprocating steam engine driven auxiliary generators and small internal combustion engines of power output up to 110 kilowatts driving emergency generators, sprinkler pumps, drencher pumps or fire pumps, bilge pumps, etc; special category spaces (tables 1 and 3 at the end of this Rule only apply);

closed trunks serving the auxiliary machinery spaces listed in this category;

(12) machinery spaces and galleys are:

main propelling machinery rooms other than electrical propulsion motor rooms; boiler rooms; auxiliary machinery spaces, other than those in Categories 10 and 11, which contain internal combustion machinery or other oil-burning, heating or pumping units;

galleys and annexes;

pantries containing cooking appliances;

trunks and casings to the spaces listed in this category;

(13) store-rooms, workshops and similar spaces are:

laundry rooms having a deck area of 6 square metres or more; drying-rooms having a deck area of 4 square metres or more;

lockers and store rooms not containing flammable liquids, other than those within accommodation spaces having a deck area of less than 4 square metres;

mail and baggage rooms;

workshops not part of machinery spaces or galleys;

(14) spaces in which flammable liquids are stowed include:

lamp rooms;

paint rooms;

store-rooms containing flammable liquids (including dyes, medicines, or portable spirits);

laboratories in which flammable liquids are stowed;

(c) where a single value is shown for the fire integrity of a division between two spaces, that value shall apply in all cases;

(d) in determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a division between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is not protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules or between such zones neither of which is so protected, the higher of the two values given in the tables set out in this Rule shall apply;

(e) in determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a division between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules, or between such zones both of which are so protected, the lesser of the two values given in the tables set out in this Rule shall apply; where a main vertical zone or horizontal zone provided with a sprinkler system and a main vertical or horizontal zone not provided with such a system meet within accommodation and service spaces, the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply to the division between the zones;

(f) where adjacent spaces are in the same numerical category and the superscription a appears in the tables set out at the end of this Rule, a bulkhead or deck between such spaces need not be fitted if in the opinion of the Minister it is unnecessary;

(g) where the superscription b appears in the tables set out at the end of this Rule, the lesser insulation value may be permitted but only if at least one of the adjoining spaces is protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules;

(h) where a dash appears in the tables set out at the end of this Rule, no special requirements for material or integrity of boundaries are required; and

(i) the Minister may, in resepct of category (5) spaces, permit lower standards than the integrity values in tables 1 or 2, set out at the end of this Rule, for the ends of deckhouses and superstructures, and the integrity values in tables 3 or 4 for weather decks; the requirements of tables 1 to 4 in respect of category (5) shall not necessitate enclosure of spaces which, in the opinion of the Minister, need not be enclosed.

(4) Continuous "B" Class ceilings or linings, in association with the relevant decks or bulkheads, may be accepted as contributing wholly or in part, to the required insulation and integrity of a division.

(5) The integrity of "A" Class divisions shall be maintained at the intersections and boundaries of such divisions.

TABLE 1--Bulkheads bounding main vertical zones or horizontal zones

TABLE 2--Bulkheads Not Bounding Either Main Vertical Zones nor Horizontal Zones

TABLE 3--Decks Forming Steps in Main Vertical Zones or Bounding Horizontal Zones

TABLE 4--Decks not Forming Steps in Main Vertical Zones nor Bounding Horizontal Zones

79. (1) All stairways shall be of steel frame construction, except where the Minister may approve the use of other equivalent material, and shall be within enclosures formed of "A" Class divisions, except that:--

(a) an isolated stairway connecting only two decks need not be enclosed on both decks provided that the integrity of the deck is maintained by bulkheads or doors at one between-deck space; when a stairway is closed at one between-deck space, the stairway enclosure shall have the same integrity standard as is required by the tables at the end of Rule 78 for the deck which separates the between-deck spaces; and

(b) stairways may be fitted within the open part of a public space, provided that they lie wholly within such public space.

(2) Every opening in a stairway enclosure shall be provided with a means of closure which shall be permanently attached thereto.

(3) Every stairway enclosure shall have direct communication with the corridors and be of sufficient area to prevent congestion, having regard to the number of persons likely to use it in an emergency. In so far as practicable, stairway enclosures shall not give direct access to cabins, service lockers, or other enclosed spaces containing combustibles in which a fire is likely to originate.

