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Maritime and Coastguard Agency LogDRAFTD

MERCHANT SHIPPING NOTICE

MSN 1900(M)

The Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection) Regulations

2023
Notice to all Shipowners and Operators, Recognised Organisations, Certifying
Authorities, Shipbuilders, Ship Repairers, Masters and Officers, and Surveyors

Summary

This Merchant Shipping Notice forms an integral part of the Merchant Shipping (Fire Protection)
Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/568) (“the 2023 Regulations”), which make provision generally for
fire protection in the construction of ships and implement Chapter II-2 of the Annex to the Inter-
national Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 (fire protection, fire detection and fire
extinction). This Notice is made mandatory by way of reference to it in those Regulations.

Sections 3 to 10 of this Notice contain the technical requirements referred to in Part 2 and Part
6 of the 2023 Regulations with respect to ships constructed before 1st July 2002 of Classes I,
II, VII, VII(A), VII(T), VIII, VIII(T), IX, IX(A) and IX(A)(T) engaged on international voyages, and
to ships of Classes II(A), VII(A), VIII(A), VIII(A)(T), IX, IX(A), IX(A)(T) engaged on non-interna-
tional voyages. It also applies to ships of Classes XI and XII of all construction dates and
engaged on either international or non-international voyages.

Chapter II-2 applies to ships constructed on or after 1st July 2012, but some provisions in Chap-
ter II-2 also apply to ships constructed before 1st July 2012. Except for ships of Classes XI and
XII, a ship constructed before 1st July 2012 must still comply with a provision of Parts B, C, D,
E and G of Chapter II-2 that is stated to apply to all ships.

CONTENTS
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SECTION 1: INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

SECTION 2: CLASSIFICATION OF SHIPS

Requirements for ships

SECTION 3: FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES ON PASSENGER SHIPS

3.1 – 3.12 Fire pumps, fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
3.13 – 3.16 Portable fire extinguishers in accommodation, cargo and service spaces
3.17 – 3.21 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems in cargo spaces
3.22 – 3.23 Special requirements for cargo space ventilation
3.24 – 3.32 Machinery spaces of Category A
3.33 Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines
3.34 Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces
3.35 Paint lockers etc
3.36 – 3.45 Fire patrol, detection and alarm systems
3.46 – 3.48 Firemen's outfits
3.49 – 3.53 Emergency escape breathing devices
3.54 – 3.56 International shore connection

SECTION 4: FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES ON SHIPS OTHER THAN PASSENGER
SHIPS AND TANKERS
4.1 – 4.4 Fire pumps, fire mains, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
4.5 – 4.6 Portable fire extinguishers
4.7 – 4.13 Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces
4.14 Special requirements for cargo space ventilation
4.15 – 4.17 Machinery spaces of Category A
4.18 Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines
4.19 Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces
4.20 Paint lockers etc
4.21 – 4.24 Fire detection and fire alarm systems and sample extraction smoke detection systems
4.25 – 4.28 Firemen's outfits
4.29 – 4.32 Emergency escape breathing devices
4.33 International shore connection
4.34 Ships of Class VII(A)
4.35 – 4.46 Ships of Classes VIII, VIII(A), IX, IX(A), XI and XII
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SECTION 5: FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES

TANKERS OF CLASS VII(T) OF 500 TONS OR OVER

5.1 General requirements
5.2 –5.21 Cargo tank protection
5.22 – 5.24 Cargo tank purging and/or gas freeing
5.25 – 5.27 Cargo pump rooms
5.28 – 5.32 Gas monitoring and ignition protection systems for tankers and combination carriers
5.33 Fire main isolating valves
5.34 Firemen's outfits
5.35 – 5.38 Emergency escape breathing devices

5.39 Tankers of Class VIII(T)

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

SECTION 6: FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES - GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

6.1 – 6.6 Requirements for ships provided with helicopter decks with or without fuelling facilities
6.7 – 6.11 Fire pumps
6.12 – 6.15 Fire main, water service pipes and hydrants
6.16 – 6.20 Fire hoses, nozzles, etc
6.21 – 6.23 Special requirements for fixed fire-extinguishing systems
6.24 – 6.25 Fixed low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces
6.26 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems not required by this Notice
6.27 – 6.31 Fire extinguishers
6.32 – 6.33 Fire buckets
6.34 – 6.35 Firemen's outfits
6.36 – 6.41 Means for stopping machinery, shutting off oil fuel suction pipes and closing of openings
6.41 Gaseous fuel for domestic purposes
6.42 Deep-fat cooking equipment
6.43 – 6.48 Fire control plans
6.49 Availability of fire-fighting appliances
6.50 – 6.54 Maintenance plan
6.55 – 6.58 Training manuals
6.59 – 6.62 Fire safety operations booklet

SECTION 7: STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION ON PASSENGER SHIPS

7.1 – 7.2 Application
7.3 – 7.4 Structure
7.5 – 7.9 Helicopter decks
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7.10 – 7.15 Main vertical zones and horizontal zones

7.16 – 7.18 Bulkheads within a main vertical zone
7.19 – 7.20 Fire Integrity of bulkheads and decks
7.21 – 7.26 Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces
7.27 – 7.38 Openings in “A” Class divisions
7.39 – 7.42 Openings in “B” Class divisions
7.43 – 7.49 Ventilation systems
7.50 – 7.52 Windows and sidescuttles
7.53 – 7.55 Restriction of combustible materials
7.56 – 7.57 Miscellaneous items of fire protection
7.58 – 7.62 Automatic sprinkler, water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system or fixed fire detection
and fire alarm system
7.63 Protection of special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces
7.64 Protection of cargo spaces, other than special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces in-
tended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion
7.65 Special arrangements in machinery spaces
7.66 – 7.76 Means of escape

SECTION 8: STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION ON SHIPS OF CLASSES VII, VII(A), VIII, VIII(A), IX AND
IX(A) AND TANKERS OF CLASSES VII(T), VIII(T), VIII(A)(T) AND IX(A)(T) OF 500 TONS OR OVER
8.1 Structure
8.2 Helicopter decks
8.3 Methods of fire protection
8.4 – 8.7 Bulkheads within accommodation spaces, services spaces and control stations
8.8 Fire integrity of bulkheads and decks
8.9 – 8.10 Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces
8.11 – 8.18 Openings in “A” Class divisions
8.19 – 8.23 Openings in “B” Class divisions
8.24 – 8.28 Ventilation systems
8.29 – 8.30 Details of construction
8.31 – 8.34 Restriction of combustible materials
8.35 – 8.42 Miscellaneous items of fire protection
8.43 – 8.45 Fixed fire detection and fire alarm system, and automatic sprinkler, water mist, fire detection
and fire alarm system
8.46 Special arrangements in machinery spaces
8.47 – 8.52 Means of escape

SECTION 9: STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION ON TANKERS

9.1 Application
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9.2 – 9.3 Structure

9.4 Helicopter decks
9.5 – 9.8 Exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses
9.9 – 9.10 Boundary bulkheads and decks of machinery spaces of Category A and cargo pump rooms
9.11 – 9.13 Bulkheads within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations
9.14 Fire integrity of bulkheads and decks
9.15 – 9.16 Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces
9.17 Openings in “A” Class divisions
9.18 Openings in “B” Class divisions
9.19 Ventilation systems
9.20 Details of construction
9.21 Restriction of combustible materials
9.22 Miscellaneous items of fire protection
9.23 Fixed fire detection and fire alarm system
9.24 Special arrangements in machinery spaces
9.25 Means of escape

SECTION 10 - SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS CARRYING DANGEROUS GOODS

10.1 – 10.2 Ships carrying explosives
10.3 – 10.5 Ships carrying dangerous goods

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION AND DEFINITIONS

1 Introduction and definitions

1.1 In this Notice—

1.1.1 Unless a term is defined in paragraph 1.2, it has the meaning given in regulation 2 of the 2023
Regulations (interpretation);

1.1.2 A reference to a numbered paragraph is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to a numbered
paragraph in this Notice;

1.1.3 A reference to a numbered section is, unless otherwise stated, a reference to the relevant
section in this Notice;
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1.1.4 A reference to “the 2023 Regulations” means a reference to the Merchant Shipping (Fire
Protection) Regulations 2023 (SI 2023/568).

1.2 Sections 3 to 10 of this Notice contain the technical requirements for ships constructed be-
fore 1st July 2002 and for ships of Classes XI and XII, to which the 2023 Regulations
apply. These are the requirements referred to in Part 2 and Part 6 of the 2023 Regulations.

1.2.1 The general application provision in the 2023 Regulations means that this Notice applies to
both UK and non-UK ships. It does not apply to the following ships:
(a) passenger ships of Class II(A) under 21.34 metres in length;
(b) passenger ships of Classes III, IV, V, VI and VI(A);
(c) cargo ships of Classes VII, VII(A), VII(T), VIII, VIII(A), VIII(T), VIII(A)(T), IX, IX(A), IX(A)(T)
and XI under 500 tons;
(d) pleasure vessels of Class XII under 500 tons;
(e) ships of war and naval auxiliaries;
(f) ships owned or operated by a State and engaged only on governmental non-commercial
service;
(g) fishing vessels;
(h) ships solely navigating the Great Lakes of North America and the River St Lawrence as far
east as a straight line drawn from Cap des Rosiers to West Point, Anticosti Island and, on
the north side of Anticosti Island, the 63rd meridian;
(i) non-United Kingdom ships which are pleasure vessels of any size.
(j) any passenger ship to which the Merchant Shipping (Passenger Ships) (Safety Code for UK
Categorised Waters) Regulations 2010 apply;
(k) high-speed craft to which the Merchant Shipping (High Speed Craft) Regulations 2004 apply.

1.2.2 The requirements for ships of Classes I, II, VII, VII(A), VII(T), VIII, VIII(T), IX engaged on
international voyages are the requirements of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS as it applied when it
was amended by IMO Resolution MSC.57(67), together with the requirements for ships con-
structed before 1st July 2002 contained in IMO Resolutions MSC.1(XLV), MSC.6(48),
MSC.13(57), MSC.22(59), MSC.24(60), MSC.27(61), MSC.31(63), MSC.57(67),
MSC.99(73), MSC.134(76), MSC.194(80), MSC.201(81), MSC.216(82), MSC.256(84),
MSC.269(85) and MSC.291(87). These requirements were implemented in the Merchant
Shipping (Fire Protection: Large Ships) Regulations 1998 (“the 1998 Regulations”), which are
revoked by the 2023 Regulations, and this Notice replicates the content of those Regulations
in relation to those requirements.

1.2.3 Merchant Shipping Notices 1665, 1666, 1667, 1668, 1669 and 1670, which were referred to
in the 1998 Regulations, are still applicable but have been updated to reflect the changes
made by Merchant Shipping Notice 1773 and to replace the references to the 1998 Regula-
tions in those Notices with the relevant provisions in this Notice. These Merchant Shipping
Notices are made mandatory by reference to them in the 2023 Regulations.

1.2.4 The requirements for ships of Classes II(A), VII(A), VIII(A), VIII(A)(T), IX, IX(A), IX(A)(T) en-
gaged on non-international voyages are the requirements that were contained in the 1998
Regulations and this Notice also replicates the content of those Regulations in relation to
those requirements.
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1.2.5 This Notice also replicates the requirements for ships of Classes XI and XII that were con-
tained in the 1998 Regulations.

1.2.6 The current version of Chapter II-2 of SOLAS applies to ships constructed on or after 1st July
2012 (to which this Notice does not apply) but some provisions in Chapter II-2 also apply to
ships constructed before 1st July 2012, and some, specifically, to ships constructed before
1st July 2002. Therefore, a ship to which this Notice applies (that is, ships constructed before
1st July 2002), and engaged on international voyages, must comply with the provisions of
Chapter II-2 listed in paragraph 1.2.7 below and any provision of Parts B, C, D, E and G of
Chapter II-2 that applies to all ships (see regulation 13(3) in the 2023 Regulations). This
requirement does not apply to ships engaged on non-international voyages or ships of Clas-
ses XI and XII.

1.2.7 The provisions in the current version of Chapter II-2 referred to in paragraph 1.2.6 are:

(a) paragraph 3 in regulation 1 (repairs, alterations, modifications and outfitting), as appropriate

– this is implemented and prescribed by regulation 7 in the 2023 Regulations (in relation to
substantial repairs an exemption is potentially available);

(b) paragraph 6.5 in regulation 1 (combination carriers to not carry cargoes other than oil un-
less all cargo spaces are empty of oil and gas-freed etc), as appropriate – see paragraph
5.7 in this Notice;

(c) paragraph 6.7 in regulation 1 (tankers – system of continuous monitoring of the concentra-
tion of hydrocarbon gases), as appropriate – see paragraphs 5.28 and 5.29 in this Notice;

(d) regulations [Link] to [Link] (emergency escape breathing devices – all ships in accom-
modation spaces, all passenger ships in main vertical zones, with modification for stair-
wells), 13.4.3 (emergency escape breathing devices) - see paragraphs 3.49 – 3.53, 4.29 –
4.32 ,5.35 – 5.38 in this Notice and part E (operational requirements) - see paragraphs 6.50
– 6.62 in this Notice except regulations [Link] and [Link] (procedures for cargo tank
purging and/or gas freeing), see paragraph 5.24 in this Notice.

(e) regulations [Link] (fire-extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301, and 2402 and per-
fluorocarbons are prohibited) (see paragraph 6.23 in this Notice) and 10.6.4 (deep-fat cook-
ing equipment) for new installations only (see paragraph 6.42 in this Notice);

(f) regulation 10.5.6 (fixed local application fire-extinguishing systems) not later than 1 October
2005 for passenger ships of 2,000 gross tonnage and above (see paragraph 3.28 – 3.31 in
this Notice);

(g) regulations [Link] (linings, ceilings and partial bulkheads or decks used to screen or to
separate adjacent cabin balconies shall be of non-combustible materials) and 5.3.4 (on
passenger ships, furniture and furnishings on cabin balconies shall comply with regulations
3.40.1, 3.40.2, 3.40.3, 3.40.6 and 3.40.7 unless such balconies are protected by a fixed
pressure water-spraying and fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems complying with reg-
ulations 7.10 and [Link]. to passenger ships not later than the date of the first survey af-
ter 1 July 2008) (see paragraphs 7.55(a)(v) and 7.55(b)(i) in this Notice);
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(h) regulation [Link] (tankers shall be equipped with at least one portable instrument for meas-
uring oxygen and one for measuring flammable vapour concentrations, together with a suffi-
cient set of spares. Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of such instru-
ments) (see paragraph 5.32 in this Notice);

(i) regulation [Link] (self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus of fire-fighter's out-
fits to comply with paragraph [Link] of chapter 3 of the Fire Safety Systems Code) (see
paragraphs 6.34 – 6.35 in this Notice);

(j) paragraph 5 of regulation 20-1 (Requirement for vehicle carriers to carry two portable gas
detectors in relation to the carriage of vehicles with compressed hydrogen or compressed
natural gas in their tanks for their own propulsion);

(k) regulation 16.3.3 except [Link] (operation of inert gas system) (see paragraph 5.2 in this
notice);

(l) regulation [Link].2 (boiler room or at an entrance outside of the boiler room at least one
portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems
Code) (see paragraph 3.26(b) in this notice);

(m) regulation [Link].4 (operation of ventilation system);

(n) regulation [Link] (provision of means to prevent the blockage of drainage for closed vehi-
cles and ro-ro spaces and special category spaces where fixed pressure water-spraying
systems are fitted).

1.3 The following definitions are used in this Notice:

““A” Class division” means a bulkhead or part of a deck which is—
(a) constructed of steel or other equivalent material;
(b) suitably stiffened;
(c) so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the
end of the 60 minute standard fire test; and
(d) so insulated where necessary with suitable non-combustible materials that if the divi-
sion is exposed to a standard fire test the average temperature on the unexposed side of
the division must not increase more than [140°C] above the initial temperature nor must the
temperature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 180°C above the initial
temperature within the time listed below—
“A-60” standard, 60 minutes;
“A-30” standard, 30 minutes;
“A-15” standard, 15 minutes;
“A-0” standard, 0 minutes;
“accommodation spaces” means—
(a) public spaces;
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(b) corridors and lobbies;

