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Vessel Fire Safety Regulations (SOR/2017-14)

Regulations are current to 2024-03-06 and last amended on 2022-11-23. Previous Versions

PART 1Chapter II-2 of SOLAS and Modifications (continued)

Requirements (continued)

Regulation 10 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS — Firefighting (continued)

 Every fire hydrant must be installed so that

  • (a) a fire hose can be easily connected to it;

  • (b) it is limited to a position from the horizontal to the vertical pointing downward, so that the fire hose will lead horizontally or downward in order to minimize the possibility of kinking; and

  • (c) there is sufficient clearance below it to accommodate the radius of bend of the fire hose under pressure and to allow deployment of the hose in every direction.

International Shore Connection

 The international shore connection required by regulation 10.2.1.7 must be stored on the vessel so as to be readily accessible. A notice in English and French indicating the connection’s location and the maximum working pressure of the piping system must be posted on the vessel.

Fire Pumps

 In addition to the requirements of regulation 10.2.2, the following requirements must be met in respect of a vessel’s fire pumps:

  • (a) if the vessel is fitted with two or more power-driven fire pumps, a non-return valve must be fitted to the discharge line of each pump to prevent water from backing through the pump when it is not operating;

  • (b) a power-driven fire pump must be self-priming and fitted with pressure gauges on their suction and discharge sides;

  • (c) a manual fire pump must be operable without the need for manual priming and must be capable of delivering a jet of water of at least 12 m from the nozzle;

  • (d) a fire pump’s sea connection must have arrangements to prevent blockage of the connection’s inlet by ice, slush and debris; and

  • (e) a fire pump must not have an impeller that can be damaged by heat from the pump or by the pump running dry.

 If a bilge pump is used as a fire pump as permitted by regulation 10.2.2.1, the bilge pumping system and the fire pumping system must be capable of simultaneous operation.

  •  (1) One of the fire pumps required by regulation 10.2.2.2 may be manually operated if the vessel is not a Safety Convention vessel, is of less than 1 000 gross tonnage and, in the case of a passenger vessel, is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2. If one of the fire pumps is manually operated and is located outside the space where the other fire pump required by that regulation and its source of power are located, the manually operated fire pump may also be used as an emergency fire pump if one is required by regulation 10.2.2.3.1.2.

  • (2) A power-driven fire pump that is required by regulation 10.2.2.2.2 to be on a vessel of less than 1 000 gross tonnage, but that is not required to be independently driven, must not be powered by a main engine unless the engine can be operated independently of the propeller shafting.

  • (3) Despite regulation 10.2.2.2.2 and subsection (1), if a cargo vessel to which that subsection applies is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2,

    • (a) only one independently driven fire pump is required in order to meet the requirements of that regulation, and it must be power-driven; and

    • (b) regulation 10.2.2.3.1.2 does not apply.

  •  (1) For the purposes of regulation 10.2.2.4.2,

    • (a) “in any event be capable of delivering at least the two required jets of water” is to be read as “in normal operating conditions be capable of delivering at least the required jets of water”; and

    • (b) “at least the two jets of water required in paragraph 2.1.5.1” is to be read as “at least the required jets of water”.

  • (2) The fire pumps on vessels of less than 500 gross tonnage, other than passenger vessels that are Safety Convention vessels, are not required to meet the minimum capacity requirement of 25 m3/h set out in regulation 10.2.2.4.2.

Fire Hoses and Nozzles
  •  (1) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10.2.3.1.1, the fire hoses in a machinery space of category A or that serve a space that contains flammable materials must be connected to the fire hydrants at all times. If there is more than one fire hose in a machinery space of category A, one of the fire hoses in that space must also be connected to a portable foam applicator.

  • (2) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10.2.3.1.1, every fire hose must be

    • (a) stowed in a space designed to permit the deployment of the hose without it becoming entangled; and

    • (b) stored in a fire hose cabinet that protects the hose from the anticipated low ambient temperatures.

  • (3) The nozzles, couplings and fittings for the fire hoses on a tanker must be made of brass, bronze or other equivalent non-sparking material.

  • (4) For the purposes of regulation 10.2.3.2.1,

    • (a) the design of the piping system must be taken into consideration in determining the number of fire hoses;

    • (b) the minimum diameter of a fire hose must be 38 mm; and

    • (c) every fire hose must have the same diameter, but hoses in machinery spaces and other interior locations may have a smaller diameter than hoses in other locations if the smaller diameter is for the purpose of convenient handling.

