Decreto do Governo n.º 79/83 — Aprova, para ratificação, a Convenção Internacional para a Salvaguarda da Vida Humana no Mar de 1974

(b) "A Standard Fire Test" is one in which specimens of the relevant bulkheads or decks are exposed in a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to the standard time-temperature curve. The specimen shall have an exposed surface of not less than 4.65 square metres (50 square feet) and height (or length of deck) of 2.44 metres (8 feet) resembling as closely as possible the intended construction and including where appropriate at least one joint. The standard time-temperature curve is defined by a smooth curve drawn through the following points:

at the end of the first 5 minutes - 538ºC (1,000ºF)

" " " " " " 10 " - 704ºC (1,300ºF)

" " " " " " 30 " - 843ºC (1,550ºF)

" " " " " " 60 " - 927ºC (1,700ºF)

(c) ""A" Class Divisions" are those divisions formed by bulkheads and deck which comply with the following:

(i) they shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material;

(ii) they shall be suitably stiffened;

(iii) they shall be so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of the one-hour standard fire test;

(iv) they shall be insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 139ºC (250ºF) above the original temperature, nor will the temperature, at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 180ºC (325ºF) above the original temperature, within the time listed below:

Class "A-60" 60 minutes

Class "A-30" 30 minutes

Class "A-15" 15 minutes

Class "A-0" 0 minutes

(v) the Administration may require a test of a prototype bulkhead or deck to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise. (ver nota **)

(nota **) Reference is made to Recommendation for Fire Test Procedures for "A" and "B" Class Divisions, adopted by the Organization by Resolutions A.163(ES.IV) and A.215(VII).

(d) ""B" Class Divisions" are those divisions formed by bulkheads, decks, ceilings or linings which comply with the following:

(i) they shall be so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the first one-half hour of the standard fire test;

(ii) they shall have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the unexposed side will not rise more than 1.39ºC (250ºF) above the original temperature, nor will the temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225ºC (405ºF) above the original temperature, within the time listed below:

Class "B-15" 15 minutes

Class "B-0" 0 minutes

(iii) they shall be constructed of approved non-combustible materials and all materials entering into the construction and erection of "B" Class divisions shall be non-combustible, except where in accordance with Parts C and D of this Chapter the use of combustible material is not precluded, in which case it shall comply with the temperature rise limitation specified in sub-paragraph (ii) of this paragraph up to the end of the first one-half hour of the standard fire test;

(iv) the Administration may require a test of a prototype division to ensure that it meets the above requirements for integrity and temperature rise. (ver nota *)

(nota *) Reference is made to Recommendation for Fire Test Procedures for "A" and "B" Class Division, adopted by the Organization by Resolutions A.163(ES.IV) and A.215(VII).

(e) ""C" Class Divisions" shall be constructed of approved non-combustible materials. They need meet no requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame nor the limiting of temperature rise.

(f) "Continuous "B" Class Ceilings or Linings" are those "B" Class ceilings or linings which terminate only at an "A" or "B" Class division.

(g) "Steel or Other Equivalent Material". Where the words "steel or other equivalent material" occur, "equivalent material" means any material which, by itself or due to insulation provided, has structural and integrity properties equivalent to steel at the end of the applicable fire exposure to the standard fire test (e.g. aluminium alloy with appropriate insulation).

(h) "Low Flame Spread" means that the surface thus described will adequately restrict the spread of flame, this being determined to the satisfaction of the Administration by an established test procedure.

(i) "Main Vertical Zones" are those sections into which the hull, superstructure, and deckhouses are divided by "A" Class divisions, the mean length of which on any one deck does not in general exceed 40 metres (131 feet).

(j) "Accommodation Spaces" are those used for public spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, crew quarters, barber shops, isolated pantries and lockers and similar spaces.

(k) "Public Spaces" are those portions of the accommodation which are used for halls, dining rooms, lounges and similar permanently enclosed spaces.

(l) "Service Spaces" are those used for galleys, main pantries, stores (except isolated pantries and lockers), mail and specie rooms, workshops other than those forming part of machinery spaces, and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces.

(m) "Cargo Spaces" are all spaces used for cargo (including cargo oil tanks) and trunks to such spaces.

(n) "Special Category Spaces" are those enclosed spaces 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.

(o) "Machinery Spaces of Category A" are all spaces which contain:

(i) 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 373 kW, or

(ii) any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit; and trunks to such spaces.

(p) "Machinery Spaces" are all machinery spaces of Category A and all other spaces containing propelling machinery, boilers, oil fuel units, steam and internal combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling stations, refrigerating, stabilising, ventilation and air conditioning machinery, and similar spaces; and trunks to such spaces.

(q) "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 oil pressure pumps, filters and heaters dealing with oil at a pressure more than 1.8 kilogrammes per square centimetre (25 pounds per square inch) gauge.

(r) "Control Stations" are those spaces in which the ship's radio or main navigating equipment or the emergency source of power is located or where the fire recording or fire control equipment is centralized.

(s) "Rooms containing Furniture and Furnishings of Restricted Fire Risk" are, for the purpose of Regulation 20 of this Chapter, those rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk (whether cabins, public spaces, offices or other types of accommodation) in which:

(i) 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 (1/12 inch) may be used on the working surface of such articles;

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

(iii) all draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials have, to the satisfaction of the Administration, qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of wool weighing 0.8 kilogrammes per square metre (24 ounces per square yard);

(iv) all floor coverings have, to the satisfaction of the Administration, qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of an equivalent woollen material used for the same purpose; and

(v) all exposed surfaces of bulkheads, linings and ceilings have low flamespread characteristics.

(t) "Bulkhead deck" is the uppermost deck up to which the transverse watertight bulkheads are carried.

(u) "Deadweight" is the difference in metric tons between the displacement of a ship in water of a specific gravity of 1.025 at the load water line corresponding to the assigned summer freeboard and the lightweight of the ship.

(v) "Lightweight" is the displacement of a ship in metric tons without cargo, fuel, lubricating oil, ballast water, fresh water and feedwater in tanks, consumable stores, together with passengers, and crew and their effects.