(c) stairways;
(d) lavatories;
(e) cabins;
(f) offices;
(g) hospitals;
(h) hairdressing salons;
(i) pantries not containing cooking appliances;
(j) lockers;
(k) games and hobbies' rooms; and
(l) spaces similar to any of the foregoing and trunks to such spaces allocated to passen-
gers or crew;
“approved” means, in relation to any equipment or arrangement, approved under the Mer-
chant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016;
““B” Class division” means a bulkhead, part of a deck, ceiling or lining which is—
(a) so constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of flame to the end of the
first 30 minutes of the standard fire test;
(b) so constructed as to provide an insulation standard such that, if the division is ex-
posed to a standard fire test, the average temperature on the unexposed side of the divi-
sion must not increase more than 140°C above the initial temperature, nor must the tem-
perature at any one point, including any joint, rise more than 225°C above the initial tem-
perature within the time listed below—
''B-15'' standard, 15 minutes;
“B-0” standard, 0 minutes; and
(c) constructed of suitable non-combustible materials and all materials whose use is nec-
essary for or ancillary to its construction and erection must be non-combustible, with the ex-
ception that combustible veneers may be permitted provided that they meet the require-
ments of paragraph 7.54(b);
“bulkhead deck” means the uppermost deck up to which transverse watertight bulkheads are
carried;
““C” Class division” means a bulkhead, ceiling or lining which is constructed of suitable non-
combustible materials not being an “A” Class division or a “B” Class division;
“cargo area” means that part of the ship which contains—
(a) the cargo tanks, slop tanks and cargo pump rooms; and
(b) the following spaces when they are adjacent to the cargo tanks; namely, pump rooms
other than cargo pump rooms, cofferdams, ballast spaces and void spaces;
and extends fore and aft between the forward end of the most forward of those tanks or other
spaces and the after end of the aftermost of those tanks or other spaces and athwartships
over the whole breadth of the ship; and the deck area over that part of the ship;
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“cargo control station” means a space from which the loading, discharging or transferring of
any cargo may be controlled;
“cargo pump room” means a room in which any pumps used for loading, discharging or trans-
ferring cargoes are located;
“cargo ship” means any ship which is not a passenger ship, pleasure vessel or fishing vessel;
“cargo spaces” are all spaces used for cargo including cargo oil tanks, slop tanks and trunks
to such spaces;
“Category A tanker” and “Category A combination carrier” means a tanker, or as the case may
be, a combination carrier constructed or adapted to carry crude oil and petroleum products
having a closed flashpoint not exceeding 60°C the Reid vapour pressure of which is below
that of atmospheric pressure, and liquids having a similar fire hazard and the keel of which—
(a) was laid, or which was at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1st February
1975; or
(b) was laid, or was at a similar stage of construction, before 1st February 1975 but was
completed after 31st December 1978;
“central control station” means a control station in which the following control and indicator
functions are centralised—
(a) fixed fire detection and alarm system;
(b) automatic sprinklers or water mist, fire detection and alarm system;
(c) fire door indicator panel;
(d) fire door closure;
(e) watertight door indicator panel;
(f) watertight door closure;
(g) ventilation fans;
(h) general/fire alarm;
(i) communication systems including telephones; and
(j) microphone to public address system;
“chemical tanker” means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of
any liquid product of a flammable nature listed in Chapter 17 of the International Code for the
Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, as defined in
SOLAS regulation VII/8.1;
“closed ro-ro cargo space” means a ro-ro cargo space which is not an open ro-ro space and
not a weather deck;
“Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk”
means the 1993 edition of the Code and has the meaning given to it in regulation 1 of Annex II
of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships 1973 (MARPOL);
“Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in Bulk” means
the 1983 edition of the Code and has the meaning given to it in IMO Resolution A.328(9) and
supplemented by IMO Resolution A.329(9) as amended;
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“Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes” means the 1991 edition of the Code (IMO Res-
olution A.434(XI);
“combination carrier” means a tanker designed to carry oil or alternatively solid cargoes in
bulk;
“continuous “C” Class ceiling or lining” means a “C” Class division forming a ceiling or lining
which terminates only at an “A” or “B” Class division;
“continuously manned central control station” means a central control station which is continu-
ously manned by a responsible member of the crew;
“control room” means a room either within or outside a propulsion machinery space from
which propulsion machinery and boilers may be controlled;
“control stations” means spaces in which radio or main navigating equipment, or the emer-
gency source of power, or the central fire recording equipment, or fire control equipment, or
fire-extinguishing installations are located or a control room located outside a propulsion ma-
chinery space;
“crude oil” means any oil occurring naturally in the earth whether or not treated to render it
suitable for transportation and includes—
(a) crude oil from which certain distillate fractions may have been removed; and
(b) crude oil to which certain distillate fractions may have been added;
“dangerous goods” means dangerous goods defined as such in the Merchant Shipping (Dan-
gerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997; and any reference to a particular
class of dangerous goods is a reference to that class of dangerous goods as defined in those
Regulations;
“deadweight” means the difference in tonnes between the displacement of a ship in water of a
specific gravity of 1.025 at the load waterline corresponding to the assigned summer free-
board and the lightweight of the ship;
“emergency escape breathing device” means such a device which complies with the Interna-
tional Code for Fire Safety Systems contained in IMO Resolution MSC.98(73) of 5th Decem-
ber 2000;
“equivalent material” as used in the expression “steel or other equivalent material” means any
non-combustible material which, by itself or due to insulation provided, has structural and in-
tegrity properties equivalent to steel at the end of an appropriate fire test;
“Fire Safety Systems Code” has the meaning given to it in regulation 3.22 of Chapter II-2 in
the Annex to SOLAS;
“Fire Test Procedures Code” has the meaning given to it in regulation 3.23 of Chapter II-2 in
the Annex to SOLAS;
“gas carrier” means a tanker constructed or adapted and used for the carriage in bulk of any
liquefied gas or certain other substances of a flammable nature listed in Chapter 19 of the In-
ternational Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in
Bulk;
“gas safe space” is a space into which the entry of hydrocarbon gases or other gases of a
flammable or toxic nature has been restricted;
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“Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems” means the 1994 edition of the publication “Inert Gas Sys-
tems” published by the International Maritime Organization;
“IMO Resolution” means a Resolution of that description agreed in, or, where it is not manda-
tory, issued by, the International Maritime Organization;
“International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemi-
cals in Bulk” has the meaning given to it in regulation 8.1 of Chapter VII in the Annex to SO-
LAS (dangerous goods);;
“International Code for the Construction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquefied Gases in
Bulk” has the meaning given to it in regulation 11.1 of Chapter VII in the Annex to SOLAS
(dangerous goods);
“International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code” has the meaning given to it in regulation 1.1
of Chapter VII in the Annex to SOLAS (dangerous goods);
“length” in relation to a registered ship means registered length, and in relation to an unregis-
tered ship means the length from the fore part of the stem to the aft side of the head of the
stern post or, if no stern post is fitted to take the rudder, to the fore side of the rudder stock at
the point where the rudder passes out of the hull;
“lightweight” means the displacement of a ship in tonnes without cargo, oil fuel, lubricating oil,
ballast water, fresh water in tanks or stores and passengers and crew and their effects;
“low flame spread” means that the surface will adequately restrict the spread of flame, which
is determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
“machinery space” means a space which contains propulsion machinery, boilers, oil fuel units,
steam and internal combustion engines, generators and major electrical machinery, oil filling
stations, refrigerating, stabilising, ventilation and air conditioning machinery and similar
spaces and where the context so admits, any trunk to such a space;
“machinery spaces of category A” are those spaces and trunks to such spaces which con-
tain—
(a) internal combustion machinery used for main propulsion; or
(b) internal combustion machinery used for purposes other than main propulsion where
such machinery has in the aggregate a total power output of not less than 375kW; or
(c) any oil-fired boiler or oil fuel unit;

“main vertical zones” means the main vertical zones into which the hull, superstructure and
deck houses of a ship are subdivided by “A60” class divisions; except that in the case of ships
constructed on or after 1st October 1994, main vertical zones are taken to be those sections
into which the hull, superstructure and deck houses are divided by “A” Class divisions, the
mean length and width of which on any deck does not in general exceed 40m;
“Merchant Shipping Notice” means a notice described as such and issued by the Maritime
and Coastguard Agency (an executive agency of the Department for Transport) and includes
a reference to any document amending or replacing that notice which is considered by the
Secretary of State to be relevant from time to time and is specified in a Merchant Shipping No-
tice;
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“non-combustible material” means a material which neither burns nor gives off flammable va-
pours in sufficient quantity for self-ignition when heated to approximately 750°C, this being de-
termined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code. Any other material is a combus-
tible material;
“oil-fired boiler” means any boiler wholly or partly fired by liquid fuel;
“oil-fuel unit” means the equipment used for the preparation of oil fuel for delivery to an oil-
fired boiler or equipment used for the preparation for delivery of heated oil to an internal com-
bustion engine, and includes any pressure pumps, filters and heaters dealing with oil at a
pressure more than 1.8 kPa;
“open ro-ro cargo spaces” means ro-ro cargo spaces which are open at both ends, or open at
one end and provided with adequate natural ventilation effective over the entire length through
permanent openings in the side plating or deck head;
“open ship” means a ship in which all the passenger accommodation is completely open to
the elements and is not fitted with a weathertight or watertight deck or structure above the wa-
terline;
“passenger” is a person other than—
(a) the master and the members of the crew or other persons employed or engaged in any
capacity on board a ship on the business of that ship; or
(b) a child under 1 year of age;
“passenger ship” means a ship carrying more than 12 passengers;
“pleasure vessel” means—
(a) any vessel which at the time it is being used is—
(i) in the case of a vessel wholly owned by-
(aa) an individual or individuals used only for the sport or pleasure of the owner or the
immediate family or friends of the owner; or
(bb) a body corporate, used only for sport or pleasure and on which the persons are
employees or officers of the body corporate, or their immediate family or friends; and
(ii) on a voyage or excursion which is one for which the owner does not receive money
for or in connection with operating the vessel or carrying any person, other than as a con-
tribution to the direct expenses of the operation of the vessel incurred during the voyage
or excursion; or
(b) any vessel wholly owned by or on behalf of a members' club formed for the purpose
of sport or pleasure which, at the time it is being used, is used only for the sport or pleasure
of members of that club or their immediate family, and for the use of which any charges lev-
ied are paid into club funds and applied for the general use of the club,
where, in the case of any vessel referred to in paragraphs (a) or (b), no other payments are
made by or on behalf of users of the vessel, other than by the owner; and in this definition
“immediate family” means in relation to an individual, the spouse or civil partner of the indi-
vidual, and a relative of the individual or the individual's spouse or civil partner; and “rela-
tive” means brother, sister, ancestor or lineal descendant;
 Page 14

“public spaces” includes halls, dining rooms, bars, smoke rooms, lounges, recreation rooms,
nurseries, libraries, cinemas, sale shops and similar permanently enclosed spaces allocated
to passengers or crew;
“Reid vapour pressure” means the vapour pressure of a liquid as determined by laboratory
testing in a standard manner in the Reid apparatus;
“relevant standard of a member State other than the United Kingdom”, in relation to a refer-
ence to an International Standard or a British Standard, means—
(a) a relevant standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent
body of a member State other than the United Kingdom; or
(b) a relevant international standard recognised for use in a member State other than the
United Kingdom; or
(c) a relevant specification acknowledged for use as a standard by a public authority of a
member State other than the United Kingdom;
being a standard, code of practice or specification which provides, in use, levels of safety,
suitability and fitness for purpose equivalent to those provided by the International Standard or
the British Standard;
“relevant standard of a member State”, in relation to a reference to an International Standard
or a British Standard, means—
(a) a relevant standard or code of practice of a national standards body or equivalent
body of a member State;
(b) a relevant international standard recognised for use in a member State; or
(c) a relevant specification acknowledged for use as a standard by a public authority of a
member State, being a standard, code of practice or specification which provides, in use,
levels of safety, suitability and fitness for purpose equivalent to those provided by the Inter-
national Standard or the British Standard;
“rooms containing furniture and furnishings of restricted fire risk” means rooms in which—
(a) all case furniture such as desks, wardrobes, dressing tables, bureaux, and dressers,
are constructed entirely of approved non-combustible materials, except that a combustible
veneer not exceeding 2 millimetres may be used on the finished surface of such furniture;
(b) all free-standing furniture such as chairs, sofas and tables are constructed with
frames of non-combustible materials;
(c) bedding components have qualities of resistance to the ignition and propagation of
flame, determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
(d) in the case of ships constructed before 1st July 1998:
(i) all draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials have qualities of re-
sistance to the propagation of flame in accordance with the requirement of Type B perfor-
mance of British Standard 5867: Part 2: 1980;
(ii) all surface floor coverings have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to
the satisfaction of the Secretary of State; and
(iii) the upholstered parts of furniture have qualities of resistance to the ignition and
propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State;
 Page 15

(e) in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998:

(i) all draperies, curtains and other suspended textile materials have qualities of re-
sistance to the propagation of flame not inferior to those of wool of mass 0.8 kg/m2, this
being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
(ii) all surface floor coverings have low flame spread; and
(iii) the upholstered parts of furniture have qualities of resistance to the ignition and
propagation of flame, determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
“ro-ro cargo spaces” means spaces not normally subdivided in any way and extending to ei-
ther a substantial length or the entire length of the ship in which goods (packaged or in bulk),
in or on rail or road cars, vehicles (including road or rail tankers), trailers, containers, pallets,
demountable tanks or in or on similar stowage units or other receptacles can be loaded and
unloaded normally in a horizontal direction;
“ro-ro passenger ship” means a passenger ship with ro-ro cargo spaces or special category
spaces;
“sailing ship” means a ship provided with sufficient sail area for navigation under sails alone,
whether or not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion;
“service spaces” include galleys, pantries containing cooking appliances, laundries, drying
rooms, lockers and store rooms, paint rooms, baggage rooms, mail and specie rooms, work-
shops (other than those forming part of machinery spaces) and similar spaces and trunks to
such spaces;
“similar stage of construction” means the stage at which construction identifiable with a spe-
cific ship begins; and assembly of that ship has commenced comprising at least 50 tonnes or
one per cent of the estimated mass of all structural material, whichever is less;
“SOLAS” means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974;
“special category space” means any enclosed space above or below the bulkhead deck in-
tended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, into
and from which such vehicles can be driven and to which passengers have access;
“standard fire test” is one in which a specimen of the relevant bulkhead or deck is exposed in
a test furnace to temperatures corresponding approximately to a standard time-temperature
curve in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code;
“suitable” in relation to material means approved by the Secretary of State as suitable for the
purpose for which it is used;
“tanker” means a cargo ship constructed or adapted for the carriage in bulk of liquid cargoes
of a flammable nature;
“tons” means gross tons and a reference to tons—
(a) in relation to a ship having alternative gross tonnages under paragraph 13 of Sched-
ule 5 of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1982, permitted to be used pursuant
to regulation 12(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Tonnage) Regulations 1997, is a reference to
the larger of those tonnages; and
(b) in relation to a ship having its tonnage determined both under Part II and regulation
12(2) of the 1997 Regulations is a reference to its gross tonnage as determined under regu-
lation 12(2);
 Page 16

“weather deck” means a deck completely exposed to the weather from above and at least two
sides.
“Cabin balcony” is an open deck space which is provided for the exclusive use of the occu-
pants of a single cabin and has direct access from such a cabin.

1.4 In this Notice—

1.4.1 A reference to a ship constructed on or after a specified date is a reference to a ship the
keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after that date.
1.4.2 A reference to a ship constructed before a specified date is a reference to a ship the keel of
which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction before that date.
1.4.3 Where the reference to a ship so constructed is to be understood as being or including a
reference to a passenger ship, the reference includes a reference to a ship which satisfies
both the following requirements, that is to say—
(i) that the keel of the ship was laid or that the ship was at a similar stage of construction
before the specified date; and
(ii) that the ship, not being a passenger ship before that date, is converted to a passen-
ger ship, such conversion commencing on or after that date.

SECTION 2

CLASSIFICATION OF SHIPS

2.1 For the purposes of this Notice and the associated UK Regulations, ships are arranged in
Classes as follows:

2.2 Passenger Ships:

Class I: ships engaged on voyages any of which are long international voyages;

Class II: ships engaged only on short international voyages;

Class II(A): ships engaged on voyages of any kind other than international voyages,
which are not:

(i) ships of Classes III to VI(A) as defined in this paragraph;

(ii) ships of Classes A, B, C or D as defined in the Merchant Ship-

ping (Passenger Ships on Domestic Voyages) Regulations
2000 and engaged on domestic voyages for the purposes of
those Regulations;

Class III: ships engaged only on voyages in the course of which they are at no time
more than 70 miles by sea from their point of departure and not more than
18 miles from the coast of the United Kingdom, and which are at sea only in
 Page 17

favourable weather and during restricted periods;

Class IV: ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B, C or D waters;

Class V: ships engaged only on voyages in Category A, B, or C waters;

Class VI: ships engaged only on voyages with not more than 250 passengers on
board, to sea, or in Category A, B, C or D waters, in all cases in favourable
weather and during restricted periods, in the course of which the ships are at
no time more than 15 miles, exclusive of any Category A, B, C or D waters,
from their point of departure nor more than 3 miles from land;

Class VI(A): ships carrying not more than 50 passengers for a distance of not more than
6 miles on voyages to or from isolated communities on the islands or coast
of the United Kingdom and which do not proceed for a distance of more than
3 miles from land;

2.3 Ships other than Passenger Ships:

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

Class VII(A): ships employed as fish processing or canning factory ships, and ships
engaged in the carriage of persons employed in the fish processing or
canning industries;

Class VII(T): tankers engaged on voyages any of which are long international voy-
ages;

Class VIII: ships other than ships of Classes II, VIII(T), IX, XI and XII engaged only
on short international voyages;

Class VIII(A): ships, other than ships of Classes II(A) to VI(A) inclusive, VIII(A)(T), IX,
IX(A), IX(A)(T), XI and XII, engaged only on voyages which are not in-
ternational voyages;

Class VIII(T): tankers engaged on voyages any of which are short international voy-
ages;

Class VIII(A)(T): tankers engaged only on voyages which are not international voyages;

Class IX: tugs and tenders, other than ships of Classes II, II(A), III, VI and VI(A),
which proceed to sea but are not engaged on long international voyages;

Class IX(A): ships, other than ships of Classes IV to VI inclusive, which do not pro-
ceed to sea;

Class IX(A)(T): tankers which do not proceed to sea;

Class XI: sailing ships, other than fishing vessels and ships of Class XII, which
 Page 18

proceed to sea; and

Class XII: pleasure vessels of 13.7 metres in length or over

2.4 In the definitions of classes of ship in paragraph 2.2:

“long international voyage” means a voyage which is not a short international voyage;
“restricted period” means a period falling wholly within the following limits—
(a) from 1st April to 31st October, both dates inclusive; and
(b) between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset in the case of ships fitted with
navigation lights conforming to the regulations for the prevention of collisions and between sunrise
and sunset in the case of any other ships;
“sea” does not include any waters of Category A, B, C or D;
“short international voyage” means an international voyage—
(a) in the course of which a ship is not more than 200 miles from a port or place in which the
passengers and crew could be placed in safety; and
(b) which does not exceed 600 nautical miles in distance between the last port of call in the
country in which the voyage begins and the final port of destination,
and, for the purposes of paragraph (b), the final port of destination is the last port of call in the
scheduled voyage at which the ship commences its return voyage to the country in which the voy-
age began; ;
“voyage” includes an excursion.
2.5 References to waters of Category A, B, C or D are references to waters categorised as
such in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1837(M) (Amendment 2).

REQUIREMENTS FOR SHIPS

SECTION 3

FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES ON PASSENGER SHIPS

Fire pumps, fire main, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

3.1 Every ship of Class I must be provided with appliances whereby at least two jets of water
can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship
is being navigated and any store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.
3.2 Every ship of Class I of 4,000 tons or over must be provided with at least three fire pumps
operated by power and every such ship of under 4,000 tons must be provided with at least
two such pumps. Each pump must be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simulta-
neously from each of any two hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the ship and must
comply with the requirements of paragraphs 6.7 - 6.11.
 Page 19

3.3 In every ship of Class I —

(a) of 1,000 tons or over, the arrangement of the sea connections, pumps and the
sources of power for operating them must be such as will ensure that a fire in any
one compartment will not put all the fire pumps out of action;
(b) of less than 1,000 tons, if a fire in any one compartment could put all the fire pumps
out of action, there must be provided, in a position outside the machinery spaces, an
independently driven power-operated emergency fire pump and its source of power
and sea connection. The pump must be capable of producing at least one jet of wa-
ter simultaneously from each of any two hydrants and hoses through nozzles which
comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.20(b) while simultaneously maintaining
a pressure of at least 210 kPa at any hydrant in the ship.
3.4 Every ship of Class I must be provided with a fire main, water service pipes, hydrants,
hoses and nozzles which must be so arranged that they comply with the requirements of
paragraphs 6.12 – 6.20 when all watertight doors and all doors in main vertical zone bulk-
heads are closed.
3.5 Every ship of Class I must be provided with at least one fire hose for every hydrant fitted in
compliance with this Notice. Such hoses must be used only for the purpose of extinguishing
fires or for testing the fire-extinguishing appliances at fire drills and surveys.
3.6 In every ship of Class I where in any machinery space of Category A, access is provided at
a low level from an adjacent shaft tunnel, two hydrants fitted with hoses and nozzles must
be provided external to, but near the entrance to, that machinery space. Where such ac-
cess is not provided from a tunnel but is provided from another space or spaces there must
be provided in one of those spaces two hydrants fitted with hoses and nozzles near the en-
trance to the machinery space of Category A. Such provisions need not be made when the
tunnel or adjacent spaces are not part of an escape route.
3.7 In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers, water from the fire main must,
as far as practicable, be kept immediately available by maintaining the pressure in the fire
main or by providing an easily operable and readily accessible remote control for the fire
pumps.
3.8 In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers, all hose nozzles must be of an
approved dual-purpose type capable of producing a water-spray and a plain jet of water
and must incorporate a shut-off facility.
3.9 In every ship of Class I at least three water-fog applicators in addition to the nozzles re-
quired by this Notice must be provided in special category spaces.
3.10 In every ship of Class I hydrants in machinery spaces must be fitted with hoses having
dual-purpose nozzles. Additionally, in respect of ships carrying more than 36 passengers,
each machinery space of Category A must be provided with at least two suitable water-fog
applicators.
Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980
3.11 Notwithstanding paragraph 3.7 above, in every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over, the ar-
rangement of fire pumps, fire mains and hydrants must be such that at least one jet of water
is immediately available from any one hydrant in an interior location. Arrangements must
 Page 20

also be made to ensure the continuation of the output of water by the automatic starting of a
fire pump required by this Notice.
3.12 In every ship of Class I in every special category space and ro-ro cargo space the number
of hydrants with hoses must be so arranged that at least two jets of water each from a sin-
gle length of hose, not emanating from the same hydrant, may reach any part of the space.
Such hydrants must be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces.