  • (5) For the purposes of regulation 10.2.3.3.3, if section 127 applies and the number and position of hydrants on the vessel is such that only one jet of water may reach any part of the vessel, “from two jets” is to be read as “from one jet”.

Portable Fire Extinguishers
  •  (1) For the purposes of regulation 10.3.2.1, on a passenger vessel

    • (a) each main vertical zone below the bulkhead deck must be provided with the greater of

      • (i) two portable water fire extinguishers of at least 9 L capacity each or two portable fire extinguishers of equivalent fire-extinguishing capability, and

      • (ii) two portable fire extinguishers of a type described in subparagraph (i) for each 15 m, or fraction of 15 m, in length of the zone;

    • (b) each main vertical zone on or above the bulkhead deck must be provided, on each side of the vessel, with one portable fire extinguisher of a type described in subparagraph (a)(i); and

    • (c) despite paragraph (b), if the vessel is of less than 500 gross tonnage and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2, each main vertical zone on or above the bulkhead deck must be provided with one portable fire extinguisher of a type described in subparagraph (a)(i).

  • (2) For the purposes of regulation 10.3.2.1, on a cargo vessel

    • (a) the area within the outside boundary of each accommodation space below the bulkhead deck must be provided with the greater of

      • (i) two portable water fire extinguishers of at least 9 L capacity each or two portable fire extinguishers of equivalent fire-extinguishing capability, and

      • (ii) two portable fire extinguishers of a type described in subparagraph (i) for each 15 m, or fraction of 15 m, in length of the area; and

    • (b) the area within the outside boundary of each accommodation space on or above the bulkhead deck must be provided with one portable fire extinguisher of a type described in subparagraph (a)(i) for each 15 m, or fraction of 15 m, in length of the area.

  • (3) For the purposes of regulation 10.3.2.1, in addition to the portable fire extinguishers required by subsections (1) and (2),

    • (a) one portable water fire extinguisher of at least 9 L capacity or one portable fire extinguisher of equivalent fire-extinguishing capability must be provided next to the access to each storeroom for each 232 m2, or fraction of 232 m2, of surface area of the storeroom;

    • (b) each galley and each pantry that contains cooking facilities must be provided with one portable dry-chemical fire extinguisher of at least 4.5 kg capacity or one portable fire extinguisher of equivalent fire-extinguishing capability for each 232 m2, or fraction of 232 m2, of surface area of the galley or pantry; and

    • (c) each control station must be provided with one portable fire extinguisher of a type described in paragraph (b).

  •  (1) Every portable fire extinguisher must be fitted with a clamp bracket that

    • (a) is designed to withstand the roll, pitch and vibration of the vessel; and

    • (b) holds the fire extinguisher securely in place but provides quick and positive release of the fire extinguisher for immediate use.

  • (2) Every wheeled-type portable fire extinguisher must be fitted with a metal clip arrangement that

    • (a) is designed to withstand the roll, pitch and vibration of the vessel; and

    • (b) holds the fire extinguisher securely in place but provides quick and positive release of the fire extinguisher for immediate use.

 Regulation 10.3.3 does not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

Types of Fixed Fire-extinguishing Systems

 If a machinery space on a vessel that is constructed of wood, glass-reinforced plastic or aluminum alloy is provided with a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system, the system must, despite regulation 10.4.1.1.1, have a sufficient quantity of gas to provide two independent charges of gas.

Fire-extinguishing Arrangements in Machinery Spaces
  •  (1) Regulations 10.5.1.2.1, 10.5.2.2.1 and 10.5.3.2.1 do not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel, is of less than 500 gross tonnage and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

  • (2) The requirement in regulation 10.5.2.2.2 with respect to foam fire extinguishers of at least 45 L capacity each or equivalent does not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel, is of less than 500 gross tonnage and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

  • (3) Regulation 10.5.6 does not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

Spaces Containing Flammable Liquids

 For the purposes of regulation 10.6.3.2, the fire-extinguishing arrangements must include fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems, fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems and fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing systems that meet the applicable requirements of the FSS Code for the system.

Fixed Gas Fire-extinguishing Systems for General Cargo

 For the purposes of regulation 10.7.1.2, “it is shown to the satisfaction of the Administration that a passenger ship is engaged on voyages of such short duration that it would be unreasonable to apply the requirements of paragraph 7.1.1” is to be read as “a passenger ship is engaged on voyages of not more than 48 hours’ duration during which the cargo holds are opened to discharge or receive cargo”.