(w) "Combination carrier" is a tanker designed to carry oil or alternatively solid cargoes in bulk.

Regulation 4

Fire Control Plans

There shall be permanently exhibited in all new and existing ships for the guidance of the ship's officers general arrangement plans showing clearly for each deck the control stations, the various fire sections enclosed by "A" Class divisions, the sections enclosed by "B" Class divisions (if any), together with particulars of the fire alarms, detecting systems, the sprinkler installation (if any), the fire-extinguishing appliances, means of access to different compartments, decks, etc. and the ventilating system including particulars of the fan control positions, the position of dampers and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section. Alternatively, at the discretion of the Administration, the aforementioned details may be set out in a booklet, a copy of which shall be supplied to each officer, and one copy at all times shall be available on board in an accessible position. Plans and booklets shall be kept up to date, any alterations being recorded thereon as soon as practicable. Description in such plans and booklets shall be in the national language. If the language is neither English nor French, a translation into one of those languages shall be included. In addition, instructions concerning the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installations on board for the fighting and containment of fire shall be kept under one cover, readily available in an accessible position.

Regulation 5

Fire Pumps, Fire Mains, Hydrants and Hoses

(a) Total Capacity of Fire Pumps

(i) In a passenger ship, the required fire pumps shall be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water, at the appropriate pressure prescribed below, not less than two-thirds of the quantity required to be dealt with by the bilge pumps when employed for bilge pumping.

(ii) In a cargo ship, the required fire pumps, other than the emergency pump (if any), shall be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water, at the appropriate pressure prescribed, not less than four-thirds of the quantity required under Regulation 18 of Chapter II-1 to be dealt with by each of the independent bilge pumps in a passenger ship of the same dimensions when employed on bilge pumping, provided that in no cargo ship need the total required capacity of the fire pumps exceed 180 cubic metres per hour.

(b) Fire Pumps

(i) The fire pumps shall be independently driven. Sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps, provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil and that if they are subject to occasional duty for the transfer or pumping of fuel oil, suitable change-over arrangements are fitted.

(ii) (1) In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, each of the required fire pumps shall have a capacity not less than 80 per cent of the total required capacity divided by the minimum number of required fire pumps and each such pump shall in any event be capable of delivering at least the two required jets of water. These fire pumps shall be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions.

Where more pumps than the minimum of required pumps are installed the capacity of such additional pumps shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(2) In all other types of ships, each of the required fire pumps (other than any emergency pump required by Regulation 52 of this Chapter) shall have a capacity not less than 80 per cent of the total required capacity divided by the number of required fire pumps, and shall in any event be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions.

Where more pumps than required are installed their capacity shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(iii) Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with all fire pumps if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the 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.

(c) Pressure in the Fire Main

(i) 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 cubic metres per hour.

(ii) With the two pumps simultaneously delivering through nozzles specified in paragraph (g) of this Regulation the quantity of water specified in sub-paragraph (i) of this paragraph, through any adjacent hydrants, the following minimum pressures shall be maintained at all hydrants:

Passenger ships:

(Nota à margem: 3.2 kilogrammes per square centimetre (45 pounds per square inch))

4,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards

(Nota à margem: 2.8 kilogrammes per square centimetre (40 pounds per square inch))

1,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards but under 4,000 tons gross tonnage

(Nota à margem: To the satisfaction of the Administration)

Under 1,000 tons gross tonnage

Cargo ships:

(Nota à margem: 2.8 kilogrammes per square centimetre (40 pounds per square inch))

6,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards

(Nota à margem: 2.6 kilogrammes per square centimetre (37 pounds per square inch))

1,000 tons gross tonnage and upwards but under 6,000 tons gross tonnage

(Nota à margem: To the satisfaction of the Administration)

Under 1,000 tons gross tonnage

(d) Number and Position of Hydrants

The number and position of the hydrants shall be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, one of which shall be from a single length of hose, may reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated.

(e) Pipes and Hydrants

(i) Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not be used for fire mains and hydrants unless adequately protected. The pipes and hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to them. In ships where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the hydrants shall be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo. Unless there is provided one hose and nozzle for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

(ii) A cock or valve shall be fitted to serve each fire hose so that any fire hose may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.

(f) Fire Hoses

Fire hoses shall be of material approved by the Administration and sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used. Their maximum length shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Each hose shall be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Hoses specified in this Chapter as "fire hoses" shall together with any necessary fittings and tools be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connexions. Additionally in interior locations in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, fire hoses shall be connected to the hydrants at all times.

(g) Nozzles

(i) For the purposes of this Chapter, standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 millimetres (1/2 inch), 16 millimetres (5/8 inch) and 19 millimetres (3/4 inch) or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the discretion of the Administration.

(ii) For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 millimetres (1/2 inch) need not be used.

(iii) For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the nozzle size shall be such as to obtain the maximum discharge possible from two jets at the pressure mentioned in paragraph (c) of this Regulation from the smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 millimetres (3/4 inch) need not be used.

(iv) For machinery spaces or in similar spaces where the risk of spillage of oil exists, the nozzles shall be suitable for spraying water on oil or alternatively shall be of a dual purpose type.

(h) International Shore Connexion

Standard dimensions of flanges for the international shore connexion required in this Chapter to be installed in the ship shall be in accordance with the following table:

([ver documento original](https://files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/1983/10/23701/00010196.pdf))

The connexion shall be constructed of material suitable for 10.5 kilogrammes per square centimetre (150 pounds per square inch) service. The flange shall have a flat face on one side and the other shall have permanently attached thereto a coupling that will fit the ship's hydrant and hose. The connexion shall be kept aboard the ship together with a gasket of any material suitable for 10.5 kilogrammes per square centimetre (150 pounds per square inch) service, together with four 16 millimetre (5/8 inch) bolts, 50 millimetres (2 inches) in length and eight washers.

Regulation 6

Miscellaneous Items

(a) Electric radiators, if used, shall be fixed in position and so constructed as to reduce fire risks to a minimum. No such radiators shall be fitted with an element so exposed that clothing, curtains, or other similar materials can be scorched or set on fire by heat from the element.