(4) Every lift trunk shall be so fitted as to prevent the passage of smoke and flame from one between-deck to another and shall be provided with means of closing so as to permit the control of draught and smoke.

80. (1) Where an "A" Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, girders, beams or for other purposes, the arragnements shall be such that the effectiveness of the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired except as provided in paragraph (7) of this Rule.

(2) Where ventilation ducts pass through "A" Class divisions the requirements of Rule 82 shall apply.

(3) Except for hatches between special category spaces or ro/ro cargo spaces within a single horizontal zone, or hatches between cargo spaces or stores or baggage spaces, and hatches between such spaces and the weather decks, every opening shall be provided with permanently attached means of closing which shall be at least as effective for resisting fire as the division in which it is fitted.

(4) Every door and door frame in an "A" Class division shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material and the means of securing the door when closed shall provide resistance to fire as well as to the passage of smoke and flame, as far as practicable, equivalent to that of the bulkhead in which the door is situated; provided that a watertight door shall not be required to be insulated.

(5) Any door in such a division shall be so constructed that it can be opened and closed by one person from either side of the division.

(6) Every door in a division constructed in compliance with Rules 76 (1) and 79 (1) of these Rules, except a watertight door or one which is normally locked shut, shall be self-closing and capable of closing against an adverse inclination of up to 3.5 degrees. The speed of door closure shall be controlled so as to prevent undue danger to personnel. All such doors which are held in the open position shall be capable of release from a control station, either simultaneoudly or in groups, and also individually from a position at the door. The release mechanism shall be so designed that the door will automatically close in the event of disruption of the control system; except that this requirement shall not apply to a watertight door. Hold-back hooks, not subject to control station release, are not permitted.

(7) Where a space is protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules, or fitted with a continuous "B" Class ceiling, the closing of openings in decks not forming steps in main vertical zones or bounding horizontal zones shall be reasonably tight and such decks shall meet the "A" Class integrity requirements in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Minister.

(8) The requirements for "A" Class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship shall not apply to glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles, subject to the requirements of Rule 83. The requirements for "A" Class integrity shall not apply to exterior doors in superstructures and deckhouses, except that doors opening on to lifeboat and liferaft handling and embarkation areas shall be of such construction as to protect these areas from a space having a potential fire hazard.

81. (1) Where a "B" Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, girders, beams or for other purposes the arrangements shall be such that the effectiveness of the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired except as provided in paragraph (4) of this Rule. Where ventilation ducts pass through "B" Class divisions the requirements of Rule 82 (II) shall apply.

(2) Doors and door frames in "B" Class divisions and the means of securing them shall provide a method of closure which shall have resistance to fire as far as practicable equivalent to the division, except that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower portion of such doors. Where such opening is in or under a door, the total net area of any such opening or openings shall not exceed 0.05 square metre. When such opening is cut in a door, it shall be fitted with a grille made of steel and shall be capable of being manually closed from each side of the door. Doors shall be non-combustible.

(3) The requirements for "B" Class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship shall not apply to glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles subject to the requirements of Rule 83. The requirements for "B" Class integrity shall not apply to exterior doors in superstructures and deckhouses, except that doors opening on to lifeboat and liferaft handling and embarkation areas shall be of such construction as to protect these areas from a space having a potential fire hazard.

(4) Where an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules is fitted:--

( a ) the closing of openings in decks need only meet the "B" Class integrity requirements in so far as is reasonable and practicable;

( b ) openings in corridor bulkheads of "B" Class materials shall be protected in accordance with the provisions of Rule 77 of these Rules.

82. (1)Wherever practicable the system of ducts leading from each ventilation fan shall be within one main vertical or horizontal zone.

(2) Where, of necessity, a ventilation duct passes through a main vertical zone bulkhead, a fail-safe automatic closing fire damper shall be fitted adjacent to the bulkhead. The damper shall also be capable of being manually closed from each side of the bulkhead. The operating position shall be readily accessible and marked in a red light-reflecting colour. The duct between the bulkhead and the damper shall be of steel or other equivalent material and be insulated to a standard to comply with paragraph (1) of Rule 80. The damper shall be fitted with a visible indicator at each operating position showing whether the damper is in the open or shut position.