Portable fire extinguishers in accommodation, cargo and service spaces

3.13 Every ship of Class I must be provided with, on each deck below the bulkhead deck, a suffi-
cient number of portable fire extinguishers so that at least two are readily available for use
in every accommodation space, service space and control station between main vertical
zones. In enclosed accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations above the
bulkhead deck at least one such extinguisher must be provided for use on each side of the
ship in such spaces. The number of such extinguishers in such spaces must not be less
than five in a ship of 1,000 tons or over. In addition, at least one portable fire extinguisher
and a fire blanket must be provided in every galley; provided that where the deck area of
any galley exceeds 45 square metres, at least two such extinguishers and two such blan-
kets must be provided.
3.14 In every ship of Class I at least one portable fire extinguisher must be provided for use in
each control station.
3.15 One of the portable fire extinguishers intended for use in any space must be available near
the entrance to that space.
3.16 Every ship of Class I, each special category space and cargo space intended for the car-
riage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, must be provided
with—
(a) at least two portable extinguishers, suitable for extinguishing oil fires, for every 40 me-
tres length of deck space, so arranged that at least one extinguisher is available on each
side of the space and at least one extinguisher is available at each access to the space;
(b) one portable foam-applicator unit complying with the requirements of Schedule 6 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1665; not less than two such applicators must be available in
the ship for use in any such space.

Fixed fire-extinguishing systems in cargo spaces

3.17 Every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over must be provided with a fixed gas fire-extinguish-
ing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666 which must be so arranged as to protect every cargo space.

Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

3.18 Every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980 and engaged in the carriage of
dangerous goods must be provided with a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying
with the requirements of Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 to protect
every cargo space, or with a fire-extinguishing system which can be shown to provide
 Page 21

equivalent protection for the cargoes carried (other than special category spaces and
spaces where a fixed pressure water-spraying system is fitted in accordance with para-
graphs 3.19 and 3.20.
3.19 Every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980, must be provided, in each spe-
cial category space, with a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the re-
quirements of Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
3.20 Every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980 must be provided, in each
cargo space (other than a special category space) intended for the carriage of motor vehi-
cles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, with a fixed pressure water-spraying
system complying with the requirements of Schedule 3, or a fixed gas fire-extinguishing
system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN
1666.
3.21 Every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980, must be provided, in each
open ro-ro cargo space having a deck over and in each space deemed to be a closed ro-ro
cargo space not capable of being sealed, with a fixed pressure water-spraying system com-
plying with Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

Special requirements for cargo space ventilation

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

3.22 Every ship of Class I must be provided—
(a) in each special category space, with an effective power-ventilation system sufficient
to give at least 10 air changes per hour, except where a vehicle is being loaded or un-
loaded, when the number of air changes per hour is subject to the approval of the Secretary
of State in accordance with the 2023 Regulations.
(b) in each cargo space, other than a special category space intended for the carriage of
motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, with an effective power-venti-
lation system sufficient to give at least 10 air changes per hour for ships carrying more than
36 passengers and 6 air changes per hour for ships carrying not more than 36 passengers.
3.23 The power-ventilation systems referred to in paragraph 3.22 must be entirely separate from
other ventilation systems and must be operated at all times when vehicles are in such
spaces. Ventilation ducts serving such spaces capable of being effectively sealed must be
separated for each such space. The system must be capable of being controlled from a po-
sition outside such spaces. In addition—
(a) the ventilation must be such as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air
pockets;
(b) means must be provided to indicate on the navigating bridge any loss or reduction of
the required ventilating capacity;
(c) arrangements must be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of
the ventilation system in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.

Machinery spaces of Category A

 Page 22

3.24 Every ship of Class I, must be provided, for the protection of any machinery space of Cate-
gory A, with at least one of the following fixed fire-extinguishing systems—
(a) a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule
2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666;
(b) a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666; or
(c) a fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the require-
ments of Schedule 8 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

3.25 If the engine and boiler rooms are not entirely separated from each other by a bulkhead or if
fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine room, the combined engine and boiler
rooms must, for the purpose of this requirement, be regarded as a single space.
3.26 In addition to the requirements of paragraph 3.24 there must be provided—
(a) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 135 litres ca-
pacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 45 kilogrammes capacity placed
in such positions as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and sufficient in number to
enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the boiler room and spaces
containing any part of the oil fuel installation;
(b) in each boiler room at least one portable foam-applicator unit complying with Sched-
ule 6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665;
(c) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installa-
tion at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires;
(d) in each firing space a receptacle containing at least 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other
dry material suitable for extinguishing oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution or,
alternatively, an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.
3.27 In addition to the requirements of paragraph 3.24, there must be provided in any space con-
taining internal combustion type machinery—
(a) one or more foam fire extinguishers of at least 45 litres or carbon dioxide extinguish-
ers of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity; the extinguishers must be sited so as to be readily
accessible in the event of fire and they must be sufficient in number to enable foam or car-
bon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems,
gearing and other areas of high fire risk;
(b) at least one portable foam-applicator unit complying with the requirements of Sched-
ule 6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665;
(c) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to en-
sure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any
position within the space: provided that there must be not less than two such extinguishers;
and
(d) in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers each machinery space of Cate-
gory A must be provided with at least two suitable water-fog applicators.
3.28 Where a ship of Class I of 2000 gross tonnage and above has one or more machinery
spaces of Category A which are above 500 cubic metres in volume, each such machinery
space must, in addition to the fixed fire-extinguishing system required by paragraph 3.24,
 Page 23

be protected by an approved type of fixed water-based or equivalent local application fire-

fighting system, in accordance with the International Maritime Organization guidelines con-
tained in MSC Circular 913 of 4th June 1999.
3.29 Where the machinery space protected by the fixed fire-fighting system required by para-
graph 3.28 is periodically unattended, that fire-fighting system must have both automatic
and manual release capabilities.
3.30 Where the machinery space protected by the fixed fire-fighting system required by para-
graph 3.28 is continually manned, that fire-fighting system must have a manual release ca-
pability.
3.31 A fixed fire-fighting system required by paragraph 3.28 must protect the following areas
without the necessity of engine shut-down, personnel evacuation or sealing of the spaces:
(a) the fire hazard portions of internal combustion machinery used for the ship's main
propulsion and power generation,
(b) boiler fronts,
(c) the fire hazard portions of incinerators, and
(d) purifiers for heated fuel oil.

3.32 In addition to the detection and fire alarm systems required elsewhere in this Notice, a fixed
fire-fighting system required by paragraph 3.28 must, when activated, give a visual and dis-
tinct audible alarm, in the protected space and at continuously manned stations, indicating
the specific system activated.

Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines

3.33 Every ship of Class I must be provided, in spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed
pressure-lubricated steam engines used either for main propulsion, or having in the aggre-
gate a total power of not less than 375 kW for auxiliary purposes, with—
(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extin-
guishers each of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity lubrication system and on to any part of
the casings enclosing pressure lubricated parts of the turbine, engines or associated gear-
ing and any other areas of high fire risk; provided that such extinguishers are not required if
equivalent protection is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire-extinguishing system fitted in
compliance with paragraph 3.24;
(b) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to en-
sure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any
position within the space: provided that there are not less than two such extinguishers.

Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

(c) in addition, for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984, where such spaces
are to be periodically unattended, a fire-extinguishing system, specified in paragraph 3.24
must be fitted.
 Page 24

Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

3.34 In every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980, where a fire hazard exists in
any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-extinguishing are required by
paragraphs 3.24 to 3.33, there must be provided in or adjacent to that space a sufficient
number of portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher is not more
than 10 metres walking distance from any position within that space unless equivalent
means of fire extinction are provided.

Paint lockers etc

3.35 In every ship of Class I, every paint locker and flammable liquid locker must be protected by
an approved fire-extinguishing system.

Fire patrol, detection and alarm systems

3.36
(a) In every ship of Class I an efficient patrol system must be maintained so that any out-
break of fire may be promptly detected.
(b) In every such ship, manually-operated call points complying with the requirements of
Schedule 5 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be fitted throughout the accom-
modation, service and special category spaces which will enable the fire patrol to give an
alarm immediately to the navigating bridge or fire control station. The manually-operated
call point must be positioned adjacent to each exit from every special category space.
(c) Each member of the fire patrol must be trained to be familiar with the arrangements of
the ship as well as the location and operation of any equipment he may be called upon to
use.
(d) In every such ship carrying more than 36 passengers, each member of the fire patrol
must be provided with a two-way portable radio telephone apparatus.

3.37 In every ship of Class I there must be provided, in any part of the ship which is not reasona-
bly accessible to the fire patrol, and in each cargo space (other than special category
spaces) containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion, a fixed
fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with Schedule 5 of Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 or a sample extraction smoke detection system comply-
ing with the requirements of Schedule 6 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
3.38 Every ship of Class I must at all times when at sea, or in port (except when out of service),
be so manned and equipped as to ensure that any initial fire alarm is immediately received
by a responsible member of the crew.
3.39 In every ship of Class I a special alarm, operated from the navigating bridge or fire control
station, must be fitted to summon the crew. This alarm may be part of the ship's general
alarm system but it must be capable of being sounded independently of the alarm to the
passenger spaces.
 Page 25

3.40 A general emergency alarm must be provided in every Class I ship carrying more than 36
passengers. The alarm must be audible throughout all the accommodation and normal crew
working spaces and open decks, and its sound pressure level must comply with the require-
ments of the Code on Alarms and Indicators adopted by IMO by Resolution A.1021(26).
The alarm must continue to function after it has been triggered until it is manually turned off
or is temporarily interrupted by a message on the public address system.
3.41 In every ship of Class I a public address system or other effective means of communication
must be available throughout the accommodation, service space and control stations, and
the system must also be audible on the open deck.

Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

3.42 In every ship of Class I constructed on or after 25th May 1980—
(a) in any machinery space where the main propulsion and associated machinery in-
cluding sources of main electrical supply are provided with automatic or remote control
which are under continuously manned supervision from a control room, there must be pro-
vided a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with
Schedule 5 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666;
(b) in special category spaces in which the patrol is not maintained by a continuous fire
watch at all times during the voyage there must be provided in that space a fixed fire detec-
tion and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with Schedule 5 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
Additional requirement for ships constructed on or after 1st January 1994
3.44 In every ship of Class I constructed on or after 1st January 1994, where a public space
spans three or more decks by means of permanent openings and contains combustibles
(such as furniture) and enclosed spaces (such as shops, offices and restaurants), the entire
main vertical zone containing that space must be protected throughout with a smoke detec-
tion system complying with the requirements (other than of paragraph (1)(i)) of Schedule 5
of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
Additional requirement for ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994
3.45 Every ship of Class I constructed on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 pas-
sengers—
(a) must have the detection alarms for the systems required by paragraph 7.58 central-
ised in a continuously manned central control station;
(b) in addition, controls for remote closing of the fire doors and shutting down the ventila-
tion fans must be centralised in the same location. The ventilation fans must be capable of
reactivation by the crew at the continuously manned control station; and
(c) the control panels in the central control station must be—
(i) capable of indicating open or closed positions of fire doors and on or off status
of the detectors, alarms and fans;
(ii) continuously powered and have an automatic change-over to standby power
supply in case of loss of normal supply;
(iii) powered from the main source of electric power and, where necessary, from
the emergency source of electrical power.;
 Page 26

(iv) designed on the fail-safe principle; occurrence of a fault condition must initiate
a visual and audible fault-signal at the control panel.

Firemen's outfits

3.46 Every ship of Class I must be provided with—

(a) two firemen's outfits and, in addition, two firemen's outfits for every 80 metres (or part
thereof) of the aggregate of the lengths of all passenger spaces and service spaces on the
deck which carries such spaces or, if there is more than one such deck, on the deck which
has the largest aggregate of such lengths; and
(b) every such outfit must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 6.34 – 6.35; each
outfit must include breathing apparatus complying with Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1665; such breathing apparatus must be the self-contained type.
3.47 Two such firemen's outfits must be available at any one storage position.
3.48 In every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers—
(a) for each pair of breathing apparatus there must be provided one water-fog applicator
which must be stored adjacent to such apparatus;
(b) at least two spare charges for each breathing apparatus must be provided, and all air
cylinders for breathing apparatus must be interchangeable;
(c) two additional firemen's outfits must be provided for each main vertical zone provided
that, for stairway enclosures which constitute entire main vertical zones and for main verti-
cal zones in the fore or aft end of a ship which do not contain spaces classified in accord-
ance with Schedule 1 of MSN 1667 (M) as 6, 7, 8 or 12, no additional fireman's outfits are
required;
(d) at least two firemen's outfits must be stored in each main vertical zone.

Emergency escape breathing devices

3.49 Every ship of Class I carrying more than 36 passengers must be provided with at least four
emergency escape breathing devices in each main vertical zone.
3.50 Every other ship of Class I must be provided with at least two emergency escape breathing
devices in each main vertical zone.
3.51 For the purposes of paragraphs 3.49 and 3.50, “main vertical zone” does not include:
(a) stairway enclosures which constitute individual main vertical zones, or
(b) main vertical zones in the fore or aft end of a ship which do not contain spaces of cat-
egories (6), (7), (8) or (12) set out in paragraph 1 of Schedule 1 of Merchant Shipping No-
tice MSN 1667.
3.52 Every ship of Class I must be provided with emergency escape breathing devices situated
ready for use within the machinery spaces at easily visible places which can be reached
quickly and easily at any time in the event of fire, taking into account the layout of the ma-
chinery space and the number of persons normally working in the spaces in accordance
with International Maritime Organization guidelines for the performance, location, use and
 Page 27

care of emergency escape breathing devices contained in MSC Circular 849 of 8th June
1998, as amended.
3.52 The number and location of the devices provided in accordance with paragraph 3.52 must
be indicated in the fire control plan required by paragraphs 6.43 – 6.48.
3.53 Training in the use of emergency escape breathing devices must be included in the on-
board training of each crew member as soon as possible, or in any event not more than two
weeks, after the crew member first joins the ship.

International shore connection

3.54 Every ship of Class I of 500 tons or over must be provided with at least one international
shore connection which must comply with the requirements of Schedule 1 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1665 to enable water to be supplied from another ship or from the
shore to the fire main. Fixed provision must be made to enable such a connection to be
used on the port side and on the starboard side of the ship.

Ships of Class II

3.55 Paragraphs 3.1 to 3.54 inclusive apply to ships of Class II as they apply to ships of Class I.

Ships of Class II(A) of 21.34 Metres in Length or over

3.56 Paragraphs 3.1 to 3.54 inclusive apply to ships of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or
over as they apply to ships of Class I.

SECTION 4

FIRE PREVENTION AND FIRE APPLIANCES ON SHIPS OTHER THAN PASSENGER SHIPS
AND TANKERS

Fire pumps, fire mains, water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

This section applies to ships other than passenger ships and tankers.
4.1 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must be provided with appliances whereby at
least two jets of water can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers or
crew while the ship is being navigated, and any store room and any part of any cargo space when
empty.
4.2
(a) Every ship of Class VII of 1,000 tons or over must be provided with at least two fire
pumps operated by power. Each such pump must be capable of delivering at least one jet of
water simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the
ship and must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 6.7 – 6.11.
(b) Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons must be provided with
at least one fire pump operated by power, which must be capable of delivering at least one jet
 Page 28

of water simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles provided in the
ship and must comply with the requirements of paragraphs 6.7 – 6.11, provided that the ca-
pacity of the fire pump must not be less than 25 cubic metres per hour.
(c) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, one of the other pumps fitted in the ma-
chinery space such as general service, bilge and ballast pumps capable of providing water to
the fire main at the required capacity and the pressure of the fire pumps, may be regarded as
one of the fire pumps required in subparagraph (a), provided that the safe operation of the
ship is not impaired.

4.3
(a) If in any ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over a fire in any one compartment could put all
the fire pumps out of action there must be provided, in a position outside the machinery
spaces, an independently driven power-operated emergency fire pump and its source of
power and sea connection.
(b) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 2,000 tons, the emergency fire
pump must be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any
two hydrants and hoses through nozzles which comply with the requirements of paragraph
6.20(b) whilst maintaining a pressure of at least 210 kPa at any hydrant in the ship provided
that for such ships of 1,000 tons or over, the pressure at any hydrant must not be less than
250 kPa.

4.4
(a) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided a fire main, water
service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles which must comply with the requirements of para-
graphs 6.12 – 6.20.
(b)
(i) Every such ship of 1,000 tons or over must, in addition to any fire hoses provided in
the machinery spaces, be provided with at least one firehose for each 30 metres (or part
thereof) length of the ship but in no case less than five hoses and such hoses must have a
total length of at least 60 per cent of the length of the ship. In addition to such hoses there
must be provided one spare fire hose.
(ii) In every such ship of 500 tons or over there must be provided in ro-ro cargo spaces at
least three water-fog applicators in addition to the nozzles required by this Notice.
(iii) In every such ship of 500 tons or over in every ro-ro cargo space the number of hy-
drants with hoses must be so arranged that at least two jets of water each from a single
length of hose not emanating from the same hydrant may reach any part of the space. Such
hydrants must be positioned near the accesses to the protected space.
(iv) Every such ship of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons must, in addition to any fire
hoses provided in the machinery spaces, be provided with at least two fire hoses having a
total length of at least 60 per cent of the length of the ship and one spare fire hose.

(c) In every such ship of 500 tons or over fitted with oil-fire boilers or internal combustion
type propelling machinery, there must be provided in each space containing such boilers or
machinery at least two fire hydrants, one on the port side and one on the starboard side, and
in addition where there is access to the machinery space of any such ship by way of a shaft
 Page 29

tunnel, a fire hydrant must be provided in the tunnel at the end adjacent to that space. A fire
hose and nozzle must be provided at every such fire hydrant.

Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

(d) In every ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over the emergency fire pump must—
(i) be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two
hydrants and hoses through nozzles which must comply with the requirements of paragraph
6.20(b); and
(ii) meet the requirements of paragraph 6.11.