(b) Cellulose-nitrate based films shall not be used for cinematograph installations.

Regulation 7

Fire Extinguishers

(a) All fire extinguishers shall be of approved types and designs.

(i) The capacity of required portable fluid extinguishers shall be not more than 13.5 litres (3 gallons) and not less than 9 litres (2 gallons). Other extinguishers shall not be in excess of the equivalent portability of the 13.5 litre (3 gallons) fluid extinguisher and shall not be less than the fire-extinguishing equivalent of a 9 litre (2 gallons) fluid extinguisher.

(ii) The Administration shall determine the equivalents of fire extinguishers.

(b) Spare charges shall be provided in accordance with requirements to be specified by the Administration.

(c) Fire extinguishers containing an extinguishing medium which, in the opinion of the Administration, either by itself or under expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger persons shall not be permitted.

(d) A portable froth applicator unit shall consist of an inductor type of air-froth nozzle capable of being connected to the fire main by a fire hose, together with a portable tank containing at least 20 litres (41 gallons) of froth-making liquid and one spare tank. The nozzle shall be capable of producing effective froth suitable for extinguishing an oil fire, at the rate of at least 1.5 cubic metres (53 cubic feet) per minute.

(e) Fire extinguishers shall be periodically examined and subjected to such tests as the Administration may require.

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

Regulation 8

Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems

(a) The use of a fire-extinguishing medium which, in the opinion of the Administration, either by itself or under expected conditions of use gives off toxic gases in such quantities as to endanger persons shall not be permitted.

(b) Where provision is made for the injection of gas for fire-extinguishing purposes, the necessary pipes for conveying the gas shall be provided with control valves or cocks so marked as to indicate clearly the compartments to which the pipes are led. Suitable provision shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of the gas to any compartment. Where cargo spaces fitted with such a system for fire protection are used as passenger spaces the gas connexion shall be blanked during such use.

(c) The piping shall be arranged so as to provide effective distribution of fire-extinguishing gas.

(d) (i) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium in cargo spaces, the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30 per cent of the gross volume of the largest cargo compartment in the ship which is capable of being sealed.

(ii) When carbon dioxide is used as an extinguishing medium for machinery spaces of Category A the quantity of gas carried shall be sufficient to give a minimum quantity of free gas equal to the larger of the following quantities, either:

(1) 40 per cent of the gross volume of the largest space, the volume to include the casing up to the level at which the horizontal area of the casing is 40 per cent or less of the horizontal area of the space concerned taken midway between the tank top and the lowest part of the casing; or

(2) 35 per cent of the entire volume of the largest space including the casing;

provided that the above-mentioned percentages may be reduced to 35 per cent and 30 per cent respectively for cargo ships of less than 2,000 tons gross tonnage; provided also that if two or more machinery spaces of Category A are not entirely separate they shall be considered as forming one compartment.

(iii) Where the volume of free air contained in air receivers in any machinery space of Category A is such that, if released in such space in the event of fire, such release of air within that space would seriously affect the efficiency of the fixed fire-extinguishing installation, the Administration shall require the provision of an additional quantity of carbon dioxide.

(iv) When carbon dioxide is used as an extinguishing medium both for cargo spaces and for machinery spaces of Category A the quantity of gas need not be more than the maximum required either for the largest cargo compartment or machinery space.

(v) For the purpose of this paragraph the volume of carbon dioxide shall be calculated at 0.56 cubic metres to the kilogramme (9 cubic feet to the pound).

(vi) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium for machinery spaces of Category A the fixed piping system shall be such that 85 per cent of the gas can be discharged into the space within 2 minutes.

(vii) Carbon dioxide bottle storage rooms shall be situated at a safe and readily accessible position and shall be effectively ventilated to the satisfaction of the Administration. Any entrance to such storage rooms shall preferably be from the open deck, and in any case shall be independent of the protected space. Access doors shall be gastight and bulkheads and decks which form the boundaries of such rooms shall be gastight and adequately insulated.

(ii) Where such gas is used as the extinguishing medium in a fixed fire-extinguishing system for the protection of machinery spaces of Category A it shall afford protection equivalent to that provided by a fixed carbon dioxide system.

(iii) Where such gas is used as the extinguishing medium in a fixed fire-extinguishing system for the protection of cargo spaces a sufficient quantity of such gas shall be available to supply hourly a volume of free gas at least equal to 25 per cent of the gross volume of the largest compartment protected in this way for a period of 72 hours.

(f) In general, the Administration shall not permit the use of steam as a fire-extinguishing medium in fixed fire-extinguishing systems of new ships. Where the use of steam is permitted by the Administration it shall be used only in restricted areas as an addition to the required fire-extinguishing medium and with the proviso that the boiler or boilers available for supplying steam shall have an evaporation of at least 1 kilogramme of steam per hour for each 0.75 cubic metres (1 pound of steam per hour per 12 cubic feet) of the gross volume of the largest space so protected. In addition to complying with the foregoing requirements the systems in all respects shall be as determined by, and to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(g) Means shall be provided for automatically giving audible warning of the release of fire-extinguishing gas into any space to which personnel normally have access. The alarm shall operate for a suitable period before the gas is released.

(h) The means of control of any such fixed gas fire-extinguishing 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.

Regulation 9

Fixed Froth Fire-Extinguishing Systems in Machinery Spaces

(a) Any required fixed froth fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces shall be capable of discharging through fixed discharge outlets in not more than five minutes, a quantity of froth sufficient to cover to a depth of 150 millimetres (6 inches) the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread. The system shall be capable of generating froth suitable for extinguishing oil fires. Means shall be provided for effective distribution of the froth through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to suitable discharge outlets, and for the froth to be effectively directed by fixed sprayers on other main fire hazards in the protected space. The expansion ratio of the froth shall not exceed 12 to 1.

(b) The means of control of ally such systems 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 tire in the protected space.