(3) Where ventilation systems penetrate decks precautions shall be taken, in addition to those relating to the fire integrity of the decks required by paragraph (1) of Rule 80, to reduce the likelihood of smoke and hot gases passing from one between-deck space to another through the system. In addition to insulation requirements contained in this Rule, vertical ducts shall be insulated as required by the tables at the end of Rule 78.

(4) Ducts serving a stairway enclosure shall be taken from the fan room independently of other ducts in the ventilation system and shall not serve any other space.

(5) There shall be provided for every control station situated below deck, other than a control station situated in the machinery space, means to ensure ventilation, visibility and freedom from smoke within it so that, in the event of a fire in the ship, the equipment it contains may be operated effectively. Unless a control station is situated on, and has access to, an open deck or is provided with local closing arrangements equally effective to maintain ventilation, visibility and freedom from smoke in the event of a fire in the ship, there shall be provided at least two entirely separate means of supplying air to such control stations and the air inlets to these sources of supply shall be so situated that the risk of both drawing in smoke simultaneously is, as far practicable, eliminated.

(6) Ventilation ducts except those in cargo spaces, shall be constructed as follows:--

( a ) ducts not less than 0.075 square metre in sectional area and all vertical ducts serving more than a single between-deck space shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material;

( b ) subject to the requirements of sub-paragraph (c) and of paragraphs (8) and (9), ducts of less than 0.075 square metre in sectional area other than vertical ducts referred to in subparagraph (a) shall be constructed of non-combustible materials; where such ducts penetrate "A" class divisions or "B" class divisions the fire integrity of such divisions shall be maintained and

( c ) ducts, not exceeding 0.02 square metre in sectional area nor 2 metres in length, need not be non-combustible provided that the following conditions are satisfied:--

(i) the ducts are constructed of suitable material having regard to the risk of fire;

(ii) the ducts are used only at the terminal ends of the ventilation system; and

(iii) the ducts are not located closer than 0.6 metre along their lengths to penetrations of "A" Class divisions or "B" Class divisions.

(7) Ducts provided for the ventilation of machinery spaces of Category A, galleys, ro/ro cargo spaces or special category spaces shall not pass through accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations unless the ducts are either:--

( a ) (i) constructed of steel having a thickness of at least 3 millimetres and 5 millimetres for ducts the widths or diameters of which are up to and including 300 millimetres and 760 millimetres and over respectively and, in the case of such ducts, the widths or diameters of which are between 300 and 760 millimetres having a thickness to be obtained by interpolation; and

(ii) suitably supported and stiffened; and

(iii) fitted close to the boundaries penetrated with automatic fail-safe fire dampers, which are also capable of being manually; and

(iv) insulated to "A-60" standard from the machinery space, galley, ro/ro cargo space or special category space to a point at least 5 metres beyond each file damper; or

( b ) (i) constructed of steel in accordance with (a) (i) and (ii) of this paragraph; and

(ii) insulated to "A-60" standard throughout the accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations; except that penetrations of main zone bulkheads or decks shall comply with the requirements of Rule 80 of these Rules.

(8) Ducts providing ventilation to accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations shall not pass through machinery spaces of Category A, galleys, ro/ro cargo spaces or special category spaces unless either:--

( a ) (i) the ducts where they pass through a machinery space of Category A, galley, ro/ro cargo space or special category space are constructed of steel in accordance with subparagraphs (7) (a) (i) and (ii) of this Rule; and

(ii) automatic fail-safe fire dampers, which are also capable of being closed manually, are fitted close to the boundaries penetrated; and

(iii) the integrity of the boundaries of the machinery space, galley, ro/ro cargo space or special category space is maintained at the penetrations; or

( b ) (i) the ducts where they pass through a machinery space of Category A, galley, ro/ro cargo space or special category space are constructed of steel in accordance with subparagraphs (7) (a) (i) and (ii) of this Rule; and

(ii) the ducts are insulated to "A-60" standard within the machinery space, galley, ro/ro cargo space or special category space;

except that penetrations of main zone bulkheads and decks shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (2) of this Rule.