Firefighters’ Outfits
  •  (0.1) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10, firefighters’ outfits must meet any of the following:

    • (a) the applicable requirements of Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on marine equipment and repealing Council Directive 96/98/EC; or

    • (b) the applicable requirements of NFPA 1971, entitled Standard on Protective Ensembles for Structural Fire Fighting and Proximity Fire Fighting.

  • (0.2) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10, firefighters’ self-contained breathing apparatus must be rated for use in fighting fires and must meet any of the following:

    • (a) the applicable requirements of Directive 2014/90/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on marine equipment and repealing Council Directive 96/98/EC;

    • (b) the applicable requirements of NFPA 1981, entitled Standard on Open-Circuit Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) for Emergency Services; or

    • (c) the applicable requirements of Title 42, chapter I, subchapter G, part 84 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the United States, entitled Approval of Respiratory Protective Devices.

  • (1) Regulations 10.10.2.1 and 10.10.2.2 do not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel, is of less than 500 gross tonnage and, if the vessel is not a cargo vessel, is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

  • (2) Regulation 10.10.2.3 applies only in respect of tankers of 500 gross tonnage or more.

Fire Axes
  •  (1) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10, a passenger vessel on a near coastal voyage, Class 1, or an unlimited voyage must be provided with the greater of

    • (a) three fire axes, and

    • (b) one fire axe for each 15 m, or fraction of 15 m, in length of the vessel.

  • (2) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10, a passenger vessel on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2, must be provided with

    • (a) if the vessel is of less than 500 gross tonnage but of 24 m or more in length, two fire axes; and

    • (b) if the vessel is of 500 gross tonnage or more, one fire axe for each 15 m, or fraction of 15 m, in length of the vessel.

  • (3) In addition to the requirements of regulation 10, a cargo vessel must be provided with

    • (a) if the vessel is of less than 500 gross tonnage but of 24 m or more in length, two fire axes; and

    • (b) if the vessel is of 500 gross tonnage or more, three fire axes.

Regulation 12 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS — Notification of Crew and Passengers

Public Address Systems
  •  (1) The public address system or other means of communication required by regulation 12.3 must be available on all cargo vessels and all passenger vessels throughout the spaces referred to in that regulation, the muster stations, the embarkation stations and the machinery spaces.

  • (2) Regulation 12.3 and subsection (1) do not apply before the first anniversary of the day on which this section comes into force.

Regulation 13 of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS — Means of Escape

Passenger Vessels
  •  (1) The crew accommodation areas of every passenger vessel must meet the requirements of regulation 13.3.2.5.1.

  • (2) Each escape hatch must be painted orange and be operable from both sides of the hatch.

Cargo Vessels
  •  (1) Every cargo vessel must meet the requirements of regulation 13.3.2.5.1, and the crew accommodation areas of the vessel must also meet those requirements.

  • (2) Each escape hatch must be painted orange and be operable from both sides of the hatch.

  • (3) Every cargo vessel must meet the requirements of regulation 13.3.2.6.2.

  • (4) The means of escape required by regulation 13.3.3.1 must be separated from one another so as to minimize the possibility of their being blocked at the same time as a result of an incident.

  • (5) Each means of escape required by regulation 13.3.3.2 must give direct access to another means of escape on the deck above.

  • (6) On a cargo vessel of 500 gross tonnage or more, if one of the means of escape required by regulation 13.3.3.2 or 13.3.3.3 from a restricted space or group of spaces connects more than two decks, one of those means must, if feasible, be a readily accessible stairway enclosure that provides continuous fire shelter from the space or group of spaces to the closest lifeboat and life-raft embarkation deck. If the stairway enclosure that provides continuous fire shelter is not feasible, an escape route from the restricted space or group of spaces to the embarkation deck must be provided. The entire length of the escape route must be protected from the fire by “A” class divisions.

  • (7) Despite regulation 13.3.3.2, if installing a stairway or trunk is not feasible, a vertical ladder may be used as the second means of escape from crew spaces that are entered only occasionally.

  • (8) Despite regulation 13.3.3.3, if installing a stairway is not feasible, a vertical ladder may be used as one of the means of escape from crew spaces that are entered only occasionally.

Emergency Escape Breathing Devices

 Regulation 13.4.3 does not apply in respect of a vessel that is not a Safety Convention vessel, is of less than 500 gross tonnage and is engaged on a sheltered waters voyage or a near coastal voyage, Class 2.

 

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