Regulation 10

Fixed High Expansion Froth Fire-Extinguishing Systems in Machinery Spaces

(a) (i) Any required fixed high expansion froth system in machinery spaces shall be capable of rapidly discharging through fixed discharge outlets a quantity of froth sufficient to fill the greatest space to be protected at a rate of at least 1 metre (3.3 feet) in depth per minute. The quantity of froth-forming liquid available shall be sufficient to produce a volume of froth equal to five times the volume of the largest space to be protected. The expansion ratio of the froth shall not exceed 1,000 to 1.

(ii) The Administration may permit alternative arrangements and discharge rates provided that it is satisfied that equivalent protection is achieved.

(b) Supply ducts for delivering froth, air intakes to the froth generator and the number of froth-producing units shall in the opinion of the Administration be such as will provide effective froth production and distribution.

(c) The arrangement of the froth generator delivery ducting shall be such that a fire in the protected space will not affect the froth-generating equipment.

(d) The froth generator, its sources of power supply, froth-forming liquid and means of controlling the system shall be readily accessible and simple to operate and shall be grouped in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut off by fire in the protected space.

Regulation 11

Fixed Pressure Water-Spraying Fire-Extinguishing Systems in Machinery Spaces

(a) Any required fixed pressure water-spraying fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces shall be provided with spraying nozzles of an approved type.

(b) The number and arrangement of the nozzles shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration and be such as to ensure an effective average distribution of water of at least 5 litres per square metre (0.1 gallon per square foot) per minute in the spaces to be protected. Where increased application rates are considered necessary, these shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration. Nozzles shall be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and also above other specific fire hazards in the machinery spaces.

(c) The system may be divided into sections, the distribution valves of which shall be operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected and which will not be readily cut off by an outbreak of fire.

(d) The system shall be kept charged at the necessary pressure and the pump supplying the water for the system shall be put automatically into action by a pressure drop in the system.

(e) The pump shall be capable of simultaneously supplying at the necessary pressure all sections of the system in any one compartment to be protected. The pump and its controls shall be installed outside the space or spaces to be protected. It shall not be possible for a fire in the space or spaces protected by the water-spraying system to put the system out of action.

(f) The pump may be driven by independent internal combustion type machinery but if it is dependent upon power being supplied from the emergency generator fitted in compliance with the provisions of Regulation 25 or Regulation 26 as appropriate of Chapter II-1 of the present Convention that generator shall be arranged to start automatically in case of main power failure so that power for the pump required by paragraph (e) of this Regulation is immediately available. When the pump is driven by independent internal combustion type machinery it shall be so situated that a fire in the protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery.

(g) Precautions shall be taken to prevent the nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water or corrosion of piping, nozzles, valves and pump.

Regulation 12

Automatic Sprinkler and Fire Alarm and Fire Detection Systems

(a) (i) Any required automatic sprinkler and fire alarm and fire detection system shall be capable of immediate operation at all times and no action by the crew shall be necessary to set it in operation. It shall be of the wet pipe type but small exposed sections may be of the dry pipe type where in the opinion of the Administration this is a necessary precaution. Any parts of the system which may be subjected to freezing temperatures in service shall be suitably protected against freezing. It shall be kept charged at the necessary pressure and shall have provision for a continuous supply of water as required in this Regulation.

(ii) Each section of sprinklers shall include means for giving a visual and audible alarm signal automatically at one or more indicating units whenever any sprinkler comes into operation. Such units shall give an indication of any fire and its location in any space served by the system and shall be centralized on the navigating bridge or in the main fire control station, which shall be so manned or equipped as to ensure that any alarm from the system is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew. Such alarm systems shall be constructed so as to indicate if any fault occurs in the system.

(b) (i) Sprinklers shall be grouped into separate sections, each of which shall contain not more than 200 sprinklers. Any section of sprinklers shall not serve more than two decks and shall not be situated in more than one main vertical zone, except that an Administration, if it is satisfied that the protection of the ship against fire will not thereby be reduced, may permit such a section of sprinklers to serve more than two decks or to be situated in more than one main vertical zone.

(ii) Each section of sprinklers shall be capable of being isolated by one stop valve only. The stop valve in each section shall be readily accessible and its location shall be clearly and permanently indicated. Means shall be provided to prevent the operation of the stop valves by any unauthorized person.

(iii) A gauge indicating the pressure in the system shall be provided at each section stop valve and at a central station.

(iv) The sprinklers shall be resistant to corrosion by marine atmospheres. In accommodation and service spaces the sprinklers shall come into operation within the temperature range of 68ºC (155ºF) and 79ºC (175ºF), except that in locations such as drying rooms, where high ambient temperatures might be expected, the operating temperature may be increased by not more than 30ºC (54ºF) above the maximum deck head temperature.

(v) A list or plan shall be displayed at each indicating unit showing the spaces covered and the location of the zone in respect of each section. Suitable instructions for testing and maintenance shall be available.

(c) Sprinklers shall be placed in an overhead position and spaced in a suitable pattern to maintain an average application rate of not less than 5 litres per square metre (0.1 gallon per square foot) per minute over the nominal area covered by the sprinklers. Alternatively, the Administration may permit the use of sprinklers providing such other amount of water suitably distributed as has been shown to the satisfaction of the Administration to be not less effective.

(d) (i) A pressure tank having a volume equal to at least twice that of the charge of water specified in this sub-paragraph shall be provided. The tank shall contain a standing charge of fresh water, equivalent to the amount of water which would be discharged in one minute by the pump referred to in sub-paragraph (e)(ii) of this Regulation, and the arrangements shall provide for maintaining such air pressure in the tank to ensure that where the standing charge of fresh water in the tank has been used the pressure will be not less than the working pressure of the sprinkler, plus the pressure due to a head of water measured from the bottom of the tank to the highest sprinkler in the system. Suitable means of replenishing the air under pressure and of replenishing the fresh water charge in the tank shall be provided. A glass gauge shall be provided to indicate the correct level of the water in the tank.

(ii) Means shall be provided to prevent the passage of sea water into the tank.