(9) Exhaust ducts from galley ranges, where they pass through accommodation spaces or spaces containing combustible materials shall be constructed of "A" Class divisions. Every such exhaust dust shall be fitted with:--

( a ) a grease trap readily removable for cleaning;

( b ) an automatic fail-safe fire damper located in the lower end of the duct;

( c ) arrangements, operable from within the galley, for shutting off the exhaust fan; and

( d ) a fixed means of extinguishing a fire within the duct using either carbon dioxide or a water spray system.

In addition to complying with sub-paragraph (b) above, galley ventilation ducts shall also comply with paragraph (7) of this Rule.

(10) Where a ventilation duct of sectional area exceeding 0.02 square metre passes through an "A" Class bulkhead or deck, the opening in the bulkhead or deck shall be lined with a steel sleeve unless the duct, where it passes through the bulkhead or deck, is constructed of steel. At the penetration the sleeve or duct shall comply with the following specification:--

( a ) the duct or sleeve shall have a thickness of at least 3 millimetres over a length of 900 millimetres and as far as possible one half of that length shall be on each side of the bulkhead or deck; the duct or sleeve shall be insulated so as to maintain the standard of fire integrity of the bulkhead or deck; and

( b ) every duct shall be fitted with a fire damper which is capable of being closed manually from each side of the divisions, unless the Minister determines otherwise; in every duct of sectional area exceeding 0.075 square metre the fire damper shall also operate automatically; the operating position shall be readily accessible and be marked in a red light-reflecting colour; the damper shall be fitted with a visible indicator showing whether the damper is in the open or shut position; fire dampers are not required, however, where ducts pass through spaces surrounded by "A" Class divisions without serving these spaces, provided that those ducts have the same fire integrity and insulation value as the divisions which they pierce; where divisions have differing "A" Class standards the ducts shall be of the higher standard.

(11) Where a ventilation duct of sectional area exceeding 0.02 square metre passes through a "B" Class division, the opening shall be lined with a steel sleeve of 900 millimetres in length unless the duct, where it passes through the division, is constructed of steel. One half of this length shall as far as possible be on each side of the division.

83. (1) All windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces and control stations other than those to which paragraph (8) of Rule 80 and paragraph (3) of Rule 81 of these Rules apply, shall be constructed so as to preserve the integrity requirements of the type of bulkheads in which they are fitted.

(2) Notwithstanding the requirements of the tables set out at the end of Rule 78 of these Rules the following shall apply--

( a ) all windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads separating accommodation and service spaces and control stations from weather shall be constructed with frames of steel or other suitable materials; the glass shall be retained by a metal glazing bead or angle; and

( b ) the fire integrity of windows facing open or enclosed lifeboat and liferaft embarkation areas and of windows situated below such areas in such a position that their failure during a fire would impede the launching of, or embarkation into, lifeboats or liferafts shall be such that any potential fire hazard is kept to a minimum.

84. (1) The following surfaces shall be such that a surface spread of flame of Class I will not be exceeded:--

( a ) exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures; and

( b ) within all accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations:--

(i) bulkheads, wall and ceiling linings; and

(ii) concealed or inaccessible spaces.

(2) Within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations the following shall apply:--

( a ) the total volume of combustible facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers shall not exceed a volume equivalent to 2.5 millimetres of veneer on the combined area of walls and ceilings; in the case of ships fitted with an automatic sprinkler, fire alarm and fire detection system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules the above volume may include some combustible material used for the erection of "C" Class divisions;

( b ) veneers used on surfaces and linings to which paragraph (1) applies shall not have a gross calorific potential exceeding 45 megajoules per square metre of surface area for the thickness used as measured in accordance with the method specified in International Standard ISO 1716-1973(E), or with any International or British Standard replacing the same which the Minister considers relevant from time to time and specifies in a Marine Notice;

( c ) furniture in the corridors and stairway enclosures shall be kept to a minimum;

( d ) primary deck coverings shall be of approved material which will not readily ignite or give rise to toxic or explosive hazards at elevated temperatures; and

( e ) waste paper receptacles shall be constructed of non-combustible materials and with solid sides and bottoms.