Portable fire extinguishers

4.5 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must be provided with a sufficient number of
portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one such extinguisher will be readily available
for use in any part of the accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations. The num-
ber of such extinguishers must not be less than five in a ship of 1,000 tons or over and not less
than three in a ship of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons.

Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

4.6 In every such ship there must be provided in each ro-ro cargo space intended for the car-
riage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion—
(a) at least two portable extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires for every 40 metres
length of deck space so arranged that at least one extinguisher is available on each side of
the space and at least one extinguisher is available at each access to the space; and
(b) one foam-applicator unit complying with the requirements of Schedule 6 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1665. Not less than two such applicators must be available in the ship
for use in any such space.

Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo spaces

4.7 In every ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over, other than ships to which paragraph 4.9 ap-
plies, a fixed fire-smothering gas installation complying with the requirements of Schedule 4 in
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be provided and which must be so arranged as to
protect every cargo space.

4.8 If an exemption from the requirements of paragraph 4.7 is granted to a ship, the Exemption
Certificate must list all the cargoes the ship is permitted to carry.
Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.9 In every ship of Class VII engaged in the carriage of dangerous goods there must be pro-
vided—
 Page 30

(a) a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4 in
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 for every cargo space (other than ro-ro cargo spaces
not capable of being sealed); and
(b) a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule 3
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 for every ro-ro cargo space not capable of being
sealed.

4.10 In every ship of Class VII of 2,000 tons or over there must be provided in each open ro-ro
cargo space having a deck cover and each space which is a closed ro-ro cargo space but not
capable of being sealed, a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with Schedule 3 in
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666. Due consideration must be given to bilge pumping ar-
rangements and drainage facilities.
Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984
4.11 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided for every ro-ro cargo
space not capable of being sealed a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with
Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
4.12 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided for every ro-ro cargo
space capable of being sealed and for every cargo space (other than a ro-ro cargo space) in-
tended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion a fixed
pressure water-spraying system complying with Schedule 3, or a fixed gas fire-extinguishing
system complying with Schedule 4, in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
Additional requirement for ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998
4.13 Permanent openings for ventilation in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of ro-ro cargo
spaces must be so situated that a fire in the cargo space is not likely to endanger stowage areas
or embarkation stations for survival craft or accommodation spaces, service spaces and control
stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the special category spaces or ro-ro cargo
spaces.

Special requirements for cargo space ventilation

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

4.14 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided in each closed ro-ro
cargo space and each cargo space intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their
tanks for their own propulsion, an effective power-ventilation system to provide at least six air
changes per hour based on an empty hold. Ventilation fans must where practicable be run con-
tinuously whenever vehicles are on board. Where this is impracticable, they must be operated
for a limited period daily as weather permits and in any case for a reasonable period prior to dis-
charge, after which period such spaces must be proved gas-free. One or more portable combus-
tible gas detecting instruments must be carried for this purpose. The system must be entirely
separate from other ventilating systems. Ventilation ducts serving such spaces capable of being
effectively sealed must be separated for each cargo space. Where a vehicle is being loaded or
unloaded, the number of air changes per hour is subject to the approval of the Secretary of State
in accordance with the 2023 Regulations. The system must be capable of being controlled from
a position outside such spaces. In addition—
(a) the ventilation must be so arranged as to prevent air stratification and the formation of
air pockets;
 Page 31

(b) means must be provided to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity on the
navigating bridge;
(c) arrangements must be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of the
ventilating system in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.

Machinery spaces of Category A

4.15 (i) In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided for the protection
of any machinery space of Category A at least one of the following fire-extinguishing installa-
tions—
(b) a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements of Schedule
2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666;
(c) a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666; or
(d) a fixed high-expansion foam system complying with the requirements of Schedule 8
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

(ii) If the engine and boiler rooms are not entirely separated from each other by a bulkhead,
or if fuel oil can drain from the boiler room into the engine room, the combined engine and
boiler rooms must for the purpose of this paragraph be regarded as a single space.

4.16 In addition to the requirements of paragraph 4.15 there must be provided—

(a) in each boiler room one or more foam fire extinguishers each of at least 135 litres ca-
pacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers of at least 45 kilogrammes capacity. The extin-
guishers must be sited so as to be readily accessible in the event of fire and they must be suf-
ficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the boiler
room and spaces containing any part of the oil fuel installation;
(b) in each boiler room at least one portable foam-applicator unit complying with the re-
quirements of Schedule 6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665;
(c) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installa-
tion, at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires, in addition to
any which may be carried in compliance with the preceding sub-paragraph;
(d) in each firing space a receptacle containing 0.3 cubic metre of sand or other dry mate-
rial suitable for extinguishing oil fires, together with a scoop for its distribution or alternatively
an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.

4.17 In addition to the requirements of paragraph 4.15 there must be provided in any
such spaces containing internal combustion type machinery—
(a) one or more foam fire extinguishers of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire
extinguishers of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or car-
bon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the fuel and lubricating oil pressure systems, gear-
ing and other areas of high fire risk;
(b) at least one portable foam-applicator unit complying with the requirements of Schedule
6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665;
 Page 32

(c) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to en-
sure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any posi-
tion within the space: provided that there must be not less than two extinguishers.

Machinery spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed steam engines

4.18 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided in spaces containing
steam turbines or enclosed pressure-lubricated steam engines used either for main propul-
sion, or having in the aggregate power of not less than 375 kW for auxiliary purposes—
(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 45 litres capacity or carbon dioxide fire extin-
guishers each of at least 16 kilogrammes capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or car-
bon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the pressure-lubrication system and on to any part
of the casings enclosing pressure-lubricated parts of the turbines, engines or associated gear-
ing and any other areas of high fire risk: except that such extinguishers are required if equiva-
lent protection is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire-extinguishing system fitted in compli-
ance with paragraph 4.15;
(b) portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires sufficient in number to en-
sure that at least one extinguisher is not more than 10 metres walking distance from any posi-
tion within the space: provided that there must be not less than two extinguishers; and

Additional requirement for ships constructed after 1st September 1984

(c) where such spaces are to be periodically unattended there must be provided addition-
ally either a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements of Sched-
ule 2, or a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the requirements of Schedule 4,
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

Fire-extinguishing appliances in other machinery spaces

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

4.19 Where a fire hazard exists in any machinery space for which no specific provisions for fire-
extinguishing are made in paragraphs 4.15 - 4.18 there must be provided in, or adjacent to that
space sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers to ensure that at least one extinguisher is
not more than 10 metres walking distance from any position within that space unless equivalent
means of fire extinction are provided.

Paint lockers etc

4.20 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, every paint locker and flammable liquid locker
must be protected by an approved fire-extinguishing system.

Fire detection and fire alarm systems and sample extraction smoke detection systems
 Page 33

4.21 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must be provided with a fixed fire detection and
fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements of Schedule 5 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 in any machinery space where the installation of automatic
and remote control systems and equipment has been approved in lieu of continuous manning of
the space.
Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.22 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over there must be provided in each cargo space
(other than ro-ro cargo spaces) intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks
for their own propulsion either a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type
complying with Schedule 5, or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with
Schedule 6, in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
Additional requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984
4.23 In every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over, in any machinery spaces where the main pro-
pulsion and associated machinery including sources of main electrical supply are provided with
automatic or remote control under continuous manned supervision from a control room, there
must be provided a fixed fire detection and alarm system of an approved type complying with
Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
4.24 In every Class VII ship of 500 tons or over there must be provided in each ro-ro cargo
space a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with Schedule
5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

Firemen's outfits

4.25 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must carry two firemen's outfits complying with
the requirements of paragraphs 6.34 – 6.35.

4.26 Each outfit referred to in paragraph 4.25 must include breathing apparatus, which must be
the self-contained type.

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

4.27 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must carry two firemen's outfits which must com-
ply with the requirements of paragraphs 6.34 – 6.35.
 Page 34

4.28 Each outfit referred to in paragraph 4.27 must include breathing apparatus in accordance
with Schedule 5 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665; such breathing apparatus can be ei-
ther the self-contained type, or the smoke helmet/smoke mask type.

Emergency escape breathing devices

4.29 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must be provided with at least two emergency
escape breathing devices in accommodation spaces.
4.30 Every such ship must be provided with emergency escape breathing devices situated ready
for use within the machinery spaces at easily visible places which can be reached quickly and
easily at any time in the event of fire, taking into account the layout of the machinery space and
the number of persons normally working in the spaces in accordance with International Maritime
Organisation guidelines for the performance, location, use and care of emergency escape
breathing devices contained in MSC Circular 849 of 8th June 1998.
4.31 Training in the use of emergency escape breathing devices must be included in the on-
board training of each crew member as soon as possible, or in any event not more than two
weeks, after he first joins the ship.
4.32 The number and location of the devices provided in accordance with paragraph (2) must be
indicated in the fire control plan required by paragraphs 6.43 – 6.48.

International shore connection

4.33 Every ship of Class VII of 500 tons or over must be provided with at least one international
shore connection which must comply with the requirements of Schedule 1 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1665 to enable water to be supplied from another ship, or from the
shore, to the fire main. Fixed provision must be made to enable such a connection to be
used on the port side and on the starboard side of the ship.

Ships of Class VII(A)

4.34 Paragraphs 4.1 to 4.33 of Section 4 apply to every ship of Class VII(A) of 500 tons or over
as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

Ships of Class VIII

Ships of Class VIII(A), IX and IX(A)
Ships of Class XI
Ships of Class XII

Requirements for ships of 1,000 tons or over constructed before 25th May 1980
SHIPS OF CLASS VIII
4.35 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6 and 4.15-4.33 inclusive apply to every ship of Class VIII of 1,000 tons
or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons constructed before 25th
May 1980
 Page 35

4.36 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6, 4.15-4.20 and 4.25-4.32 apply to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over
but under 1,000 tons as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over but under 1,000
tons, provided that where at least two hydrants are required by paragraph 4.4(c) to be provided
in each space containing oil fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery there
must be provided at least one fire hydrant.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.37 Paragraphs 4.1-4.33 inclusive apply to ships of Class VIII of 500 tons or over as they apply
to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.
SHIPS OF CLASS VIII(A), IX AND IX(A)
Requirements for ships of 1,000 tons or over constructed before 25th May 1980
4.38 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6 and 4.15-4.33 inclusive apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A)
of 1,000 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons constructed before 25th
May 1980
4.39 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6, 4.15-4.20 and 4.29-4.32 apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A)
of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over,
provided that where at least two hydrants are required by paragraph 4.4(c) to be provided in
each space containing oil fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery there
must be provided at least one fire hydrant.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.40 Paragraphs 4.1-4.33 inclusive apply to ships of Classes VIII(A), IX and IX(A) of 500 tons or
over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.
SHIPS OF CLASS XI
Requirements for ships of 1,000 tons or over constructed before 25th May 1980
4.41 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6 and 4.15-4.33 apply to ships of Class XI of 1,000 tons or over as they
apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons constructed before 25th
May 1980
4.42 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6, 4.15-4.20, 4.25-4.32 apply to ships of Class XI of 500 tons or over but
under 1,000 tons as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over, provided that where at
least two hydrants are required by paragraph 4.4(c) to be provided in each space containing oil
fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery there must be provided in each
space containing such machinery at least one fire hydrant.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.43 Paragraphs 4.1-4.33 inclusive apply to ships of Class XI of 500 tons or over as they apply
to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

SHIPS OF CLASS XII

Requirements for ships of 1,000 tons or over constructed before 25th May 1980
4.44 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6 and 4.15-4.33 apply to ships of Class XII of 1,000 tons or over as they
apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons.
 Page 36

Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over but under 1,000 tons constructed before 25th
May 1980
4.45 Paragraphs 4.1-4.6, 4.15-4.20, 4.25-4.32 apply to ships of Class XII of 500 tons or over but
under 1,000 tons as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over, provided that where at
least two hydrants are required by paragraph 4.4(c) to be provided in each space containing oil
fired boilers or internal combustion type propulsion machinery there must be provided at least
one fire hydrant.
Requirements for ships of 500 tons or over constructed on or after 25th May 1980
4.46 Paragraphs 4.1-4.33 inclusive apply to ships of Class XII of 500 tons or over as they apply
to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

SECTION 5

Fire Prevention and Fire Appliances

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

General requirements

5.1 Paragraphs 4.1-4.5, paragraphs 4.15 to 4.21 inclusive and paragraphs 4.33 apply to every
tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over as they apply to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.

Cargo tank protection

Inert gas systems

5.2 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 20,000 tonnes deadweight or over constructed or adapted
and used to carry crude oil and petroleum products having a closed flashpoint not exceeding
60°C, and Reid vapour pressure below atmospheric pressure, and other liquids having a similar
fire hazard, must be provided with an inert gas system complying with the standard requirements
contained in Schedule 9 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
5.3 A tanker referred to in paragraph 5.2 need not be provided with the standard requirements
for an inert gas system if—
(a) being a chemical tanker carrying as cargo any substance mentioned in paragraph 5.2, it
is provided with an inert gas system complying with the alternative requirements for chemical
tankers contained in Schedule 10 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666;
(b) being a chemical tanker constructed before 1st July 1986 and carrying crude oil or pe-
troleum products, it is provided with an inert gas system complying with the alternative re-
quirements for chemical tankers applicable to it contained in Schedule 10 in Merchant Ship-
ping Notice MSN 1666;
 Page 37

(c) being a gas carrier carrying as cargo a substance mentioned in paragraph 5.2, it is pro-
vided with cargo tank inerting arrangements equivalent to those specified in sub-paragraph (a)
or (b);
(d) being a chemical tanker or gas carrier constructed before 1st July 1986, it is carrying a
flammable cargo other than crude oil or petroleum products; or
(e) being a chemical tanker or gas carrier constructed on or after 1st July 1986 and carrying
a flammable cargo other than crude oil or petroleum products, it complies with the following
requirements, that is to say—
(i) that the capacity of each tank used for carriage of that cargo does not exceed 3,000
cubic metres;
(ii) that the capacity of each nozzle of a tank washing machine does not exceed 17.5 cu-
bic metres per hour; and
(iii) that the total combined throughput from all such machines in use in a cargo tank at
any time does not exceed 110 cubic metres per hour.

In sub-paragraphs (d) and (e), the references to a flammable cargo other than crude oil or petro-
leum products includes (without prejudice to the generality of those references) references to
any of the cargoes listed in Chapters 17 and 18 of the International Code for the Construction
and Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.
5.4
(a) Every inert gas system provided in accordance with paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 must be de-
signed, constructed and tested to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State. It must be de-
signed and operated so as to render and keep the atmosphere of the cargo tanks including
the slop tanks non-flammable at all times, except where such tanks are to be gas free.
(b) In the event that the inert gas system is unable to meet the operational requirement set
out above and it has been assessed that it is impractical to effect a repair, then cargo dis-
charge, deballasting and necessary tank cleaning may only be resumed when the emergency
procedures laid down in the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems are complied with.
(c) Where inert gas is being supplied by a system referred to in paragraphs 5.2 and 5.3 ,
and the oxygen content of the inert gas in the inert gas supply main exceeds 8 per cent by
volume, it is the duty of the master to ensure that:
(i) immediate action is taken to improve the gas quality;
(ii) if the quality of the gas does not improve, all operations in those tanks to which the
inert gas is being supplied are suspended so as to avoid air being drawn into those tanks;
(iii) the deck isolation valve (not being the water-seal device) is closed; and
(iv) sub-standard gas is vented to the atmosphere.

5.5
(a) Every tanker of Class VII(T) of less than 20,000 tonnes deadweight operating with a
tank cleaning procedure using crude oil washing, must be fitted with an inert gas system com-
plying with the standard requirements contained in Schedule 9 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666.
 Page 38

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

5.6 Every tanker of Class VII(T) fitted with a fixed inert gas system must be provided with a
closed ullage system.
5.7 Combination carriers must not carry solid cargoes unless all cargo tanks are empty of
crude oil and other petroleum products having a closed flash point not exceeding 60°C and other
liquids having a similar fire hazard and are gas freed or unless the arrangements provided in
each case are in accordance with the relevant operational requirements contained in the Guide-
lines for Inert Gas Systems.
5.8 Tankers constructed before 25th May 1980 of less than 40,000 tonnes deadweight carry-
ing oil other than crude oil or other liquids having a similar fire hazard which are not fitted with
tank washing machines having an individual throughput greater than 60 cubic metres are not re-
quired to be fitted with an inert gas system.
Deck foam systems
5.9 Every Category A tanker of Class VII(T) of 100,000 tonnes deadweight or over and every
Category A combination carrier of Class VII(T) of 50,000 tonnes deadweight or over must be
provided with a fixed deck foam system complying with Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666.
5.10 Every tanker referred to in paragraph 5.2, constructed before 25th May 1980—
(a) for which the building contract was placed after 1st June 1979; or
(b) in the absence of a building contract, constructed after 1st January 1980; or
(c) which was delivered after 1st June 1982; or
(d) which undergoes an alteration or modification of a major character—
(i) for which a contract was placed after 1st June 1979; or
(ii) in the absence of a contract, the construction work of which was begun after 1st Janu-
ary 1980; or
(iii) which was completed after 1st June 1982;

must be fitted with a fixed deck foam system complying with Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1666.
5.11 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 2,000 tons or over not fitted with an inert gas system com-
plying with the standard requirements contained in Schedule 9 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666 must be provided with a fixed foam fire-extinguishing installation complying with para-
graph 5.12 or with a fixed smothering gas or steam installation complying with Schedule 4 in
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666, providing protection for all cargo spaces.
5.12 Every fixed foam fire-extinguishing installation fitted to meet the requirements of para-
graph 5.11 must be capable of distributing on the decks over such tanks through fixed discharge
outlets in not more than 15 minutes a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of at least 50
millimetres the whole of the tank deck area. Such an installation must be capable of generating
foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires and must include means for the effective distribution of
the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to discharge outlets.
 Page 39

There must be sufficient mobile foam sprayers capable of being connected to the installation
whereby foam can be directed into any tank. For the purpose of this paragraph “tank deck area”
means an area equivalent to the extreme length of the cargo tanks multiplied by the breadth of
the ship.
5.13 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 2,000 tons or over not fitted with a fixed deck foam sys-
tem complying with Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666, or a fixed foam fire-ex-
tinguishing installation complying with paragraph 5.12 must be provided with a mobile foam fire-
fighting unit having a capacity of at least 100 litres of foam concentrate or alternatively two porta-
ble foam-applicators each having not less than 50 litres of foam concentrate readily available.
Such units or appliances, when connected to the appropriate deck fire hydrants, must be capa-
ble by a simple and a rapid means of operation of discharging foam on to the area of the cargo
piping manifold.
5.14 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of under 2,000 tons not provided with any of the deck foam
arrangements of foam appliances referred to in paragraph 5.13 must be provided with at least
one mobile foam appliance whereby foam is immediately available, by a simple and a rapid
means of operation, for discharge in the area of the cargo piping manifolds.
Requirements for ships constructed between 25th May 1980 and 1st September 1984
5.15 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 2,000 tons or over must be provided with a fixed deck
foam system complying with the requirements of Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN
1666 except that this requirement does not apply to chemical tankers.
5.16 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of under 2,000 tons must be provided with at least one mo-
bile foam appliance whereby foam is immediately available, by a simple and a rapid means of
operation, for discharge in the area of the cargo manifold.
Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984
5.17 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over must be provided with a fixed deck foam
system complying with the requirements of Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666,
except that this requirement must not apply to chemical tankers or gas carriers. For these ves-
sels alternative arrangements must be provided to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.
5.18 Where a liquid cargo (other than one referred to in paragraph 5.2) presenting a particular
fire hazard is to be carried, a means or system of fire-extinguishing appropriate for dealing with
this hazard must be provided to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.
Equivalence
5.19
(a) Other fixed fire-extinguishing systems may be provided if they are deemed to be equiva-
lent in the manner set out in paragraph (b) or, as the case may be, (c) of this paragraph.
(b) A system provided in place of the inert gas system referred to in this Notice at para-
graph 5.2 must be deemed to be equivalent to that system if it is—
(i) capable of preventing dangerous accumulation of explosive mixtures in intact cargo
tanks during normal service throughout the ballast voyage and necessary in-tank opera-
tions; and
(ii) so designed as to minimise the risk of ignition from the generation of static electricity
by the system itself.
 Page 40

(c) An installation provided in place of the fixed deck foam system referred to in this Notice
at paragraph 5.9 must be deemed to be equivalent to that system if it is—
(i) capable of extinguishing spill fires and precludes ignition of spilled oil not yet ignited;
and
(ii) capable of combating fires in ruptured tanks.