(e) (i) An independent power pump shall be provided solely for the purpose of continuing automatically the discharge of water from the sprinklers. The pump shall be brought into action automatically by the pressure drop in the system before the standing fresh water charge in the pressure tank is completely exhausted.

(ii) The pump and the piping system shall be capable of maintaining the necessary pressure at the level of the highest sprinkler to ensure a continuous output of water sufficient for the simultaneous coverage of a minimum area of 280 square metres (3,000 square feet) at the application rate specified in paragraph (c) of this Regulation.

(iii) The pump shall have fitted on the delivery side a test valve with a short open-ended discharge pipe. The effective area through the valve and pipe shall be adequate to permit the release of the required pump output while maintaining the pressure in the system specified in sub-paragraph (d)(i) of this Regulation.

(iv) The sea inlet to the pump shall wherever possible be in the space containing the pump and shall be so arranged that when the ship is afloat it will not be necessary to shut off the supply of sea water 10 the pump for any purpose other than the inspection or repair of the pump.

(f) The sprinkler pump and tank shall be situated in a position reasonably remote from any machinery space of Category A and shall not be situated in any space required to be protected by the sprinkler system.

(g) There shall be not less than two sources of power supply for the sea water pump and automatic alarm and detection system. Where the sources of power for the pump are electrical, these shall be a main generator and an emergency source of power. One supply for the pump shall be taken from the main switchboard, and one from the emergency switchboard by separate feeders reserved solely for that purpose.

The feeders shall be arranged so as to avoid galleys, machinery spaces and other enclosed spaces of high fire risk except in so far as it is necessary to reach the appropriate switchboards, and shall be run to an automatic change-over switch situated near the sprinkler pump. This switch shall permit the supply of power from the main switchboard so long as a supply is available therefrom, and be so designed that upon failure of that supply it will automatically change over to the supply from the emergency switchboard. The switches on the main switchboard and the emergency switchboard shall be clearly labelled and normally kept closed. No other switch shall be permitted in the feeders concerned. One of the sources of power supply for the alarm and detection system shall be an emergency source. Where one of the sources of power for the pump is an internal combustion-type engine it shall, in addition to complying with the provisions of paragraph (f) of this Regulation, be so situated that a fire in any protected space will not affect the air supply to the machinery.

(h) The sprinkler system shall have a connexion from the ship's fire main by way of a lockable screw-down non-return valve at the connexion which will prevent a backflow from the sprinkler system to the fire main.

(i) (i) A test valve shall be provided for testing the automatic alarm for each section of sprinklers by a discharge of water equivalent to the operation of one sprinkler. The test valve for each section shall be situated near the stop valve for that section.

(ii) Means shall be provided for testing the automatic operation of the pump, on reduction of pressure in the system.

(iii) Switches shall be provided at one of the indicating positions referred to in sub-paragraph (a)(ii) of this Regulation which will enable the alarm and the indicators for each section of sprinklers to be tested.

(j) Spare sprinkler heads shall be provided for each section of sprinklers to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Regulation 13

Automatic Fire Alarm and Fire Detection Systems

Requirements for passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers

(a) (i) Any required automatic fire alarm and fire detection system shall be capable of immediate operation at all times and no action of the crew shall be necessary to set it in operation.

(ii) Each section of detectors shall include means for giving a visual and audible alarm signal automatically at one or more indicating units whenever any detector comes into operation. Such units shall give an indication of any fire and its location in any space served by the system and shall be centralized on the navigating bridge or in the main fire control station which shall be so manned or equipped as to ensure that any alarm from the system is immediately received by a responsible member of the crew. Such alarm system shall be constructed so as to indicate if any fault occurs in the system.

(b) Detectors shall be grouped into separate sections each covering not more than 50 rooms served by such a system and containing not more than 100 detectors. A section of detectors shall not serve spaces on both the port and starboard sides of the ship nor on more than one deck and neither shall it be situated in more than one main vertical zone except that the Administration, if it is satisfied that the protection of the ship against fire will not thereby be reduced, may permit such a section of detectors to serve both the port and starboard sides of the ship and more than one deck.

(c) The system shall be operated by an abnormal air temperature, by an abnormal concentration of smoke or by other factors indicative of incipient fire in any one of the spaces to be protected. Systems which are sensitive to air temperature shall not operate at less than 57ºC (135ºF) and shall operate at a temperature not greater than 74ºC (165ºF) when the temperature increase to those levels is not more than 1ºC (1.8ºF) per minute. At the discretion of the Administration the permissible temperature of operation may be increased to 30ºC (54ºF) above the maximum deckhead temperature in drying rooms and similar places of a normally high ambient temperature. Systems which are sensitive to smoke concentration shall operate on the reduction of the intensity of a transmitted light beam by an amount to be determined by the Administration. Other equally effective methods of operation may be accepted at the discretion of the Administration. The detection system shall not be used for any purpose other than fire detection.

(d) The detectors may be arranged to operate the alarm by the opening or closing of contacts or by other appropriate methods. They shall be fitted in an overhead position and shall be suitably protected against impact and physical damage. They shall be suitable for use in a marine atmosphere. They shall be placed in an open position clear of beams and other objects likely to obstruct the flow of hot gases or smoke to the sensitive element. Detectors operated by the closing of contacts shall be of the sealed contact type and the circuit shall be continuously monitored to indicate fault conditions.

(e) At least one detector shall be installed in each space where detection facilities are required and there shall be not less than one detector for each 37 square metres (400 square feet) of deck area. In large spaces the detectors shall be arranged in a regular pattern so that no detector is more than 9 metres (30 feet) from another detector or more than 4.5 metres (15 feet) from a bulkhead.

(f) There shall be not less than two sources of power supply for the electrical equipment used in the operation of the fire alarm and fire detection system, one of which shall be an emergency source. The supply shall be provided by separate feeders reserved solely for that purpose. Such feeders shall run to a change-over switch situated in the control station for the fire detection system. The wiring system shall be so arranged to avoid galleys, machinery spaces and other enclosed spaces having a high fire risk except in so far as it is necessary to provide for fire detection in such spaces or to reach the appropriate switchboard.