(3) Within accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces the following shall apply:--

( a ) all ceilings, linings, draught stops and insulating materials shall be of non-combustible materials except in respect of:--

(i) mail rooms and baggage rooms;

(ii) materials used to insulate refrigerated compartments;

(iii) materials used to insulate values associated with hot and cold service systems provided that their exposed surfaces are such that a surface spread of flame of Class I will not be exceeded; and

(iv) vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulating materials, if their exposed surfaces are such that a surface spread of flame of Class I will not be exceeded; and

( b ) paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces shall not be capable of producing excessive quantities of smoke and toxic products.

85. (1) The following provisions shall apply to all parts of the ship:--

( a ) any pipe which penetrates an "A" Class division or "B" Class division shall be of suitable material having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand;

( b ) pipes intended for oil or other flammable liquids shall be of suitable material having regard to the risk of fire;

( c ) overboard scuppers, sanitary discharges or other outlets close to or below the waterline shall not be of a material likely to fail in the event of fire and thereby give rise to a danger of flooding; and

( d ) in spaces where penetration of oil products is possible the exposed surface of insulation shall be impervious to oil or oil vapours.

(2) The following provisions shall apply to the accommodation spaces, service spaces, and control stations:

( a ) every air space enclosed behind a ceiling, panel or lining, shall be divided longitudinally and transversely by close fitting draught stops which shall be spaced not more than 14 metres apart and shall be closed at each deck;

( b ) every ceiling and lining shall be so constructed as to enable a fire patrol to detect any smoke originating in a concealed or inaccessible space without impairing the efficiency of the fire protection of the ship; the Minister may exempt any ship from the requirements of this Rule if he is satisfied that there is no risk of fire originating in such a space;

( c ) electric space heaters shall be fixed in position and shall be so constructed as to reduce risk of fire to a minimum, no such heater shall be fitted with an element so exposed that clothing, curtains or similar materials can be scorched or set on fire by heat from the element;

( d ) cellulose-nitrate film shall not be used for cinematograph installations.

86. (1) In every ship there shall be installed in all accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations throughout each separate main vertical zone or, if a main vertical zone is divided horizontally in accordance with Rule 76(3) into parts, throughout each part vertical zone either:--

( a ) an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements specified in the Seventh Schedule to these Rules and so arranged as to protect all such spaces in the ship; or

( b ) a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements specified in the Eleventh Schedule to these Rules and so arranged as to detect the presence or the signs of a fire and its location in any such spaces.

(2) The Minister may exempt any ship from the requirements of this Rule in respect of:

( a ) any spaces which afford no substantial fire risk; or

( b ) any control station.

87. The following provisions shall apply to special category spaces and ro/ro cargo spaces whether above or below the bulkhead deck:--

( a ) if it is not practicable to divide such spaces into main vertical zones, equivalent protection shall be obtained by dividing such spaces into horizontal zones; such a horizontal zone for the purpose of this Rule may include special category spaces or ro/ro cargo spaces on more than one deck provided that the total overall clear height for vehicles does not exceed 10 metres, the bulkheads and decks forming the boundaries of such a horizontal zone shall be insulated respectively as required for Category (11) spaces in tables 1 and 3 at the end of Rule 78 of these Rules;

( b ) the requirements of Rules 80 and 82 of these Rules for maintaining the integrity of vertical zones shall apply to bulkheads and decks forming the boundaries separating horizontal zones from each other and from the remainder of the ship;

( c ) a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements specified in the Ninth Schedule to these Rules shall be provided;

( d ) indicators shall be provided on the navigating bridges which ahall show when any access fire door in the boundary of a special category space or ro/ro cargo space is closed; and

( e ) the outlet from any exhaust ventilation duct shall be sited in a safe position having regard to possible sources of ignition; ventilation ducts, including dampers, shall be of steel and arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of the ventilation system in case of fire.