5.20 Where a tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over which is used to carry crude oil and
petroleum products having a closed flashpoint not exceeding 60°C, and Reid vapour pressure
below atmospheric pressure, and other liquids having a similar fire hazard, is provided with an
inert gas system, the cargo tanks must first be purged in accordance with the provisions of para-
graph 12 of Part IV of the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems until the concentration of hydrocar-
bon vapours in the cargo tanks has been reduced to less than two per cent by volume.
5.21 Gas-freeing may take place at the cargo tank deck level:
(a) after cargo tanks have been purged in accordance with paragraph 5.2, or
(b) if the flammable vapour concentration at the outlet has been reduced to 30 per cent of
the lower flammable limit.

Cargo tank purging and/or gas freeing

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

5.22 In every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over arrangements for purging and gas free-
ing must be such as to minimise the hazards due to the dispersal of flammable vapours in the
atmosphere and to flammable mixtures in a cargo tank.
5.23 When the ship is provided with an inert gas system the cargo tanks must first be
purged—
(a) in accordance with the provisions of the Guidelines for Inert Gas Systems; or
(b) if the ship does not need to be provided with an inert gas system complying with the re-
quirements of paragraph 5.2 but is a ship mentioned in paragraph 5.3(a), (b) or (c) in accord-
ance with the provisions of paragraph 12 of Part IV of the Guidelines on Inert Gas Systems or,

until the concentration of hydrocarbon vapours in the cargo tanks has been reduced to less than
2 per cent by volume. Thereafter, gas-freeing may take place at the cargo tank deck level.
5.24 When the ship is not provided with an inert gas system, the operation must be such that
the flammable vapour is discharged—
(a) through the vent outlets as specified in regulation 23 of the Merchant Shipping (Cargo
Ship Construction) Regulations 1997; or
(b) if the ship is one constructed on or after 1st February 1992, through outlets at least 2
metres above the cargo tank deck level with a vertical efflux velocity of at least 30 metres per
second during the gas-freeing operation; or
 Page 41

(c) through outlets at least 2 metres above the cargo tank deck level with a vertical efflux
velocity of at least 20 metres per second and through devices (other than flame screens) com-
plying with Schedule 1 in the Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1671 so as to prevent the pas-
sage of flame into the cargo tanks,

until the flammable vapour concentration in the outlet has been reduced to 30 per cent of the
lower flammable limit. Thereafter, gas-freeing may be continued at the cargo tank deck level.

Cargo pump rooms

Fixed fire-extinguishing arrangements in cargo pump rooms

5.25 In every category A tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over and in every Category A
combination carrier of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over, each cargo pump room must be provided
with a fixed fire-extinguishing system operated from a readily accessible position outside the
pump room. The system must use water or other medium approved by the Secretary of State.
Requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980
5.26 Except as otherwise provided in paragraph (3), in every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500
tons or over, each cargo pump room and each pump room having a similar hazard must be pro-
vided with at least one of the fixed fire-extinguishing systems required by paragraph 4.15 and
which must be operated from a readily accessible position outside the pump room, provided that
where the fixed extinguishing system is a gas system—
(a) every alarm referred to in Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be
safe for use in a flammable cargo vapour/air mixture;
(b) a notice must be exhibited at the controls stating that due to the electrostatic ignition
hazard, the system is to be used only for fire-extinguishing and not for hazard purposes; and
(c) where the extinguishing medium used in the cargo pump room system is also used in
systems serving other spaces, the quantity of medium provided or its delivery rate need not
be more than the maximum required for the largest space.

5.27 In chemical tankers where the fixed fire-extinguishing system referred to in paragraph 5.2
is a gas system, the concentration must be as specified in the Code for the Construction and
Equipment of Ships carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk.

Gas monitoring and ignition protection systems for tankers and combination carriers

5.28 Every tanker of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over which is used to carry crude oil and pe-
troleum products having a closed flashpoint not exceeding 60°C, and Reid vapour pressure be-
low atmospheric pressure, and other liquids having a similar fire hazard, must comply with para-
graphs 5.29 to 5.31.
5.29 The tanker must have fitted a system for continuous monitoring within cargo pump rooms
of the concentration of hydrocarbon gases which complies with the following requirements:
(a) sampling points or detector heads must be located in suitable positions in order that po-
tentially dangerous leakages are readily detected, and
 Page 42

(b) in order to alert personnel to the potential hazard, a continuous audible and visual alarm
signal must be automatically effected in the pump-room and cargo control room when the hy-
drocarbon gas concentration reaches a pre-set level which:
(i) if the monitoring system was fitted before 1st July 2002, must not be higher than 30
per cent of the lower flammable limit, and
(ii) in all other cases must not be higher than ten per cent of the lower flammable limit.

5.30 Cargo pumps, ballast pumps and stripping pumps installed in cargo pump-rooms and
driven by shafts passing through pump-room bulkheads must be fitted with temperature sensing
devices for bulkhead shaft glands, bearings and pump casings. A continuous audible and visual
alarm signal must be automatically effected in the cargo control room or the pump control sta-
tion.
5.31 All pump rooms must be provided with bilge level monitoring devices together with ap-
propriately located alarms.
5.32 Tankers must be equipped with at least one portable instrument for measuring oxygen and
one for measuring flammable vapour concentrations, together with a sufficient set of spares.
Suitable means must be provided for the calibration of such instruments.

Fire main isolating valves

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

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

Firemen's outfits

5.34 In every ship of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over there must be provided not less than four
firemen's outfits complying with the requirements of paragraphs 5.73 - 5.74. Each outfit must in-
clude breathing apparatus in accordance with Schedule 5 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN
1665; such breathing apparatus shallthe self-contained type.

Emergency escape breathing devices

5.35 Every ship of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over must be provided with at least two emer-
gency escape breathing devices in accommodation spaces.
5.36 Every such ship must be provided with emergency escape breathing devices situated
ready for use within the machinery spaces at easily visible places which can be reached quickly
and easily at any time in the event of fire, taking into account the layout of the machinery space
and the number of persons normally working in the spaces in accordance with International Mar-
itime Organization guidelines for the performance, location, use and care of emergency escape
breathing devices contained in MSC Circular 849 of 8th June 1998.
 Page 43

5.37 Training in the use of emergency escape breathing devices must be included in the on-
board training of each crew member as soon as possible, or in any event not more than two
weeks, after he first joins the ship.
5.38 The number and location of the devices provided in accordance with paragraph 5.35
must be indicated in the fire control plan required by paragraphs 6.43 – 6.48.

Tankers of Class VIII(T)

5.39 Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.38 inclusive apply to tankers of Class VIII(T) of 500 tons or over as
they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over.

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

5.40
a) Paragraph 4.28 applies to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over
as it applies to ships of Class VII of 500 tons or over.
(b) Paragraphs 5.1 to 5.33 and paragraphs 5.35-5.38 apply to tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T)
and IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over as they apply to tankers of Class VII(T) of 500 tons or over;
provided that tankers of Classes VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of less than 2,000 tons may, instead
of complying with paragraph 5.17, comply with the requirements of paragraph 5.16 as if they
were constructed before 1st September 1984.

SECTION 6

FIRE PREVENTION AND APPLIANCES - GENERAL

Requirements for ships provided with helicopter decks with or without fuelling facilities

Requirements for ships constructed before 1st July 1998

6.1 On any helicopter deck there must be provided and stored adjacent to the means of ac-
cess to that deck—
(a) dry powder extinguishers of total capacity not less than 45 kilogrammes; and
(b) a suitable foam-applicator system consisting of monitors or foam-making branch pipes
capable of delivering foam solution at a rate of not less than 6 litres per minute per square
metre of the area contained within a circle of diameter D metres for not less than five minutes.
For the purpose of this requirement, D is the distance across the main rotor and tail rotor in
the fore and aft line of a helicopter with a single main rotor and across both rotors for a tan-
dem rotor helicopter; and
 Page 44

(c) carbon dioxide extinguishers of total capacity of not less than 16 kilogrammes, which
must be so equipped as to enable the medium to be applied to the engine area of any helicop-
ter using the deck.
6.2 The arrangement of water service pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles must be such that
at least two jets of water can reach any part of the helicopter deck and, where helicopter refuel-
ling facilities are provided, any part of the fuel storage tanks and associated pumps and piping.
6.3 All such nozzles provided in accordance with paragraph 6.2 must be of dual-purpose type.
6.4 In every ship provided with helicopter refuelling facilities, at least two portable extinguish-
ers suitable for fighting oil fires must be provided adjacent to the fuel storage tanks and associ-
ated pumps and piping in addition to any portable extinguishers required by this Notice.
Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998
6.5.1 In such ships helicopter decks must comply with the requirements specified in “Stand-
ards for on-board helicopter facilities” adopted by IMO Resolution A.855(20).

Helicopter deck operations manual

Additional requirements for ships constructed after 1st February 1992

6.6 If a ship mentioned in paragraphs 6.43 – 6.48(1) or (3)—
(a) is a ship constructed on or after 1st February 1992; and
(b) has a helicopter deck;

the ship must carry an operations manual, which must include a description and a checklist of
safety precautions, procedures, and equipment requirements for this helicopter deck.

Fire pumps

6.7 In every passenger ship which is required to be provided with fire pumps operated by
power, such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pump) must together be capable of deliv-
ering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water, under the conditions and at the pressure
specified in paragraphs 6.12-6.15 of not less than two thirds of the quantity required to be dealt
with by the bilge pumps provided in the ship.
6.8 In every ship, other than a passenger ship, which is required to be provided with fire
pumps operated by power, such fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pump) must together
be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water, under the conditions and at
the pressure specified in Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665.
6.9 In every ship which is required to be provided with more than one fire pump operated by
power (other than any emergency pump) every such fire pump must have a capacity of not less
than 80 per cent of the total capacity of the fire pumps required by paragraph 6.7 divided by the
number of fire pumps required to be provided in the ship, provided that each pump has a capac-
ity of not less than 25 cubic metres per hour. When more fire pumps operated by power than are
required by this Notice are provided in any ship, the capacity of any such additional fire pumps
may be less than 80 per cent.
 Page 45

6.10 In every ship of Class I, II, or II(A) any emergency fire pump must be situated in a posi-
tion aft of the ship's collision bulkhead.
Additional requirement for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984
6.11 For every ship of 2,000 tons or over, other than a passenger ship, the arrangement of the
emergency fire pump must be in accordance with the requirements set out in Schedule 7 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1665.

Fire main, water service pipes and hydrants

6.12 In every ship which is required to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, the di-
ameter of the fire main and of the water service pipes connecting the hydrants thereto must be
sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum discharge required by this Notice from—
(a) where only one pump is required, that pump, or
(b) where two such pumps are so required, both pumps operating simultaneously, or
(c) where more than two such pumps are so required, the two largest of such pumps oper-
ating simultaneously,
provided that in any ship other than a passenger ship the diameter of the fire main and of the
water service pipes must be sufficient only for the discharge of 140 cubic metres of water per
hour.
6.13 Any fire pump required to be provided by this Notice must, when discharging the quantity
of water required by paragraph 6.7 through adjacent fire hydrants in any part of the ship from
nozzles of sizes specified in paragraphs 6.16 – 6.20, be capable of maintaining the pressures at
any hydrant specified in Schedule 7 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665.
6.14
(a) Where any ship is required to be provided with appliances capable of producing two jets
of water under the conditions required by this Notice, hydrants sufficient in number must be so
positioned as to enable at least two jets of water, not emanating from the same hydrant, one
of which must be from a single length of hose, to reach any part of the ship normally accessi-
ble to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated, and to any store room and
any part of any cargo space when empty except that in any special category space or ro-ro
cargo space two jets must reach any part of the space, each from a single length of hose.
Such hydrants must be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces.
(b) Where any ship is required to be provided with appliances capable of producing one jet
of water under the conditions required by this Notice, hydrants sufficient in number must be so
positioned as to enable one jet of water from a single length of hose to reach any part of the
ship normally accessible to the passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated and any
store room and any part of any cargo space when empty.

6.15 Any fire main required to be provided by this Notice must comply with the requirements
set out in Schedule 7, paragraph 10, in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665.

Fire hoses, nozzles, etc

 Page 46

6.16 Fire hoses provided in compliance with this Notice must not exceed 18 metres in length
except that in ships having a moulded breadth of 27 metres or more, the length of fire hoses for
exterior locations and for cargo spaces may exceed 18 metres but must not exceed 27 metres in
length. In a ship constructed before 1st February 1992 every such hose forming part of the
ship's equipment before that date must be made of closely woven flax, canvas or other suitable
material; and every other such hose must be made of non-perishable material. In a ship con-
structed on or after 1st February 1992 every such hose must be made of non-perishable mate-
rial.
6.17 Every such hose must be provided with couplings, branch pipes other necessary fittings
and nozzles, as required by this Notice.
6.18 Every fire hose provided in compliance with this Notice together with the tools and fittings
necessary for its use, must be kept in a conspicuous position near the hydrants or connections
with which it is intended to be used. In interior locations in passenger ships, fire hoses must be
connected to the hydrants at all times. Hose diameters must be not less than 64 millimetres if
unlined or 45 millimetres if lined except that smaller diameter hoses may be permitted in small
ships.
6.19 In ships of Class XII, fire hoses provided in compliance with this Notice must not be used
for any purpose other than for fire-fighting or testing the fire appliances.
6.20
(a) Every ship which is required to be provided with fire pumps operated by power must be
provided with nozzles of 12 millimetres, 16 millimetres, 19 millimetres in diameter or as near
thereto in diameter as possible. Nozzles larger in diameter may be provided if the require-
ments relating to the provision of water for fire-fighting purposes are otherwise complied with.
(b) For machinery spaces and exterior locations the diameter of the nozzles must be such
as to obtain the maximum possible discharge from the minimum number of jets of water and
at the pressure required by this Notice from the smallest fire pump permitted by paragraph 6.9
provided that the diameter of the nozzles must not be required to be greater than 19 millime-
tres.
(c) For accommodation and service spaces the diameter of the nozzles must not be re-
quired to be greater than 12 millimetres.
(d) Every nozzle provided in compliance with this Notice must be capable of producing a
water-spray and a plain water jet and must incorporate a shut-off facility.

Special requirements for fixed fire-extinguishing systems

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

6.21 Where halogenated hydrocarbon is used as an extinguishing medium in fixed fire-extin-
guishing systems its use must be permitted only in machinery spaces, pump rooms and in cargo
spaces intended solely for the carriage of vehicles which are not carrying any cargo.
6.22 Where a fixed pressure water-spraying system is used for the protection of special cate-
gory spaces, cargo spaces where permitted by this Notice or ro-ro cargo spaces, special consid-
eration must be given to the bilge pumping and drainage arrangements where such spaces are
below the bulkhead deck and to the scupper arrangements where such spaces are above the
bulkhead deck.
 Page 47

6.23 Fire-extinguishing systems using Halon 1211, 1301, and 2402 and perfluorocarbons are
prohibited.
6.24 fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems for the protection of machinery spaces and
cargo pump-rooms shall comply with the provisions of paragraph 2.2.2 of chapter 5 of the Fire
Safety Systems Code.

Fixed low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces

6.24 Where in any machinery space a fixed low-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system is
fitted in addition to the requirements of this Notice, such a system must be capable of discharg-
ing through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 5 minutes a quantity of foam sufficient to
cover to a depth of 150 mm the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread. The
system must be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires. Means must be
provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and con-
trol valves or cocks to suitable discharge outlets, and for the foam to be effectively directed by
fixed sprayers on other main fire hazards in the protected space. The expansion ratio of the
foam must not exceed 12 to 1.
6.25 The means of control of any such system must be readily accessible and simple to oper-
ate and must be grouped together in as few locations as possible at positions not likely to be cut
off by a fire in the protected space.

Fixed fire-extinguishing systems not required by this Notice

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 25th May 1980

6.26 In every ship where a fixed extinguishing system not required by this Notice is provided,
such a system must be to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.

Fire extinguishers

6.27 Non-portable foam, carbon dioxide and dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compli-
ance with this Notice must be of approved types and designs and must meet the requirements of
Schedules 2, 3 and 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1665 respectively.
6.28 Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with this Notice must be of approved
types and designs and must meet the requirements of Schedule 8 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1665.
6.29 Fire extinguishers provided for use in any ship must not contain any extinguishing me-
dium which has not been approved by the Secretary of State.
6.30 Every fire extinguisher provided in compliance with this Notice must be kept fully charged
at all times.
6.31 Spare charges must be provided to the extent of at least 50 per cent of each type of fire
extinguisher provided in compliance with this Notice, except that for each fire extinguisher which
cannot readily be recharged while the ship is at sea, an additional portable fire extinguisher of
the same type, or its equivalent, must be provided in lieu of a spare charge.
 Page 48

Fire buckets

6.32 Every fire bucket provided in compliance with this Notice must be painted red and must
be clearly and permanently marked with the word “FIRE”. Except in open ships, every such fire
bucket must be kept filled with sand or water.
6.33 Except in open ships, fire buckets provided in compliance with this Notice must not be
used for any purpose other than extinguishing a fire.

Firemen's outfits

6.34 Every fireman's outfit carried in compliance with this Notice must consist of—
(a) a breathing apparatus complying with the requirements specified in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN (M+F) 1874 (Amendment 4); and
(b) personal equipment comprising—
(i) a portable self-contained electric battery-operated safety lamp of an approved type ca-
pable of functioning efficiently for a period of at least three hours;
(ii) a fireman's axe;
(iii) protective clothing of material capable of protecting the skin from the heat radiating
from the fire and from burns and scalding by steam; the outer surface must be water re-
sistant;
(iv) boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material; and
(v) a rigid helmet providing effective protection against impact.