(g) (i) A list or plan shall be displayed adjacent to each indicating unit showing the spaces covered and the location of the zone in respect of each section. Suitable instructions for testing and maintenance shall be available.

(ii) Provision shall be made for testing the correct operation of the detectors and the indicating units by supplying means for applying hot air or smoke at detector positions.

(h) Spare detector heads shall be provided for each section of detectors to the satisfaction of the Administration.

Requirements for all other types of ships

(i) All required fire detection systems shall be capable of automatically indicating the presence or indication of fire and also its location. Indicators shall be centralized either on the navigating bridge or in other control stations which are provided with a direct communication with the bridge. The Administration may permit the indicators to be distributed among several stations.

(j) In passenger ships electrical equipment used in the operation of required fire detection systems shall have two separate sources of power, one of which shall be an emergency source.

(k) The alarm system shall operate both audible and visible signals at the main stations referred to in paragraph (i) of this Regulation. Detection systems for cargo spaces need not have audible alarms.

Regulation 14

Fireman's Outfit

A fireman's outfit shall consist of:

(a) Personal equipment comprising:

(i) Protective clothing of material to protect the skin from the heat radiating from the fire and from burns and scalding by steam. The outer surface shall be water-resistant.

(ii) Boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material.

(iii) A rigid helmet providing effective protection against impact.

(iv) An electric safety lamp (hand lantern) of an approved type with a minimum burning period of three hours.

(v) An axe to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(b) A breathing apparatus of an approved type which may be either:

(i) A smoke helmet or smoke mask which shall be provided with a suitable air pump and a length of air hose sufficient to reach from the open deck, well clear of hatch or doorway, to any part of the holds or machinery spaces. If, in order to comply with this subparagraph, an air hose exceeding 36 metres (120 feet) in length would be necessary, a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be substituted or provided in addition as determined by the Administration, or

(ii) a self-contained breathing apparatus which shall be capable of functioning for a period of time to be determined by the Administration.

For each breathing apparatus a fireproof lifeline of sufficient length and strength shall be provided capable of being attached by means of a snaphook to the harness of the apparatus or to a separate belt in order to prevent the breathing apparatus becoming detached when the lifeline is operated.

Regulation 15

Ready Availability of Fire-Extinguishing Appliances

In all new and existing ships, fire-extinguishing appliances shall be kept in good order and available for immediate use at all times during the voyage.

Regulation 16

Acceptance of Substitutes

Where in this Chapter any special type of appliance, apparatus, extinguishing medium or arrangement is specified in any new and existing ships, any other type of appliance etc., may be allowed, provided the Administration is satisfied that it is not less effective.

PART B - FIRE SAFETY MEASURES FOR PASSENGER SHIPS CARRYING MORE THAN 36 PASSENGERS

Regulation 17

Structure

The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. For the purpose of applying the definition of steel or other equivalent material as given in Regulation 3(g) of this Chapter the "applicable fire exposure" shall be according to the integrity and insulation standards given in the tables of Regulation 20 of this Chapter. An example where divisions such as decks or sides and ends of deckhouses are permitted to have "B-0" fire integrity, the "applicable fire exposure" shall be one half-hour.

Provided that in cases where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following requirements shall apply:

(a) The insulation of aluminium alloy components of "A" or "B" Class divisions, except structure which in the opinion of the Administration is nonload-bearing, shall be such that the temperature of the structural core does not rise more than 200ºC (360ºF) above the ambient temperature at any time during the applicable fire exposure to the standard fire test.

(b) Special attention shall be given to the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other structural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation areas, and "A" and "B" Class divisions to ensure:

(i) that for such members supporting lifeboat and liferaft areas and "A" Class divisions the temperature rise limitation specified in paragraph (a) of this Regulation shall apply at the end of one hour; and

(ii) that for such members required to support "B" Class divisions, the temperature rise limitation specified in paragraph (a) of this Regulation shall apply at the end of one half-hour.

(c) Crowns and casings of machinery spaces of Category A shall be of steel construction adequately insulated and openings therein, if any, shall be suitably arranged and protected to prevent the spread of fire.

Regulation 18

Main Vertical Zones and Horizontal Zones

(a) The hull, superstructure and deckhouses shall be subdivided into main vertical zones by "A" Class divisions. Steps and recesses shall be kept to a minimum, but where they are necessary, they shall also be "A" Class divisions. These divisions shall have insulation values in accordance with the applicable tables in Regulation 20 of this Chapter.

(b) As far as practicable, the bulkheads forming the boundaries of the main vertical zones above the bulkhead deck shall be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulkhead deck.

(c) Such bulkheads shall extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries.

(d) Where a main vertical zone is subdivided by horizontal "A" Class divisions into horizontal zones for the purpose of providing an appropriate barrier between sprinklered and non-sprinklered zones of the ship the 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 3 of Regulation 20 of this Chapter.

(e) On ships designed for special purposes, such as automobile or railroad car ferries, where the provision of main vertical zone bulkheads would defeat the purpose for which the ship is intended, equivalent means for controlling and limiting a fire shall be substituted and specifically approved by the Administration.

Provided that in a ship with special category spaces, any such space shall comply with the applicable provisions of Regulation 30 of this Chapter, and in so far as such compliance would be inconsistent with compliance with other requirements of this Part of this Chapter, the requirements of Regulation 30 shall prevail.

Regulation 19

Bulkheads within a Main Vertical Zone

(a) All bulkheads which are not required to be "A" Class divisions shall be at least "B" Class or "C" Class divisions as prescribed in the tables in Regulation 20 of this Chapter. All such divisions may be faced with combustible materials in accordance with the provisions of Regulation 27 of this Chapter.

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

(i) 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 is acceptable in the construction of "B" Class divisions but which shall be required to meet "B" Class integrity standards only in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Administration;

(ii) in the case of a ship protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of Regulation 12 of this Chapter, the corridor bulkheads of "B" Class materials may terminate at a ceiling in the corridor provided such a ceiling is of material which in thickness and composition is acceptable in the construction of "B" Class divisions. Notwithstanding the requirements of Regulation 20 of this Chapter, such bulkheads and ceilings shall be required to meet "B" Class integrity standards only in so far as is reasonable and practicable in the opinion of the Administration. All doors and frames in such bulkheads shall be of incombustible materials and shall be constructed and erected so as to provide substantial fire resistance to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(c) All bulkheads required to be "B" Class divisions, except corridor bulkheads, 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 or lining.