88. In every ship the following provisions shall apply to any cargo space, other than a special category space or ro/ro cargo space, containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion:--

( a ) a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements specified in the Eleventh Schedule or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the Twelfth Schedule to these Regulations shall be provided;

( b ) a fixed pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements specified in the Ninth Schedule or a fixed gas fire extinguishing system complying with the requirements specified in the Tenth Schedule to these Rules shall be provided and

( c ) the outlet from any exhaust ventilation duct shall be sited in a safe position having regard to possible sources of ignition; ventilation ducts, including dampers, shall be of steel.

89. The following provisions shall apply to machinery spaces:----

( a ) the number of openings to machinery spaces shall be the minimum compatible with the proper working of the ship;

( b ) windows shall not be fitted in machinery space boundaries;

( c ) doors in the boundaries of machinery spaces of Category A, other than watertight doors and the fire-screen door referred to in paragraph (d), shall be arranged so that the closure of the door will be assured in the event of fire in the space; and the doors shall be provided with closing arrangements which either comply with Rule 80 (6) of these Rules or are provided with power operated closing arrangements operable from the control position required by Rule 70 (2) of these Rules; and

( d ) any machinery space of Category A which is accessible from an adjacent shaft tunnel shall be provided with a lightweight steel fire-screen door in addition to any watertight door; the fire-screen door shall be operable from each side and shall be located at the shaft tunnel side of the bulkhead.

Ships of Classes I, II and II(A) Carrying not More than 36 Passengers

90. Rules 91 to 105 inclusive of this Part of these Rules apply to passenger ships of Classes I, II and II(A) carrying not more than 36 passengers.

91. (1) The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material, except that the crowns and casings of machinery spaces of Category A shall be constructed only of steel.

(2) Where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following requirements shall apply:--

( a ) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of "A" Class divisions or "B" Class divisions, and supports of such divisions, shall be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during a standard fire test of 60 minutes duration in the case of an "A" Class division and 30 minutes in the case of a "B" Class division; and

( b ) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other structural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation areas, shall be such that the temperature rise limitation specified in subparagraph (a) of this Rule shall apply for 60 minutes duration.

92. (1) The hull, superstructure and deckhouses in the way of accommodation and service spaces shall be subdivided by bulkheads consisting of A Class divisions into main vertical zones. The mean length of each zone on any one deck above the bulkhead deck shall not exceed 40 metres. Steps and recesses shall be kept to a minimum, but any which are necessary shall consist of "A" Class divisions. These divisions shall have insulation values in accordance with the tables at the end of Rule 94, except that where insulation values of "B-0" and "C" appear in table 5 the value of "A-0" shall be substituted.

(2) Any portions of such divisions which extend above the bulkhead deck shall, whenever possible, be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulkhead deck and shall extend from deck to deck and to the ship's shell, and, in the case of a deckhouse, to the external plating thereof.

(3) A main vertical zone may, for the purpose of Rule 102, be sub-divided by horizontal "A" Class divisions into two or more parts provided that such horizontal divisions shall extend between adjacent main vertical zone bulkheads and to the shell or exterior boundaries of the ship and shall be insulated in accordance with the fire insulation and integrity values given in table 6 at the end of Rule 94 of these Rules.

(4) In ships designed for special purposes, such as train services, where the provision of main vertical zone bulkheads would conflict with the purpose for which the ship is intended, the Minister may allow an equivalent means for controlling and limiting a fire to be substituted.

93. (1) Every bulkhead within the accommodation spaces or service spaces not being a bulkhead required by these Rules to consist of an "A" Class division, shall consist of a "B" Class division or a "C" Class division as prescribed in the tables at the end of Rule 94. All such divisions may be faced with combustible materials in accordance with the provisions of Rule 100 of these Rules.

(2) All corridor bulkheads where not required to be "A" Class divisions, shall be "B" Class divisions, which shall extend from deck to deck except that:--

( a ) when continuous "B" Class ceilings and/or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, the portion of the bulkhead behind the continuous ceiling or lining shall be of a material which in thickness and composition meets the requirements of "B" Class divisions, but which is required to meet "B" Class fire integrity standards only as far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Minister; and

( b ) in the case of a ship protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules a corridor bulkhead of "B" Class integrity may terminate at a ceiling in the corridor, provided that such a ceiling is of a material which, in thickness and composition, is acceptable in the construction of "B" Class divisions; notwithstanding the requirements of Rule 94, such bulkheads and ceilings are required to meet "B" Class fire integrity standard only as far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Minister; all doors and their frames in such bulkheads shall be of non-combustible materials and shall be constructed and erected so as to provide adequate fire resistance to the satisfaction of the Minister.