6.35 Firemen's outfits must be stored in readily accessible positions which are not likely to be
cut off in the event of fire and, except as provided for by paragraph 3.47 where more than one
such outfit is provided, they must be stored in widely separated positions.

Means for stopping machinery, shutting off oil fuel suction pipes and closing of openings

6.36 In every ship there must be provided—

(a) means for stopping ventilating fans serving machinery, accommodation and cargo
spaces;
(b) means for closing all skylights, doorways, ventilators, annular spaces around funnels
and other openings to such spaces; and
(c) means to permit the release of smoke from machinery spaces.

Such means must be capable of being operated from positions outside the said spaces and
which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces.
6.37 Machinery driving forced and induced draught fans, oil fuel transfer pumps, oil fuel unit
pumps and other similar fuel pumps must be fitted with remote controls situated outside the
 Page 49

spaces in which such machinery or pumps are situated and which would not be made inaccessi-
ble by a fire within such spaces. The controls must be capable of stopping such machinery, or
pumps in the event of fire in such spaces. For machinery spaces in passenger ships constructed
on or after 25th May 1980 carrying more than 36 passengers such controls together with the
controls required in paragraph 6.36 must be situated at one control position or grouped in as few
positions as possible. For ships built on or after 1st September 1984, such controls must have
safe access from the open deck.
6.38 Subject to paragraph 6.39 every pipe connected to any oil fuel or lubricating oil storage,
settling, or daily service tank, not being a double bottom tank, which if damaged would permit
discharge of the contents so as to cause a fire hazard, must be fitted with a valve or cock which
must be secured to the tank to which it is connected and which must be capable of being closed
from a readily accessible position outside the space in which the tank is situated, provided that in
the case of any inlet pipe to such a tank, a non-return valve secured to the tank may be substi-
tuted. In the case of an oil fuel or lubricating oil deep tank situated in or adjacent to a shaft or
pipe tunnel or similar space, a valve or valves (additional to the valve required to be fitted on the
tank) may be fitted on the pipe line or lines outside the tunnel or tunnels or similar space to ena-
ble control to be exercised in the event of fire. Such a valve if fitted in the machinery space must
be operated from a position outside the space.
6.39 The valve or cock required by paragraph 6.38 may be dispensed with in the case of a
pipe connected to a lubricating oil tank fitted in a space other than a machinery space of Cate-
gory A provided that the safety of the ship is not impaired.
6.40
(a) All external high-pressure fuel delivery lines between the high-pressure fuel pumps and fuel
injectors must be protected with a jacketed piping system capable of containing fuel from a high-
pressure line failure. A jacketed pipe incorporates an outer pipe into which the high-pressure fuel
pipe is placed forming a permanent assembly. The jacketed piping system must include a
means for collection of leakages and arrangements must be provided for an alarm to be given of
a fuel line failure,
(b) All surfaces with temperatures above 220oC which may be impinged as a result of a fuel
system failure must be properly insulated.
(c) Oil fuel lines must be screened or otherwise suitably protected to avoid as far as practicable
oil spray or oil leakages onto hot surfaces, into machinery air intakes, or other sources of igni-
tion. The number of joints in such piping systems must be kept to a minimum.
(d) Ships constructed before 1 July 1998 shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs
6.40 (a) to 6.40 (c) not later than 1 July 2003, except that a suitable enclosure on engines having
an output of 375 kW or less having fuel injection pumps serving more than one injector may be
used as an alternative to the jacketed piping system in paragraph 6.40 (a).

Gaseous fuel for domestic purposes

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984

6.41 Where gaseous fuel is used for domestic purposes the arrangements for storage, distribu-
tion and utilisation of the fuel must be in accordance with BS EN ISO 10239:2017 - Small craft.
Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) systems.

Deep-fat cooking equipment

 Page 50

6.42 Deep fat cooking equipment installed after 1st July 2002 must be fitted with:
(a) an automatic or manual extinguishing system which complies with the requirements of
the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016,
(b) a primary and back-up thermostat with an alarm to alert the operator in the event of fail-
ure of either thermostat,
(c) arrangements for automatically shutting off the electrical power upon activation of the
extinguishing system.
(d) an alarm for indicating operation of the extinguishing system in the galley where the
equipment is installed, and
(e) controls for manual operation of the extinguishing system which are clearly labelled for
ready use by the crew.

Fire control plans

6.43 In every ship of Classes I and II and in every ship of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length
or over there must be permanently exhibited by the owner of the ship for the guidance of the
master and officers of the ship, general arrangement plans showing clearly for each deck the po-
sition of the control stations, the sections of the ship which are enclosed by “A” Class divisions
and the sections of the ship which are enclosed by “B” Class divisions together with particulars
of the fire alarms, fire detection systems, the sprinkler installations, the fixed and portable fire-
extinguishing appliances and firemen's outfits, the means of access to the various compartments
and decks in the ship, the ventilating system including particulars of the master fan controls, the
position of dampers and identification numbers of the ventilating fans serving each section of the
ship, the location of the international shore connection and the position of all means of control
referred to in paragraph 6.36. Descriptions in such plans must be in English.
6.44 In every ship of Classes I and II and in every ship of Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length
or over, carrying more than 36 passengers, the general arrangement plans referred to in para-
graph 6.43 must provide information regarding fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction
set out in IMO Resolution A.756(18).
6.45 In every ship of 500 tons or over, other than a ship of Class I or II or a ship of Class II(A)
of 21.34 metres in length or over, there must be permanently exhibited by the owner of the ship
for the guidance of the master and officers of the ship general arrangement plans showing
clearly in relation to the ship the information referred to in paragraph 5.82.
6.46 The general arrangement plans required by paragraph 6.43 must be kept up-to-date, any
alterations to general arrangements being recorded thereon without delay.
6.47 A duplicate set of the general arrangement plans required by paragraph 6.43 must be
permanently stored in a prominently marked weather-tight enclosure outside the deckhouse for
the assistance of shore-side fire-fighting personnel.
6.48 Instructions concerning the maintenance and operation of all the equipment and installa-
tions on board for the fighting and containment of fire must be kept in one book, readily available
in an accessible position.
 Page 51

Availability of fire-fighting appliances

6.49 Fire appliances carried in any ship must be maintained in good order and must be kept
available for immediate use at all times. All moveable fire appliances, other than firemen's out-
fits, carried in compliance with this Notice must be stowed where they will be readily accessible
for the spaces in which they are intended to be used and, in particular, one of the portable fire
extinguishers intended for use in any space must be stowed near the entrance to that space.

Maintenance plan

6.50 Maintenance, testing and inspections of systems and appliances required in accordance
with this Notice must be carried out based on the International Maritime Organisation guidelines
on maintenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances contained in MSC Cir-
cular MSC.1/Circ.1432 of 31st May 2012.
6.51 A maintenance plan must be kept on board the ship and must be available for inspection
by the Secretary of State.
6.52 The maintenance plan kept in accordance with paragraph 5.90 must include at least the
following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed:
(a) fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants including hoses, nozzles and international shore
connections,
(b) fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems,
(c) fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire extinguishing appliances,
(d) automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm systems,
(e) ventilation systems including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their controls,
(f) emergency shut-down of fuel supply,
(g) fire doors including their controls,
(h) general emergency alarm systems,
(i) emergency escape breathing devices,
(j) portable fire extinguishers including spare charges, and
(k) fire-fighter's outfits.

6.53 The maintenance plan for a ship carrying more than 36 passengers must also include:
(a) low location lighting, and
(b) public address systems.

6.54 The maintenance plan for a tanker must also include:

(a) inert gas systems,
(b) deck foam systems,
(c) fire safety arrangements in cargo pump rooms, and
 Page 52

(d) detectors for flammable gas.

Training manuals

6.55 A training manual, which may comprise several volumes, must be provided in each crew
mess room and recreation room or in each crew cabin.
6.56 The training manual must be written in the working language of the ship, and must con-
tain the instructions and information in easily understood terms and illustrated wherever possi-
ble.
6.57 Any part of the information may be provided in the form of audio-visual aids in place of
the manual.
6.58 The training manual must explain in detail:
(a) general fire safety practice and precautions related to the dangers of smoking, electrical
hazards, flammable liquids and similar common shipboard hazards,
(b) general instructions on fire-fighting activities and fire-fighting procedures including pro-
cedures for notification of a fire and use of manually operated call points,
(c) meanings of the ship's alarms,
(d) operation and use of fire-fighting systems and appliances,
(e) operation and use of fire doors,
(f) operation and use of fire and smoke dampers, and
(g) escape systems and appliances.

Fire safety operations booklet

6.59 A fire safety operations booklet, which may be combined with the training manual re-
quired by paragraphs 6.55 – 6.58 must be provided in each crew mess room and recreation
room or in each crew cabin.
6.60 The fire safety operations booklet must be written in the working language of the ship,
and must contain the instructions and information in easily understood terms and illustrated
wherever possible.
6.61 The fire safety operations booklet must include:
(a) the necessary information and instructions for the safe operation of the ship and of
cargo handling operations in relation to fire safety;
(b) information concerning the crew's responsibilities for the general fire safety of the ship
while loading and unloading and discharging cargo and while underway;
(c) an explanation of the necessary fire safety precautions for handling general cargoes;
(d) where the ship is carrying dangerous goods or inflammable bulk cargoes, references to
the relevant fire-fighting and emergency cargo-handling instructions contained in the Code of
Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes, the International Code for the Construction and Equip-
 Page 53

ment of Ships Carrying Dangerous Chemicals in Bulk, the International Code for the Con-
struction and Equipment of Ships Carrying Liquified Gases in Bulk, and the International Mari-
time Dangerous Goods Code, as appropriate.

6.62 The fire safety operations booklet for a tanker must also include requirements for pre-
venting fire spread to the cargo area due to ignition of flammable vapours and include proce-
dures of cargo tank gas-purging and/or gas-freeing taking into account the requirements in para-
graphs 5.20 – 5.21.

SECTION 7

Structural Fire Protection

Passenger ships of Classes I, II, and II(A)

Application

7.1 This Section applies to passenger ships of Classes I, II, and II(A). Except where other-
wise provided, paragraphs 7.3 – 7.76 inclusive apply to passenger ships of Classes I, II, and
Class II(A) of 21.34 metres in length or over, constructed on or after 25th May 1980. Subject to
paragraph 7.2, the provisions of Schedule 2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1670 Amend-
ment 1 apply to such ships constructed before 25th May 1980.
7.2 Passenger ships (to which this Notice applies) carrying more than 36 passengers must
comply with the requirements of paragraphs 7.3 – 7.76 inclusive (and not with Schedule 2 of
Merchant Shipping Notice 1670 Amendment 1).

Structure

7.3 The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses must be con-
structed of steel or other equivalent material, except that the crowns and casings of machinery
spaces of Category A must be constructed only of steel.
7.4 Where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following requirements must ap-
ply—
(a) the insulation of aluminium alloy component of “A” Class divisions or “B” Class divisions,
and supports of such divisions, must be such that the temperature of the structural core does
not rise more than 200ºC above the ambient temperature at any time during a standard fire
test of 60 minutes duration in the case of an “A” Class division and 30 minutes duration in the
case of a “B” Class division; and
(b) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other struc-
tural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation
areas, must be such that the temperature rise limitation specified in sub-paragraph (a) must
apply for 60 minutes duration.

Helicopter decks
 Page 54

Requirements for ships constructed on or after 1st February 1992 and before 1st July
1998
7.5 Paragraphs 7.6 to 7.9 apply to a ship having a helicopter deck.
7.6 Subject to paragraph 6.8, the helicopter deck must be of steel or equivalent fire-resistant
construction.
7.7 If the space below the helicopter deck is of a high fire risk, the insulation standard must be
to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.
7.8 The helicopter deck may be constructed of aluminium or other low melting metal construc-
tion that is not made equivalent to steel. If so constructed—
(a) if the platform is cantilevered over the side of the ship, then, after the occurrence of a
fire on the ship or on the platform, the platform must undergo a structural analysis to deter-
mine its suitability for further use; and
(b) if the platform is located above the ship's deckhouse or similar structure—
(i) the deckhouse top and bulkheads under the platform must have no openings;
(ii) all windows under the platform must be provided with steel shutters;
(iii) after a fire on or in close proximity to the platform the platform must undergo a struc-
tural analysis to determine its suitability for further use.

7.9 In ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998 helicopter decks must comply with the re-
quirements specified in “Standards for on-board helicopter facilities” adopted by IMO Resolution
A.855(20).

Main vertical zones and horizontal zones

7.10 The hull, superstructure and deckhouses must be subdivided by bulkheads consisting of
“A” Class divisions into main vertical zones except in respect of special category spaces or ro-ro
cargo spaces to which paragraph 7.64 applies. The mean length of each zone on any one deck,
above the bulkhead deck, must not normally exceed 40 metres. Steps and recesses must be
kept to a minimum, but any which are necessary must consist of “A” Class divisions. These divi-
sions must have insulation values in the case of—
(a) ships carrying more than 36 passengers, in accordance with the Tables given in Sched-
ule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667; and
(b) ships carrying 36 passengers or less, in accordance with the Tables given in Schedule 2
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667, except that where insulation values of “B-0” and “C”
appear in Table 1 the value of “A-0” must be substituted.

7.11 Any portions of such divisions which extend above the bulkhead deck must, whenever
possible, be in line with watertight subdivision bulkheads situated immediately below the bulk-
head deck, and must extend from deck to deck and to the ship's shell and in the case of a deck-
house, to the external plating thereof.
7.12 Except in the case of a ship built on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 pas-
sengers a main vertical zone may, for the purpose of paragraph 7.58 – 7.63, be subdivided by
 Page 55

horizontal “A” Class divisions into two or more parts provided that such horizontal divisions must
extend between adjacent main vertical zone bulkheads and to the shell or exterior boundaries of
the ship and must have insulation and integrity values in the case of—
(a) ships carrying more than 36 passengers, in accordance with Table 3 of Schedule 1 in
Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667; and
(b) ships carrying 36 passengers or less, in accordance with Table 2 of Schedule 2 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1667.

7.13 In ships designed for special purposes such as train services, where the provision of
main vertical zone bulkheads would conflict with the purpose for which the ship is intended, an
equivalent means for controlling and limiting a fire may be substituted.
Additional requirements for a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994
7.14 In the application of paragraph 7.10 to a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994
carrying more than 36 passengers, the references to “A” Class divisions are references to those
divisions insulated to “A-60” standard: provided that if open deck spaces, sanitary and similar
spaces and tanks, voids and auxiliary machinery spaces having little or no fire risk, defined in
Category 5, 9 and 10 of Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 are on one side of
the division, or fuel oil tanks are on both sides the standard may be reduced to “A-0”.
7.15 In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994, the length and width of
main vertical zones may be extended to a maximum of 48 metres in order to bring the ends of
main vertical zones to coincide with watertight sub-division bulkheads or in order to accommo-
date a large public space extending for the whole length of the main vertical zone provided that
the total area of the main vertical zone is not greater than 1,600 metres² on any deck. The length
or width of a main vertical zone is the maximum distance between the furthermost points of the
bulkheads bounding it.

Bulkheads within a main vertical zone

7.16 Every bulkhead within the accommodation spaces or service spaces not being a bulk-
head required to consist of an “A” Class division, must consist of a “B” Class division or “C”
Class division as required in the case of—
(a) ships carrying more than 36 passengers, by the Tables set out in Schedule 1 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1667; and
(b) ships carrying 36 passengers or less, by the Tables set out in Schedule 2 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1667. All such divisions may be faced with combustible materials in ac-
cordance with paragraphs 7.53 – 7.55.
7.17 Except in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than
36 passengers, all corridor bulkheads where not required to be “A” Class divisions must be “B”
Class divisions which must extend from deck to deck except that—
(a) when continuous “B” Class ceilings and/or linings are fitted on both sides of the bulk-
head, the portion of the bulkhead behind the continuous ceiling or lining must be of material
which in thickness and composition meets the requirements of “B” Class divisions, but which
is required to meet “B” Class fire integrity standards only so far as is reasonable and practica-
ble; and
 Page 56

(b) in the case of a ship protected by an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and
fire alarm system complying with the provisions of Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666 the corridor bulkheads of “B” Class materials may terminate at a ceiling in the cor-
ridor, provided that such a ceiling is of material which in thickness and composition meets the
requirements of “B” Class divisions; notwithstanding the requirements for fire integrity of bulk-
heads in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 such bulkheads and ceilings must be required
to meet “B” Class fire integrity standards only so far as is reasonable and practicable; all
doors and their frames in such bulkheads must be of non-combustible materials and must be
constructed and erected so as to provide substantial fire resistance.

7.18 Except as provided in paragraph 6.17, every bulkhead required to be a “B” Class division
must extend from deck to deck and to the shell or other boundaries unless continuous “B” Class
ceilings and/or linings fitted on both sides of the bulkhead are of at least the same fire resistance
as the bulkhead in which case the bulkhead may terminate at the continuous ceiling or lining.

Fire Integrity of bulkheads and decks

7.19 In addition to complying with the specific requirements for fire integrity of bulkheads and
decks the minimum fire integrity and insulation standards of all bulkheads and decks must be as
prescribed in the Tables given in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667.
7.20 Where due to any structural arrangement there may be doubt in determining from the Ta-
bles the minimum fire integrity and insulation standard of any division, such standard must be
determined to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.

Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces

7.21 All stairways must be of steel frame construction, except where the Secretary of State
has given approval for the use of other equivalent material under the 2023 Regulations, and
must be within enclosures formed of “A” Class divisions, except that—
(a) an isolated stairway connecting only two decks need not be enclosed on both decks
provided that the integrity of the deck is maintained by bulkheads or doors at one between-
deck space; when a stairway is closed at one between-deck space, the stairway enclosure
must have the same integrity standard as is required in the case of—
(i) a passenger ship carrying more than 36 passengers, by the Tables set out in Sched-
ule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 for the deck which separates the between-
deck space;
(ii) a ship carrying 36 passengers or less, by the Tables set out in Schedule 2 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 for the deck which separates the between-deck space;

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

7.22 Every opening in a stairway enclosure must be provided with a means of closure which
must be permanently attached thereto.
 Page 57

7.23 Every lift trunk must be so fitted as to prevent the passage of smoke and flame from one
between-deck to another and must be provided with means of closing so as to permit the control
of draught and smoke.
7.24
(a) Stairway enclosures must have direct access to the corridors and be of a sufficient area
to prevent congestion, having in view the number of persons likely to use them in an emer-
gency.
(b) In ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994 and in ships constructed before 1st
October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers, only public toilets, lifts, lockers of non-com-
bustible material providing storage for safety equipment and open information counters may
be located within the stairway enclosure boundaries.
(c) In ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994 and in ships constructed before 1st
October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers, only public spaces, corridors, public toilets,
special category spaces and other escape stairways required by paragraph 6768(c), open
deck spaces and, in the case of ships constructed before 1st October 1997, spaces to which
paragraph (5) applies, are permitted to have direct access to these stairway enclosures.