Regulation 20

Fire Integrity of Bulkheads and Decks

(a) In addition to complying with the specific provisions for fire integrity of bulkheads and decks mentioned elsewhere in the Regulations of this Part, the minimum fire integrity of all bulkheads and decks shall be as prescribed in Tables 1 to 4 in this Regulation. Where, due to any particular structural arrangements in the ship, difficulty is experienced in determining from the tables the minimum fire integrity value of any divisions, such values shall be determined to the satisfaction of the Administration.

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

(i) 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.

(ii) For the purpose of determining the appropriate fire integrity 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. Where the contents and use of a space are such that there is a doubt as to its classification for the purpose of this Regulation, it shall be treated as a space within the relevant category having the most stringent boundary requirements. 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 number in the tables.

(1) Control Stations

Spaces containing emergency sources of power and lighting.

Wheelhouse and chartroom.

Spaces containing the ship's radio equipment.

Fire control and recording stations.

Control room for propelling machinery when located outside the propelling machinery space.

Spaces containing centralized fire alarm equipment.

Spaces containing centralized emergency public address system stations and equipment.

(2) Stairways

Interior stairways, lifts and escalators (other than those wholly contained within the machinery spaces) for passengers and crew and enclosures thereto.

In this connexion, 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

Passenger and crew corridors.

(4) Lifeboat and Liferaft Handling and Embarkation Stations

Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades forming lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations.

(5) Open Deck Spaces

Open deck spaces and enclosed promenades clear of lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and lowering stations.

Air space (the space outside superstructures and deckhouses).

(6) Accommodation Spaces of Minor Fire Risk

Cabins containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk.

Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk.

Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk and having a deck area of less than 50 square metres (540 square feet).

Offices and dispensaries containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk.

(7) Accommodation Spaces of Moderate Fire Risk

Same as (6) above but containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk.

Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk and having a deck area of 50 square metres (540 square feet) and greater.

Isolated lockers and small store-rooms in accommodation spaces.

Sale shops.

Motion picture projection and film stowage rooms.

Diet kitchens (containing no open flame).

Cleaning gear lockers (in which inflammable liquids are not stowed).

Laboratories (in which inflammable liquids are not stowed).

Pharmacies.

Small drying rooms (having a deck area of 4 square metres (43 square feet) or less).

Specie rooms.

(8) Accommodation Spaces of Greater Fire Risk

Public spaces containing furniture and furnishings of other than restricted fire risk and having a deck area of 50 square metres (540 square feet) and greater.

Barber shops and beauty parlours.

(9) Sanitary and Similar Spaces

Communal sanitary facilities, showers, baths, water closets, etc.

Small laundry rooms.

Indoor swimming pool area.

Operating rooms.

Isolated serving pantries in accommodation spaces.

Private sanitary facilities shall be considered a portion of the space in which they are located.

(10) Tanks, Voids and Auxiliary Machinery Spaces having little or no Fire Risk

Water tanks forming part of the ship's structure.

Voids and cofferdams.

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

ventilation and air-conditioning rooms; windlass room; steering gear room; stabilizer equipment room; electrical propulsion motor room; rooms containing section switchboards and purely electrical equipment other than oil-filled electrical transformers (above 10 kVA); shaft alleys and pipe tunnels; spaces for pumps and refrigeration machinery (not handling or using inflammable liquids).

Closed trunks serving the spaces listed above.

Other closed trunks such as pipe and cable trunks.

(11) Auxiliary Machinery, Spares, Cargo Spaces, Special Category Spaces, Cargo and other Oil Tanks and other Similar Spaces of Moderate Fire Risk

Cargo oil tanks.

Cargo holds, trunkways and hatchways.

Refrigerated chambers.

Oil fuel tanks (where installed in a separate space with no machinery).

Shaft alleys and pipe tunnels allowing storage of combustibles.

Auxiliary machinery spaces as in Category (10) which contain machinery having a pressure lubrication 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 112 kW driving emergency generators, sprinkler, drencher or fire pumps, bilge pumps, etc.

Special category spaces (Tables 1 and 3 only apply).

Closed trunks serving the spaces listed above.

(12) Machinery Spaces and Main Galleys

Main propelling machinery rooms (other than electric propulsion motor rooms) and 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.

Main galleys and annexes.

Trunks and casings to the spaces listed above.

(13) Store-rooms, Workshops, Pantries, etc.

Main pantries not annexed to galleys.

Main laundry.

Large drying rooms (having a deck area or more than 4 square metres (43 square feet)).

Miscellaneous stores.

Mail and baggage rooms.

Garbage rooms.

Workshops (not part of machinery spaces, galleys, etc.).

(14) Other Spaces in which Inflammable Liquids are stowed

Lamp rooms.

Paint rooms.

Store-rooms containing inflammable liquids (including dyes, medicines, etc.).

Laboratories (in which inflammable liquids are stowed).

(iii) Where a single value is shown for the fire integrity of a boundary between two spaces, that value shall apply in all cases.

(iv) 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 system complying with the provisions of Regulation 12 of this Chapter or between such zones neither of which is so protected, the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply.

(v) 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 system complying with the provisions of Regulation 12 of this Chapter or between such zones both of which are so protected, the lesser of the two values given in the tables shall apply. In instances where a sprinklered zone and a non-sprinklered zone meet within accommodation and service spaces, the higher of the two values given in the tables shall apply to the division between the zones.

(vi) Where adjacent spaces are in the same numerical category and the superscript "1" appears in the tables, a bulkhead or deck between such spaces need not be fitted if deemed unnecessary by the Administration. For example, in Category (12) a bulkhead need not be required between a galley and its annexed pantries provided the pantry bulkheads and decks maintain the integrity of the galley boundaries. A bulkhead is, however, required between a galley and a machinery space even though both spaces are in Category (12).