(3) Every bulkhead required to be a "B" Class division, except a corridor bulkhead, shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries unless continuous "B" Class ceilings and/or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulkhead, in which case the bulkhead may terminate at the countinuous ceiling and/or lining.

94. (1) In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks of these Rules, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in paragraphs (2) to (5) of this Rule and the tables at the end of this Rule.

(2) Where, due to any particular structural arrangement in the ship, there may be doubt in determining from the tables the minimum fire integrity and insulation standard of any division, such a standard shall be determined to the satisfaction of the Minister.

(3) The following requirements shall govern application of the tables:--

( a ) tables 5 and 6 shall apply respectively to the bulkheads and decks separating adjacent spaces:

( b ) for the purpose of determining the appropriate fire integrity and insulation standards to be applied to boundaries between adjacent spaces, such spaces are classified according to their fire risk as shown in categories (1A) to (11A) below; the title of each category is intended to be typical rather than restrictive; the number in parentheses preceding each category refers to the applicable column or row numbers in the tables:--

(1A) control stations and similar spaces are:--

control stations as defined in Rule 1(2) of these Rules; spaces containing centralised emergency public address systems and equipment,

(2A) corridors include passenger and crew space corridors and lobbies;

(3A) accommodation spaces are:

spaces as defined in Rule 1(2) of these Rules but excluding stairways, corridors and lobbies;

(4A) stairways include interior stairways, lifts and escalators and enclosures thereto (other than those wholly contained within the machinery spaces); a stairway which is enclosed only at one level shall be regarded as part of the space from which it is not separated by a fire door;

(5A) service spaces of low risk are lockers and storerooms having areas of less than 2 square metres, drying rooms and laundries;

(6A) machinery spaces of Category A;

(7A)other machinery spaces;

(8A) cargo spaces as defined in Rule 1 (2) and including trunkways and hatchways to such spaces, but excluding special category spaces and ro/ro cargo spaces;

(9A) service spaces of high risk are galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, paint and lamp rooms, lockers and storerooms having areas of 2 square metres or more and workshops other than those forming part of the machinery spaces;

(10A) open decks are:

open deck spaces, enclosed promenades having no fire risk, and the air space outside superstructures and deckhouses;

(11A) special category spaces etc. are: special category spaces and ro/ro cargo spaces as defined respectively in Rule 1 (2) of these Rules;

( c ) where a single value is shown for the fire integrity of a boundary between two spaces, that value shall apply in all cases;

( d ) in determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a boundary between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is not protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules or between such zones neither of which is so protected the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply;

( e ) in determining the applicable fire integrity standard of a boundary between two spaces within a main vertical zone or horizontal zone which is protected by an automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of the Seventh Schedule to these Rules or between such zones both of which are so protected, the lesser of the two values given in the tables shall apply; where a sprinklered zone and a non-sprinklered zone meet within accommodation and service spaces, the higher of the two values given in the table shall apply to the division between the zones;

( f ) where adjacent spaces are of the same numerical category and superscription a is specified a bulkhead or deck of the rating shown in the tables is only required when such spaces are used for different purposes;

( g ) bulkheads separating the wheelhouse and chartroom from each other may be "B-0" rating;

( h ) for the application of paragraph (1) of Rule 92 of these Rules "B-0" and "C" where appearing in table 5 shall be read as "A-0";

( i ) where an asterisk is specified in the tables, the division is required to be of steel or equivalent material but is not required to be of "A" Class standard; for the application of paragraph (1) of Rule 92 of these Rules an asterisk where appearing in table 6, except categories (8A) and (10A), shall be read as "A-0".

(4) Continuous "B" Class ceilings or linings, in association with the relevant decks or bulkheads, may be accepted as contributing, wholly or in part, to the required insulation and integrity of a division.

(5) The integrity of "A" Class divisions shall be maintained at intersections and boundaries.

TABLE 5--Fire Integrity of Bulkheads Separating Adjacent Spaces