7.25 Every ship constructed before 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers must
comply with the following—
(a) existing spaces other than those referred to in paragraph 7.24(b) within the stairway en-
closure boundaries—
(i) must be emptied, permanently closed and disconnected from the electrical system; or
(ii) must be separated from the stairway enclosure by the provision of “A” Class divisions
in accordance with paragraph 7.16 – 7.18 except as it applies to ships constructed on or
after 1st October 1994. Such spaces may have direct access to stairway enclosures by the
provision of “A” Class doors, subject to a sprinkler system being provided in these spaces.
However, cabins must not open directly into the stairway enclosure;

(b) spaces other than public spaces, corridors, public toilets, special category spaces, other
stairways required paragraph 6.68(c), open deck spaces and spaces covered by paragraph
(a)(ii) above are not permitted to have direct access to stairway enclosures;
(c) existing machinery spaces of category 10 described in Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1667 and existing back offices for information counters opening directly into the
stairway enclosure may be retained, provided that they are protected by smoke detectors con-
nected to a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of
Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 and such offices contain only furniture of
restricted fire risk;
(d) hinged fire doors in stairway enclosures which are normally kept open must be self-clos-
ing and be capable of release from a central control station and from a position at the door. All
other fire doors in stairway enclosures which are normally kept open must be capable of re-
lease from a central control station and from a position at the door;
(e) a panel must be placed in a continuously manned central control station to indicate
whether the fire doors in the stairway enclosures are closed.
 Page 58

7.26 Furniture in stairway enclosures must be limited to seating. It must be fixed, limited to 6
seats on each deck in each stairway enclosure, be of restricted fire risk, and must not restrict the
passenger escape route. Additional seating in the main reception area within stairway enclo-
sures is permitted if it is fixed, non-combustible, and does not restrict the passenger escape
route. Furniture is not permitted in passenger and crew corridors forming escape routes in cabin
areas except that lockers of non-combustible material, providing storage for safety equipment
are permitted.

Openings in “A” Class divisions

7.27 Where an “A” Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks,
girders, beams or for other purposes, the arrangements must be such that the effectiveness of
the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired except as provided in paragraph 7.33.
7.28 Where ventilation ducts pass through “A” Class divisions the requirements of paragraphs
7.43 – 7.49 apply.
7.29 Except for hatches between special category spaces or ro-ro cargo spaces within a sin-
gle horizontal zone, or hatches between cargo spaces or stores or baggage spaces, and
hatches between such spaces and the weather decks, every opening must be provided with per-
manently attached means of closing which must be at least as effective for resisting fire as the
division in which it is fitted.
7.30 Every door and door frame in an “A” Class division must be constructed of steel or other
equivalent material and the means of securing the door when closed must provide resistance to
fire as well as to the passage of smoke and flame, as far as practicable, equivalent to that of the
bulkhead in which the door is situated: provided that a water-tight door must not be required to
be insulated.
7.31 Any door in such a division must be so constructed that it can be opened and closed by
one person from either side of the division.
7.32 In ships constructed before 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers—
(a) hinged fire doors in main vertical zone bulkheads and galley boundaries which are nor-
mally kept open must be self-closing and be capable of release from a central control station
and from a position at the door;
(b) all other fire doors in main vertical zone bulkheads and galley boundaries which are nor-
mally kept open must be capable of release from a central control station and from a position
at the door; and
(c) a panel must be placed in a continuously manned central control station to indicate
whether the fire doors in main vertical zone bulkheads and galley boundaries are closed.

7.33 In the case of a ship constructed before 1st October 1994, every door in a division con-
structed in compliance with paragraph 7.10 or 7.21 except a watertight door or one which is nor-
mally locked shut, must be self-closing and capable of closing against an adverse inclination of
up to 3.5 degrees. The speed of door closure must be controlled so as to prevent undue danger
to personnel. All such doors which are held in the open position must be capable of release from
a control station, either simultaneously or in groups, and also individually from a position at the
door. The release mechanism must be so designed that the door will automatically close in the
 Page 59

event of disruption of the control system; except that this requirement must not apply to a water-
tight door. Hold-back hooks, not subject to control station release, are not permitted.
7.34 In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 and before 1st July 1998,
every door in a division constructed in compliance with paragraph 7.10 or 7.21, must satisfy the
following requirements—
(a) it must be self-closing and be capable of closing against an adverse inclination of up to
3.5 degrees at an approximately uniform rate of not more than 40 seconds and no less than
10 seconds with the ship in the upright position;
(b) remote-controlled sliding or power-operated doors must be equipped with an alarm that
sounds at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds before the door begins to move and
continues sounding until the door is completely closed. A door designed to re-open upon con-
tacting an object in its path must re-open sufficiently to allow a clear passage of at least 0.75
metres but not more than 1 metre;
(c) all doors must be capable of remote and automatic release from a continuously manned
central control station, either simultaneously or in groups, and also individually from a position
at both sides of the door;
(d) a panel must be placed in the continuously manned central control station to indicate
whether each of the remote-controlled doors are closed;
(e) the release mechanism must be so designed that the door will automatically close in the
event of disruption of the control system or central power supply;
(f) release switches must have on-off function to prevent automatic resetting of the system;
(g) hold-back hooks not subject to central control station release are prohibited;
(h) local power accumulators for power-operated doors must be provided in the immediate
vicinity of the doors to enable the doors to be operated at least 10 times (fully opened and
closed) using the local controls;
(i) double-leaf doors equipped with a latch necessary to their fire integrity must have a latch
that is automatically activated by the operation of the doors when released by the system;
(j) doors giving direct access to special category spaces which are power-operated and au-
tomatically closed need not be equipped with the alarms and remote-release mechanisms
specified in sub-paragraph (b).

7.35 In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st July 1998, all fire doors in a division con-
structed in compliance with paragraph 7.10 or 7.21, other than power-operated watertight doors
or doors which are normally locked shut, must comply with the following requirements—
(a) the doors must be self-closing and be capable of closing against an angle of inclination
of up to 3.5 degrees opposing closure;
(b) the approximate time of closure for hinged fire doors must be no more than 40 seconds
and no less than 10 seconds from the beginning of their movement with the ship in upright po-
sition. The approximate uniform rate of closure for sliding fire doors must be of no more than
0.2 m/s and no less than 0.1 m/s with the ship in the upright position;
(c) the doors must be capable of remote release from the continuously manned central con-
trol station, either simultaneously or in groups and must be capable of release also individually
 Page 60

from a position at both sides of the door. Release switches must have an on-off function to
prevent automatic resetting of the system;
(d) hold-back hooks not subject to central control station release are prohibited;
(e) a door closed remotely from the central control station must be capable of being re-
opened at both sides of the door by local control. After such local opening, the door must au-
tomatically close again;
(f) indication must be provided at the fire door indicator panel in the continuously manned
central control station whether each of the remote-released doors is closed;
(g) the release mechanism must be so designed that the door will automatically close in the
event of disruption of the control system or main source of electric power;
(h) local power accumulators for power-operated doors must be provided in the immediate
vicinity of the doors to enable the doors to be operated after disruption of the control system
or main source of electric power at least ten times (fully opened and closed) using the local
controls;
(i) disruption of the control system or main source of electric power at one door must not
impair the safe functioning of other doors;
(j) remote-released sliding or power-operated doors must be equipped with an alarm that
sounds for at least 5 seconds but no more than 10 seconds after the door is released from the
central control station and before the door begins to move and continue sounding until the
door is completely closed;
(k) a door designed to re-open upon contacting an object in its path must re-open not more
than 1 metre from the point of contact;
(l) double-leaf doors equipped with a latch necessary to their fire integrity must have a latch
that is automatically activated by the operation of the doors when released by the control sys-
tem;
(m) doors giving direct access to special category spaces which are power-operated and
automatically closed need not be equipped with the alarms and remote release mechanisms
required in subparagraphs (c) and (j);
(n) the components of the local control system must be accessible for maintenance and ad-
justing; and
(o) power-operated doors must be provided with a control system of an approved type
which must be able to operate in case of fire, this being determined in accordance with the
Fire Test Procedures Code. This system must satisfy the following requirements:
(i) the control system must be able to operate the door at the temperature of at least
200°C for at least 60 minutes served by the power supply;
(ii) the power supply for all other doors not subject to fire must not be impaired; and
(iii) at temperatures exceeding 200°C the control system must be automatically isolated
from the power supply and must be capable of keeping the door closed up to at least
945°C.
7.36 In ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and in ships carrying more than 36 pas-
sengers constructed before 1st October 1994, where a space is protected by an automatic sprin-
kler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the provisions of Schedule
 Page 61

1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 or fitted with a continuous “B” Class ceiling, the clos-
ing of openings in decks not forming steps in main vertical zones or bounding horizontal zones
must be reasonably tight and such decks must meet the “A” Class integrity requirements in so
far as is reasonable and practicable.
7.37 The requirements for “A” Class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship must not apply
to glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles, subject to the requirements of paragraph 7.50 –
7.52 provided that, in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994 there is no re-
quirement for such boundaries to have “A” Class integrity in paragraph 7.52. The requirements
for “A” Class integrity of the outer boundaries of the ship do not apply to exterior doors, except
for those in superstructures and deckhouses facing life-saving appliances, embarkation and ex-
ternal muster station areas, external stairs and open decks used for escape routes. Stairway en-
closure external doors need not meet this requirement.
7.38 In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 all “A” Class doors located
in stairways, public spaces and main vertical zone bulkheads in escape routes must be
equipped with a self-closing hose port of material, construction and fire resistance which is
equivalent to the door in which it is fitted, and which must furnish a 150 mm square clear open-
ing with the port open and door closed, and must be inset into the lower edge of the door oppo-
site the door hinges or, in the case of sliding doors, nearest the opening.

Openings in “B” Class divisions

7.39 Where a “B” Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks,
girders, beams or for other purposes the arrangements must be such that the effectiveness of
the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired except as provided in paragraph 7.42. Where
ventilation ducts pass through “B” Class divisions the requirements of paragraph 6 of Schedule 3
of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 apply.
7.40
(a) Doors and door frames in “B” Class divisions and the means of securing them must pro-
vide a method of closure which must have resistance to fire as far as practicable equivalent to
the division, except that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower portion of such
doors. Where such an opening is in or under a door, its total net area must not exceed 0.05
square metre. When such an opening is cut in a door, it must be fitted with a grille made of
steel and must be capable of being manually closed from each side of the door. Doors must
be non-combustible, except that in ships carrying 36 passengers or less a door which sepa-
rates a cabin from an individual interior sanitary space such as a shower space may be of
combustible material.
(b) In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994, cabin doors in “B” Class
divisions must be of the self-closing type. Hold-backs are not permitted.

7.41 The requirements for “B” Class integrity of the outer boundaries of a ship do not apply to
glass partitions, windows and sidescuttles subject to the requirements of paragraph 61. The re-
quirements for “B” Class integrity do not apply to exterior doors in superstructures and deck-
houses, except that doors opening on to lifeboat and liferaft handling and embarkation areas
must be of such construction as to protect these areas from a space having a potential fire haz-
ard.
 Page 62

7.42 Except in the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than
36 passengers, where an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system
complying with the provisions of Schedule 1 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 is fitted—
(a) the closing of openings in decks need only meet the “B” Class integrity requirements in
so far as is reasonable and practicable;
(b) openings in corridor bulkheads of “B” Class materials must be protected in accordance
with the requirements of paragraphs 7.16 – 7.18.

Ventilation systems

7.43 Wherever practicable the system of ducts leading from each ventilation fan must be
within one main vertical or horizontal zone.
7.44 Where ventilation systems penetrate decks precautions must be taken, in addition to
those relating to the fire integrity of the decks required by paragraph 7.27, to reduce the likeli-
hood of smoke and hot gases passing from one between-deck space to another through the sys-
tem. In addition to the insulation requirements, vertical ducts must be insulated as required by
the Tables in Schedules 1 and 2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 as appropriate.
7.45
(a) Ducts serving a stairway enclosure must be taken from the fan room independently of
other ducts in the ventilation system and must not serve any other space.
(b) In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994, carrying more than 36
passengers stairway enclosures must be ventilated and must be served only by an independ-
ent fan and duct system which must not serve any other spaces in the ventilation system.

7.46 There must be provided for every control station situation below deck, other than a con-
trol station situated in the machinery space, means to ensure ventilation, visibility and freedom
from smoke within it so that, in the event of a fire in the ship, the equipment it contains may be
operated effectively. Unless a control station is situated on, and has access to, an open deck or
is provided with local closing arrangements equally effective to maintain ventilation, visibility and
freedom from smoke in the event of a fire in the ship, there must be provided at least two entirely
separate means of supplying air to such control stations and the air inlets to these sources of
supply must be so situated that the risk of both drawing in smoke simultaneously is, as far as
practicable, eliminated.
7.47 Ventilation ducts except those in cargo spaces, must be constructed in accordance with
the specifications set out in Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667.
Additional requirements for a ship constructed on or after 1st January 1994
7.48 Where a public space spans three or more decks by means of permanent openings and
contains combustibles (such as furniture) and enclosed spaces (such as shops, offices and res-
taurants), the space must be equipped with a smoke extraction system; and—
(a) the smoke extraction system must—
(i) be activated by operation of the smoke detection system complying with the require-
ments of Schedule 6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 ; and
(ii) be capable of being manually controlled; and
 Page 63

(b) the size of the fan or fans must be such that the entire volume within the space can be
exhausted in not more than 10 minutes.

7.49 The following arrangements must be tested in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures
Code:
(a) fire dampers, including relevant means of operation; and

(b) duct penetrations through “A” Class divisions, except where steel sleeves are directly
joined to ventilation ducts by means of riveted or screwed flanges or by welding.

Windows and sidescuttles

7.50 All windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads within accommodation and service spaces
and control stations other than those to which paragraphs 7.34 or 7.41 apply, must be con-
structed so as to preserve the integrity requirements of the type of bulkheads in which they are
fitted.
7.51 Notwithstanding the requirements of the Tables set out in Schedules 1 and 2 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1667 as appropriate the following apply—
(a) all windows and sidescuttles in bulkheads separating accommodation and service
spaces and control stations from weather must be constructed with frames of steel or other
suitable materials; the glass must be retained by a metal glazing bead or angle; and
(b) except in the case of ships built on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 pas-
sengers, the fire integrity of windows facing open or enclosed lifeboat and liferaft embarkation
areas and of windows situated below such areas in such a position that their failure during a
fire would impede the launching of, or embarkation into, lifeboats or liferafts must be such that
any potential fire hazard is kept to a minimum.

7.52 In the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994, carrying more than 36
passengers, windows facing life-saving appliances, lifeboat and liferaft embarkation and muster
areas, external stairs and open decks used for escape routes, and windows situated below lifer-
aft and escape slide embarkation areas must have fire integrity as required in Table 5 of Sched-
ule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667. Where automatic sprinkler heads or water mist
nozzles are provided for such windows, and where windows are located in the ship's side below
the lifeboat embarkation areas they must have fire integrity at least to “A-0” Standard.

Restriction of combustible materials

7.53 The following surfaces must have low flame spread

(a) exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures; and
(b) within all accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations—
(i) bulkheads, wall and ceiling linings; and
(ii) concealed or inaccessible spaces.
 Page 64

7.54 Within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations the following apply—
(a) the total volume of combustible facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers must not
exceed a volume equivalent to 2.5 millimetres of veneer on the combined area of walls and
ceilings; in the case of ships fitted with an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire alarm and fire
detection system complying with the provisions of Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice
MSN 1666 the above volume may include some combustible material used for the erection of
“C” Class divisions;
(b) veneers used on surfaces and linings to which paragraph 7.53 applies must not have a
gross calorific potential exceeding 45 megajoules per square metre of surface area for the
thickness used as measured in accordance with the method specified in International Stand-
ard ISO 1716–1973 (E), as may be amended.
(c) furniture in the corridors and stairway enclosures must be kept to a minimum;
(d) primary deck coverings, if used within accommodation or service spaces or control sta-
tions, must be of an approved material which will not readily ignite or give rise to toxic or ex-
plosive hazards at elevated temperatures; in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July
1998 this must be determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code; and
(e) waste paper receptacles must be constructed of non-combustible materials and with
solid sides and bottoms.

7.55 Within accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces
the following apply—
(a) all ceilings, linings, grounds, draught stops and insulating materials must be of non-com-
bustible materials except in respect of—
(i) mail rooms and baggage rooms;
(ii) materials used to insulate refrigerated compartments;
(iii) materials used to insulate pipe fittings for cold service systems, provided their ex-
posed surfaces have low flame spread and, in the case of ships constructed before 1st July
1998, have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Sec-
retary of State; and
(iv) vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulating materials, provided
that their exposed surfaces have low flame spread and, in the case of ships constructed be-
fore 1st July 1998, have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfac-
tion of the Secretary of State; and
(v) linings, ceilings and partial bulkheads or decks used to screen or to separate adja-
cent cabin balconies must be of non-combustible materials.

(b) paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed interior surfaces and exposed sur-
faces on cabin balconies, except for natural hard wood decking systems, must not be capable
of producing excessive quantities of smoke and toxic products; and, in the case of ships con-
structed on or after 1st July 1998, this must be determined in accordance with the Fire Test
Procedures Code.
(i) furniture and furnishings on cabin balconies on passenger ships must be of re-
stricted fire risk unless such balconies are protected by a fixed pressure water-spraying and
fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code.
 Page 65

Miscellaneous items of fire protection

7.56 The following requirements apply to all parts of the ship—

(a) any pipe which penetrates an “A” Class division or “B” Class division must be of suitable
material having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand;
(b) pipes intended for oil or other flammable liquids must be of suitable material having re-
gard to the risk of fire;
(c) overboard scuppers, sanitary discharges or other outlets close to or below the waterline
must not be of a material likely to fail in the event of fire and thereby give rise to a danger of
flooding; and
(d) in spaces where penetration of oil products is possible the exposed surface of insulation
must be impervious to oil or oil vapours.

7.57 The following requirements apply to the accommodation spaces, service spaces, and
control stations—
(a) every air space enclosed behind a ceiling, panel or lining, must be divided longitudinally
and transversely by close fitting draught stops which must be spaced not more than 14 metres
apart and must be closed at each deck;
(b) except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), every ceiling and lining must be so constructed as to enable a fire patrol to detect
any smoke originating in a concealed or inaccessible space without impairing the efficiency of
the fire protection of the ship;
(c) electric space heaters must be fixed in position and must be so constructed as to reduce
risk of fire to a minimum; no such heater must be fitted with an element so exposed that cloth-
ing, curtains or similar materials can be scorched or set on fire by heat from the element;
(d) cellulose-nitrate film must not be used for cinematograph installations.

Automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system or fixed fire detec-
tion and fire alarm system

Requirements for a ship constructed on or after 25th May 1980

7.58 Except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), in every ship there must be installed in all accommodation spaces, service spaces and
control stations throughout each separate main vertical zone or, if a main vertical zone is divided
horizontally in accordance with paragraph 7.12 into parts, throughout each part vertical zone ei-
ther—
(a)
 Page 66

(i) an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system of an ap-
proved type complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1666 and so arranged as to protect all such spaces in the ship; or
(ii) a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the
requirements specified in Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 and so ar-
ranged as to detect the presence or the signs of a fire and its location in any such spaces.