(vii) Where the superscript "2" appears in the tables, the lesser insulation value may be permitted only if at least one of the adjoining spaces is protected by an automatic sprinkler system complying with the provisions of Regulation 12 of this Chapter.

(viii) Notwithstanding the provisions of Regulation 19 of this Chapter, there are no special requirements for material or integrity of boundaries where only a dash appears in the tables.

(ix) The Administration shall determine in respect of Category (5) spaces whether the insulation values in Table 1 or 2 shall apply to ends of deckhouses and superstructures, and whether the insulation values in Table 3 or 4 shall apply to weather decks. In no case shall the requirements of Category (5) of Tables 1 to 4 necessitate enclosure of spaces which in the opinion of the Administration need not be enclosed.

(c) 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.

(d) In approving structural fire protection details, the Administration shall have regard to the risk of heat transmission at intersections and terminal points of required thermal barriers.

([ver documento original](https://files.diariodarepublica.pt/1s/1983/10/23701/00010196.pdf))

Regulation 21

Means of Escape

(a) In and from all passenger and crew spaces and in spaces in which the crew is normally employed, other than machinery spaces, stairways and ladders shall be arranged to provide ready means of escape to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck. In particular, the following provisions shall be complied with:

(i) Below the bulkhead deck, two means of escape, at least one of which shall be independent of watertight doors, shall be provided from each watertight compartment or similarly restricted space or group of spaces. Exceptionally, the Administration may dispense with one of the means of escape, due regard being paid to the nature and location of spaces and to the number of persons who normally might be quartered or employed there.

(ii) Above the bulkhead deck, there shall be at least two means of escape from each main vertical zone or similarly restricted space or group of spaces at least one of which shall give access to a stairway forming a vertical escape.

(iii) At least one of the means of escape required by sub-paragraphs (a)(i) and (ii) of this Regulation shall be by means of a readily accessible enclosed stairway, which shall provide continuous fire shelter from the level of its origin to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks or the highest level served by the stairway, whichever level is the highest. However, where an Administration has granted dispensation under the provisions of sub-paragraph (a)(i) of this Regulation the sole means of escape shall provide safe escape to the satisfaction of the Administration. The width, number and continuity of the stairways shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(iv) Protection of access from the stairway enclosures to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation areas shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.

(v) Lifts shall not be considered as forming one of the required means of escape.

(vi) Stairways serving only a space and a balcony in that space shall not be considered as forming one of the required means of escape.

(vii) If a radiotelegraph station has no direct access to the weather deck, two means of escape shall be provided from such station.

(viii) Dead-end corridors exceeding 13 metres (43 feet) shall not be permitted.

(b) (i) In special category spaces the number and disposition of the means of escape both below and above the bulkhead deck shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, and in general the safety of access to the embarkation deck shall be at least equivalent to that provided for under sub-paragraphs (a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v) of this Regulation.

(ii) One of the escape routes from the machinery spaces where the crew is normally employed shall avoid direct access to any special category space.

(c) Two means of escape shall be provided from each machinery space. In particular, the following provisions shall be complied with:

(i) Where the space is below the bulkhead deck the two means of escape shall consist of either:

(1) two sets of steel ladders as widely separated as possible, leading to doors in the upper part of the space similarly separated and from which access is provided to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks. One of these ladders shall provide continuous fire shelter from the lower part of the space to a safe position outside the space; or

(2) one steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from which access is provided to the embarkation deck and a steel door capable of being operated from each side and which provides a safe escape route to the embarkation deck.

(ii) Where the space is above the bulkhead deck, two means of escape shall be as widely separated as possible and the doors leading from such means of escape shall be in a position from which access is provided to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks. Where such escapes require the use of ladders these shall be of steel.

Provided that in a ship of less than 1,000 tons gross tonnage, the Administration may dispense with one of the means of escape due regard being paid to the width and disposition of the upper part of the space; and in a ship of 1,000 tons gross tonnage and above, the Administration may dispense with one means of escape from any such space so long as either a door or a steel ladder provides a safe escape route to the embarkation deck due regard being paid to the nature and location of the space and whether persons are normally employed in that space.

Regulation 22

Protection of Stairways and Lifts in Accommodation and Service Spaces

(a) All stairways shall be of steel frame construction except where the Administration sanctions the use of other equivalent material, and shall be within enclosures formed of "A" Class divisions, with positive means of closure at all openings, except that:

(i) a stairway connecting only two decks need not be enclosed, provided the integrity of the deck is maintained by proper bulkheads or doors at one between deck space. When a stairway is closed at one between deck space, the stairway enclosure shall be protected in accordance with the tables for decks in Regulation 20 of this Chapter;

(ii) stairways may be fitted in the open in a public space, provided they lie wholly within such public space.

(b) Stairway enclosures shall have direct communication with the corridors and be of sufficient area to prevent congestion, having in view the number of persons likely to use them 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.

(c) Lift trunks 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.

Regulation 23

Openings in "A" Class Divisions

(a) Where "A" Class divisions are pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks, ducts, etc., for girders, beams or other structures, arrangements shall be made to ensure that the fire resistance is not impaired, subject to the provisions of paragraph (g) of this Regulation.

(b) 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 be marked in red light-reflecting colour. The duct between the bulkhead and the damper shall be of steel or other equivalent material and, if necessary, to an insulating standard such as to comply with paragraph (a) of this Regulation. The damper shall be fitted on at least one side of the bulkhead with a visible indicator showing if the damper is in the open position.

(c) Except for hatches between cargo, special category, store, and baggage spaces, and between such spaces and the weather decks, all openings shall be provided with permanently attached means of closing which shall be at least as effective for resisting fires as the divisions in which they are fitted.

(d) The construction of all doors and door frames in "A" Class divisions, with the means of securing them 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 bulkheads in which the doors are situated. Such doors and door frames shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. Watertight doors need not be insulated.

(e) It shall be possible for each door to be opened and closed from each side of the bulkhead by one person only.