SOLAS-2012

Chapter II-2, Part C
SOLAS 74/78
page 62/112
.1 in passenger ships:
.1.1 of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards such that at least one effective jet of water is
immediately available from any hydrant in an interior location and so as to ensure the continuation
of the output of water by the automatic starting of one required fire pump;
.1.2 of less than 1,000 gross tonnage by automatic start of at least one fire pump or by remote
starting from the navigation bridge of at least one fire pump. If the pump starts automatically or if
the bottom valve cannot be opened from where the pump is remotely started, the bottom valve
shall always be kept open; and
.1.3 if fitted with periodically unattended machinery spaces in accordance with regulation II-1/54,
the Administration shall determine provisions for fixed water fire-extinguishing arrangement for
such spaces equivalent to those required for normally attended machinery spaces;
.2 in cargo ships:
.2.1 to the satisfaction of the Administration; and
.2.2 with a periodically unattended machinery space or when only one person is required on
watch, there shall be immediate water delivery from the fire main system at a suitable pressure,
either by remote starting of one of the main fire pumps with remote starting from the navigating
bridge and fire control station, if any, or permanent pressurization of the fire main system by one of
the main fire pumps, except that the Administration may waive this requirement for cargo ships of
less than 1,600 gross tonnage if the fire pump starting arrangement in the machinery space is in an
easily accessible position.
2.1.3 Diameter of fire mains
The diameter of the fire main and water service pipes shall be sufficient for the effective distribution of
the maximum required discharge from two fire pumps operating simultaneously, except that in the case of
cargo ships the diameter need only be sufficient for the discharge of 140 m 3 /h.
2.1.4 Isolating valves and relief valves
2.1.4.1 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 an easily accessible and tenable
position outside the machinery spaces. 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 another fire pump or an emergency fire pump. The emergency fire pump, its
seawater inlet, and suction and delivery pipes and isolating valves shall be located outside the machinery
space. If this arrangement cannot be made, the sea-chest may be fitted in the machinery space if the
valve is remotely controlled from a position in the same compartment as the emergency fire pump and the
suction pipe is as short as practicable. Short lengths of suction or discharge piping may penetrate the
machinery space, provided they are enclosed in a substantial steel casing, or are insulated to A-60 class
standards. The pipes shall have substantial wall thickness, but in no case less than 11 mm, and shall be
welded except for the flanged connection to the sea inlet valve.
2.1.4.2 A valve shall be fitted to serve each fire hydrant so that any fire hose may be removed while the
fire pumps are in operation.
2.1.4.3 Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with fire pumps if the pumps are capable of
developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the water service pipes, hydrants and hoses.
These valves shall be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main
system.