Fire pumps and fire main system .1 Application

12.4.1.1 Every Ship is to be provided with fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses complying as applicable with this section.

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12.4.2 Capacity of fire pumps

12.4.2.1 The total capacity of the main fire pumps is to be not less than four-thirds of the capacity of each bilge pump as per Chapter 11 as applicable

12.4.2.2 Any pump designated as a fire pump other than any emergency fire pump is to have a capacity not less than 80% of the total required capacity divided by the minimum number of required fire pumps and each such pump in any case is to be capable of delivering at least one jet of water.

These fire pumps are to be capable of supplying the fire main system under the required conditions.

12.4.3 Fire pumps

12.4.3.1 In Ship of 150 tons gross and upwards, not less than two power pumps are to be provided, one of which is to be an independent pump.

12.4.3.2 In Ship of less than 150 tons gross, one power pump is to be available for fire-extinguishing service, if the service is restricted to harbour or river service, a suitable hand pump may be substituted for the power pump.

12.4.3.3 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 changeover arrangements are fitted.

12.4.3.4 With one pump out of operation, simultaneous availability of pumps for bilge and fire duty is to be ensured.

12.4.3.5 If a fire in a category ‘A’ machinery space could put all the fire pumps out of action, there is to be an alternative means consisting of a fixed independently driven emergency fire pump which is to be capable of supplying at least one satisfactory jet of water. The pump and its location are to comply with 12.4.4.

12.4.3.6 Relief valves are to 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 are to be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.

12.4.3.7 Where centrifugal pumps are provided in order to comply with this sub-section or 12.4.4, a non-return valve is to be fitted in the pipe connecting the pump to the fire main.

12.4.4 Emergency fire pumps

12.4.4.1 The emergency fire pump, its source of power and its sea connection are to be located in accessible positions outside the category ‘A’ machinery space referred to in 12.4.3.5. In Ship of less than 150 tons gross a manually operated pump will be accepted (see 12.4.6.1) provided it and its sea connection meet the requirements of this paragraph.

12.4.4.2 The sea valve is to be capable of being operated from a position near the pump.

12.4.4.3 The room where the emergency fire pump prime mover is located is to be illuminated from the emergency source of supply and is to be well ventilated.

12.4.4.4 If the emergency fire pump is required to supply water for a fixed fire-extinguishing system in the space where the main fire pumps are situated, it is to be capable of simultaneously supplying water to this system and the fire main at the required rates.

12.4.4.5 The emergency fire pump may also be used for other suitable purposes subject to approval in each case.

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12.4.5 Fire main

12.4.5.1 The diameter of the fire main is to be based on the required capacity of the fire pumps. The diameter of the water service pipes are to be sufficient to ensure an adequate supply of water for the operation of at least one fire-hose.

12.4.5.2 The wash deck line may be used as a fire main provided that the requirements of this sub- section are satisfied.

12.4.5.3 All water pipes for fire extinguishing are to be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather. The valves are to be located where they will not be damaged by cargo.

12.4.6 Pressure in the fire main

12.4.6.1 Any power operated fire pump is to maintain a pressure at any hydrant sufficient to produce a jet throw at any nozzle of 12 m. Where a manually operated fire pump is permitted the jet throw need only be 6 m when produced through a suitable nozzle.

12.4.7 Number and position of hydrants

12.4.7.1 The number and position of the hydrants are to be such that at least one jet of water may reach any part normally accessible to the crew while the Ship is being navigated and any part of any cargo space when empty. Furthermore, such hydrants are to be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. At least one hydrant is to be provided in each machinery space.

12.4.8 Pipes and hydrants

12.4.8.1 Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat are not to be used for fire mains. Where steel pipes are used, they are to be galvanized internally and externally. Cast iron pipes are not acceptable. The pipes and hydrants are to be so placed that the fire-hoses may be easily coupled to them. The arrangement of pipes and hydrants shall be such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. In Ship where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the hydrants are to be such that they are always readily accessible and the pipes are to be arranged, as far as practicable, to avoid risk of damage by such cargo. Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the Ship, there is to be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

12.4.8.2 A valve is to be fitted to serve each fire-hose so that any fire-hose may be removed while the fire pumps are at work.

12.4.8.3 Where an emergency fire pump is required, the fire main is to be so arranged that all the hydrants in the Ship except those in the category ‘A’ machinery space containing the main fire pump or pumps can be supplied with water by the emergency fire pump through pipes which do not enter the space and whilst the main fire pumps are isolated from the fire main by a valve located in an easily accessible and tenable position outside the space. Where it is found necessary short lengths of the emergency fire pump suction and discharge piping may 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 and the sea valve is operable from a readily accessible position not likely to be affected by a fire in the space containing the main fire pumps.

12.4.9 Fire hoses

12.4.9.1 Fire hoses are to be of approved non-perishable material. The hoses are to be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required to be used. Their length, in general, is not to exceed 18 [m]. Each hose is to be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Fire hoses, together with any necessary fittings and tools, are to be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections.

12.4.9.2 The number of fire hoses to be provided, each complete with couplings and nozzles, is to be one for each 15 [m] length of the Ship, or part thereof, but need not exceed the number of

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hydrants provided. This number does not include any hoses required in any engine room. If necessary, the number of hoses is to be increased so as to ensure that hoses in sufficient numbers are available and accessible at all times.

12.4.10 Nozzles

12.4.10.1 For the purpose of this chapter, standard nozzle sizes are to be 12 [mm], 16 [mm] or 19 [mm], or as near thereto as possible, so as to make full use of the maximum discharge capacity of the fire pumps.

12.4.10.2 For accommodation and service spaces, the nozzle size need not exceed 12 [mm].

12.4.10.3 The size of nozzles intended for use in conjunction with a manually operated emergency fire pump need not exceed 9.5 [mm].

12.4.10.4 For machinery spaces and exterior locations the nozzle size is not to be less than 12 [mm].

12.4.10.5 All nozzles are to be of an approved dual purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a shut-off.

12.5 Fire extinguishers