Additional requirements for a ship constructed on or after 1st July 1986

7.59 Except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), in a ship constructed on or after 1st July 1986 complying with paragraph 6.58(a)(i)
there must be installed in addition a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved
type complying with the requirements of Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 ar-
ranged so as to provide smoke detection in corridors, stairways and escape routes within the ac-
commodation spaces.
Additional requirements for a ship constructed on or after 1st January 1994
7.60 In a ship constructed on or after 1st January 1994, where a public space spans three or
more decks by means of permanent openings and contains combustibles (such as furniture) and
enclosed spaces (such as shops, offices and restaurants), the entire main vertical zone contain-
ing the space must be protected throughout with an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detec-
tion and fire alarm system complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 1 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1666.
Ships Constructed before 1st October 1994
7.61 Except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), in every ship constructed on or after 1st October 1997, every ship constructed before
1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers must be equipped in all accommodation
and service spaces, stairway enclosures and corridors with a fixed fire detection and fire alarm
system of an approved type and complying with the requirements of Schedule 5 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1666 so installed and arranged as to provide smoke detection in such
spaces. Such systems need not be fitted in private bathrooms, and spaces having little or no fire
risks such as voids and similar spaces. Detectors operated by heat instead of smoke must be
installed in galleys.
7.62
(a) Except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), in every ship constructed before 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers
there must be installed in all accommodation and service spaces, stairway enclosures and
corridors so as to protect such spaces, an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and
fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements of Schedule 1 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1666.

Ships Constructed on or after 1st October 1994

(b) Except in spaces which afford no substantial fire risk (such as void spaces or sanitary
spaces), in every ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 pas-
sengers there must be installed in all service spaces, control stations and accommodation
spaces including corridors and stairways so as to protect such spaces, an automatic sprinkler
 Page 67

or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the re-
quirements of Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 and so as to provide smoke
detection, a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of
Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666. Smoke detectors need not be fitted in pri-
vate bathrooms and galleys. Spaces having little or no fire risk such as voids, public toilets
and similar spaces need not be fitted with such automatic sprinkler or water mist system or
fixed fire detection and alarm system. Control stations where water may cause damage to es-
sential equipment may be fitted with an approved fixed fire-extinguishing system of another
type.

Protection of special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces

7.63 The following requirements apply to special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces
whether above or below the bulkhead deck—
(a) if it is not practicable to divide such spaces into main vertical zones, equivalent protec-
tion must be obtained by dividing such spaces into horizontal zones; such a horizontal zone
for the purpose of these requirements may include special category spaces or ro-ro cargo
spaces on more than one deck provided that the total overall clear height for vehicles does
not exceed 10 metres; the bulkheads and decks forming the boundaries of such a horizontal
zone must be insulated respectively—
(i) in the case of ships carrying more than 36 passengers constructed before 1st October
1994, as required for Category 11 spaces in Tables 1 and 3 of Schedule 1 in Merchant
Shipping Notice MSN 1667;
(ii) in ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994 carrying more than 36 passengers,
the boundary bulkheads and decks must be insulated to “A-60” standard. However when a
space classified in accordance with Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667 as
Category 5, 9 or 10 is on one side of the division the standard may be reduced to “A-0” and
where fuel oil tanks are below a special category space or ro-ro cargo space, the integrity of
the deck between such spaces may be reduced to “A–0” standard;
(iii) in the case of ships carrying 36 passengers or less as required for Category 11A
spaces in Tables 1 and 2 of Schedule 2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1667;

(b) the requirements of paragraphs 7.27 – 7.38 and 7.43 – 7.49 for maintaining the integrity
of vertical zones must apply to bulkheads and decks forming the boundaries separating hori-
zontal zones from each other and from the remainder of the ship;
(c) a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements specified in
Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be provided;
(d) indicators must be provided on the navigating bridge which must show when any access
fire door in the boundary of a special category space or ro-ro cargo space is closed; and
(e) the outlet from any exhaust ventilation duct must be sited in a safe position having re-
gard to possible sources of ignition; ventilation ducts, including dampers, must be of steel and
arrangements must be provided to permit a rapid shut-down and effective closure of the venti-
lation system in case of fire and
 Page 68

(f) in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998 permanent openings for venti-
lation in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of special category spaces or ro-ro cargo
spaces must be so situated that a fire in the special category space or ro-ro cargo space is
not likely to endanger stowage areas or embarkation stations for survival craft or accommoda-
tion spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the
special category spaces or ro-ro cargo spaces.

Protection of cargo spaces, other than special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces
intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propul-
sion

7.64 In every ship the following requirements apply to any cargo space, other than a special cat-
egory space or ro-ro cargo space containing motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own
propulsion—
(a) a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the re-
quirements specified in Schedule 5 or a sample extraction smoke detection system complying
with Schedule 6 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be provided;
(b) a fixed pressure water-spraying system complying with the requirements specified in
Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 or a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system
complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN
1666 must be provided; and
(c) the outlet from any exhaust ventilation duct must be sited in a safe position having re-
gard to possible sources of ignition; ventilation ducts, including dampers, must be of steel; and
(d) in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998, permanent openings for venti-
lation in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of cargo spaces must be so situated that a fire
in the cargo space is not likely to endanger stowage areas or embarkation stations for survival
craft, or accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations in superstructures and
deckhouses above the cargo spaces.

Special arrangements in machinery spaces

7.65 The following requirements apply to machinery spaces—

(a) the number of openings to machinery spaces must be the minimum compatible with the
proper working of the ship;
(b) windows must not be fitted in machinery space boundaries;
(c) doors in the boundaries of machinery spaces of Category A, other than watertight doors
and the fire-screen door referred to in paragraph (d), must be arranged so that the closure of
the door will be assured in the event of fire in the space; and the doors must be provided with
closing arrangements which either comply with the requirements of paragraph 7.34 as it ap-
plies to ships constructed before 1st October 1994 or are provided with power-operated clos-
ing arrangements operable from the control position required by paragraph 6.37 and
(d) any machinery space of Category A which is accessible from an adjacent shaft tunnel
must be provided with a lightweight steel fire-screen door in addition to any watertight door;
 Page 69

the fire-screen door must be operable from each side and must be located at the shaft tunnel
side of the bulkhead.

Means of escape

7.66 Every ship must be provided with doorways, stairways, ladderways and other ways to
provide readily accessible means of escape to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks for all
persons in the ship from accommodation spaces, service spaces and other spaces in which the
crew is normally employed, other than machinery spaces. The means of escape must be so de-
signed and constructed as to be capable of being easily used by the persons for whom they are
intended. The number, width and continuity of such means of escape must be sufficient, having
regard to the number of persons by whom they may be used.
7.67 Notwithstanding the generality of paragraph 7.66, in every ship the following must be
complied with—
(a) there must be provided below the bulkhead deck at least two means of escape from
each watertight compartment or from each similarly restricted space or group of spaces; at
least one of the means of escape provided from each such compartment or from each such
space or group of spaces must be independent of watertight doors; one of the means of es-
cape may be dispensed with, in an exceptional case, having regard to the nature and location
of spaces and to the number of persons who normally might be employed or, except in case
of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 accommodated there. Where one of the
means of escape is dispensed with, the sole means of escape must provide satisfactory safe
escape, provided that in a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 the clear width of
stairways in such escapes may be less than 900 millimetres but must not be less than 800
millimetres, with handrails on both sides;
(b) there must be provided above the bulkhead deck at least two means of escape from
each space bounded by main vertical zone bulkheads or from each similarly restricted space
or group of spaces;
(c)
(i) in the case of a ship constructed before 1st October 1994, at least one of the means of
escape required by sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) must be by means of a readily accessible
enclosed stairway, which must 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 only one means of escape is per-
mitted for the purpose of compliance with sub-paragraph (a), the sole means of escape
must provide satisfactory safe escape;
(ii) in the case of a ship constructed on or after 1st October 1994 at least one of the
means of escape required by sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) must consist of a readily accessi-
ble enclosed stairway, which must provide continuous fire shelter from the level of its origin
to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks, or to the uppermost weather deck
if the embarkation deck does not extend to the main vertical zone being considered. In the
latter case, direct access to the embarkation deck by way of external open stairways and
passageways must be provided and must have emergency lighting in accordance with SO-
LAS II-1 Reg 42-1and slip-free surfaces underfoot. In such ships boundaries facing external
open stairways and passageways forming part of an escape route and boundaries in such a
position that their failure during a fire would impede escape to the embarkation deck must
 Page 70

have fire integrity, including insulation values, in accordance with the appropriate Tables in
paragraphs 7.16 – 7.18. In such ships the widths, number and continuity of escapes are as
follows—
(aa) stairways must not be less than 900 millimetres in clear width. Stairways must be
fitted with handrails on each side. The minimum clear width of stairways must be in-
creased by 10 millimetres for every one person provided for in excess of 90 persons. The
maximum clear width between handrails where stairways are wider than 900 millimetres
must be 1,800 millimetres. The total number of persons to be evacuated by such stair-
ways must be assumed to be two thirds of the crew and the total number of passengers
in the areas served by such stairways. The width of the stairways must conform to stand-
ards not inferior to those set out in IMO resolution A757(18);
(bb) all stairways sized for more than 90 persons must be aligned fore and aft;
(cc) doorways and corridors and intermediate landings included in means of escape
must be sized in the same manner as stairways;
(dd) stairways must not exceed 3.5 metres in vertical rise without the provision of a
landing and must not have an angle of inclination greater than 45°;
(ee) landings at each deck must be not less than 2 square metres in area and must
increase by 1 square metre for every 10 persons provided for in excess of 20 persons
but need not exceed 16 square metres, except for those landings servicing public spaces
having direct access onto the stairway enclosure;

(d) satisfactory protection of access from the stairway enclosures to the lifeboat and liferaft
embarkation areas must be provided;
(e) lifts must not be considered as forming one of the required means of escape;
(f) stairways serving only a space and a balcony in that space must not be considered as
forming one of the required means of escape;
(g) if a radio office has no direct access to a weather deck, two means of escape must be
provided from the office; one of these escapes to be an opening type window or sidescuttle of
sufficient size, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State in accordance with the 2023
Regulations;
(h) dead-end corridors must not be permitted to exceed 7 metres in ships carrying not more
than 36 passengers and 13 metres in ships carrying more than 36 passengers; and in ships
constructed on or after 1st October 1994 they are prohibited. For the purpose of this sub-para-
graph a dead-end corridor is a corridor, or part of a corridor from which there is only one es-
cape route;
(i) in special category spaces and ro-ro cargo spaces the number and disposition of the
means of escape both below and above the bulkhead deck must be adequate, and, in gen-
eral, the safety of access to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks must be at least equiv-
alent to that required by sub-paragraphs (a), (b), (c), (d) and (e).

7.68 In every ship the means of escape from any public room which may be used for the pur-
pose of concerts, cinema shows and similar forms of entertainment must be adequate, having
regard to the number of persons who may be in the audience, and the seating must be arranged
in rows to ensure free access to the exits. When in any such public room subdued lighting is
 Page 71

used, the exits must be clearly marked with illuminated signs and any doors must be constructed
to open outwards.
7.69 In every ship suitable signs must be displayed in passageways and stairways indicating
the direction of escape to passenger assembly stations. Such signs must be continuously illumi-
nated and must be adequate in number and distribution. They must be capable of being illumi-
nated by the ship's emergency lighting system.
7.70 In the machinery spaces in every ship there must be provided from each machinery
space two means of escape in compliance with the following requirements—
(a) where the space is below the bulkhead deck the two means of escape must consist of
either—
(i) two sets of steel ladders as widely separated as possible, leading to doors in the up-
per part of the space similarly separated and from which access is provided to the appropri-
ate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation decks; one of these ladders must be provided with con-
tinuous fire shelter from the lower part of the space to a safe position outside the space; or
(ii) one steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from which access is
provided to such embarkation deck and additionally in the lower part of the space and in a
position well separated from the ladder referred to, a steel door capable of being operated
from each side and which provides a safe escape route to the lifeboat and liferaft embarka-
tion deck;

(b) where the space is above the bulkhead deck, the two means of escape must be as
widely separated as possible and the doors leading from such means of escape must 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 must be of steel;
(c) in a ship of less than 1,000 tons, one of the means of escape required by this para-
graph may be dispensed with having regard to the width and disposition of the upper part of
the machinery space, subject to the approval of the Secretary of State in accordance with the
2023 Regulations; in a ship of 1,000 tons or over one of the means of escape required by this
paragraph may be dispensed with provided that either a door or a steel ladder provides a safe
escape route to the embarkation deck having regard to the nature and location of the space
and whether persons are normally employed in that space; and
(d) in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st October 1994, two means of escape
must be provided from a machinery control room located within a machinery space, at least
one of which will provide continuous fire shelter to a safe position outside the machinery
space.

7.71 In every ship one of the means of escape from the machinery spaces where the crew is
normally employed must avoid access to any special category space or ro-ro cargo spaces.
7.72 In the case of ships carrying more than 36 passengers—
(a) the means of escape including stairways and exits must be marked, at all points of the
escape route including angles and intersections, by lighting or photo-luminescent strip indica-
tors placed not more than 0.3 metres above the deck. The marking must enable passengers
[and crew] to identify all routes of escape and readily identify the escape exits;
 Page 72

(b) if electric illumination is used, it must be supplied by the emergency source of power
and it must be so arranged that the failure of any single light, or cut in a lighting strip, will not
result in the marking being ineffective;
(c) additionally, all escape route signs and fire equipment location markings must be of pho-
toluminescent material or marked by lighting;
(d) such lighting and photoluminescent material must comply with guidelines set out in IMO
Resolution A752(18);
(e) the requirements of these sub-paragraphs are in addition to the emergency lighting re-
quired by SOLAS II-1 Reg 42-1; and

Additional requirement for a ship constructed on or after 1st January 1994

7.73 Where a ship constructed on or after 1st January 1994 has a public space spanning
three or more decks by means of permanent openings and containing combustibles (such as fur-
niture) and enclosed spaces (such as shops, offices and restaurants)—
(a) each level within the space must have two means of escape; and
(b) one of those means of escape must give direct access to an enclosed vertical means of
escape meeting the requirements of paragraph 7.67(c) for a readily accessible enclosed stair-
way.

Additional requirements for ro-ro passenger ships

7.74
(a) Ro-ro passenger ships must comply with subparagraphs (b) to (h) of this paragraph:
(a)
(i) Handrails or suitable handholds must be provided in all corridors along the entire es-
cape route to the assembly and embarkation stations so that a firm handhold is available,
where practicable, every step of the way.
(ii) Such fittings must be provided on both sides of corridors exceeding, in the case of
side to side corridors, 1 m in width and in the case of forward to aft corridors, 1.8 m in width.
(iii) Suitable means must be provided to assist the crossing of lobbies, atria and other
large open spaces on such escape routes with the ship at large angles of heel or trim.
(iv) Handrails must be capable of supporting a distributed load of 750 N/m acting horizon-
tally towards the vertical mid plane of the corridor, and acting vertically downwards, with the
ship upright. The two loads need not be supported simultaneously.

(b)
(i) In public spaces and along escape routes deck coverings and furniture, including cabi-
nets but excluding portable tables and chairs, must be securely fixed.
(ii) Except when the ship is secured in her berth, and so far as practicable passengers
are not aboard, escape routes must be kept clear of obstructions such as cleaning carts,
bedding, luggage and boxed goods.
 Page 73

(c) Escape routes from normally occupied spaces to assembly stations must be as direct as
practicable, and must be marked with signs in accordance with IMO Resolution A.760(18) as
amended by MSC Resolution 82(70).
(d) Openings from enclosed spaces to weather decks must where practicable be of a type
suitable for use as emergency exits.
(e)
(i) Decks must be sequentially numbered commencing with deck one which must be the
lowest or tank top level.
(ii) Deck numbers must be displayed in prominent and continuously illuminated positions
at stair landings and lift lobbies.
(iii) Where decks are also named, the deck number must be displayed with the name.

(f)
(i) Diagrammatic plans showing escape routes must be prominently exhibited in public
spaces and on the inside of each cabin or stateroom door where any person is accommo-
dated.
(ii) Such plans must be as far as practicable correctly oriented with respect to their view-
ing position and such position must be indicated on each plan in relation to the escape
routes.

(g) The doors of cabins and staterooms where any person is accommodated and all doors
in escape routes must not require the use of keys or similar devices to open them when mov-
ing in the direction of escape.

7.75
(a) This paragraph applies to ro-ro passenger ships constructed on or after 1st July 1997.
(b) The lowest 0.5 metre of any bulkhead, lining or partition adjacent to an escape route
must be capable of supporting a loading of 1500 Pa acting perpendicular to the plane of the
bulkhead, lining or partition.
(c) It must not be necessary to climb more than two decks up or down in order to reach an
assembly station or open deck from any passenger space, neither must it be necessary to
cross from one side of the ship to the other to attain an escape route.
(d) From open decks provided in compliance with sub paragraph (c) of this paragraph, ex-
ternal open routes must be provided to the appropriate lifeboat and liferaft embarkation areas.

7.76 An evacuation analysis demonstrating compliance with paragraph 7.66 must be pro-
duced for ro-ro passenger ships constructed on or after 1st July 1999. Such analysis must—
(a) be carried out concurrently with the design of the vessel;
(b) identify and as far as practicable eliminate congestion arising due to the intended move-
ment of passengers and crew along escape routes during mustering and embarkation into life-
boats and liferafts;
 Page 74

(c) demonstrate that escape routes can reasonably accommodate the loss of any route, as-
sembly station, embarkation station, evacuation system, lifeboat or liferaft as a result of a cas-
ualty.

SECTION 8

Structural Fire Protection

Ships of Classes VII, VII(A), VIII, VIII(A), IX and IX(A) and Tankers of Classes VII(T), VIII(T),
VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 Tons or over

Application

This section applies to cargo ships of ships of Classes VII, VII(A), VIII, VIII(A), IX and IX(A) and
tankers of Classes VII(T), VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over.

Structure

8.1 Paragraphs 7.3 - 7.4 apply to ships to which this section applies as it applies to ships to
which section 7 applies.

Helicopter decks

8.2 Paragraphs 7.5 – 7.9 apply to ships to which this section applies as it applies to ships to
which section 7 applies.

Methods of fire protection

8.3 One of the following methods of protection must be adopted in the accommodation and ser-
vice spaces—
(a) Method IC—The construction of all internal divisional bulkheading must be of non-com-
bustible “B” Class divisions or “C” Class divisions without the installation of an automatic
sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system in the accommodation and service
spaces, except as required by paragraphs 8.43 - 8.45; or
(b) Method IIC—An automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detection and fire alarm system
as required by paragraphs 8.43 - 8.45 must be fitted in all spaces in which fire might be ex-
pected to originate with no restriction on the type of internal divisional bulk-heading; or
(c) Method IIIC—A fixed fire detection and fire alarm system, as required by paragraphs
8.43 - 8.45 must be fitted in all spaces in which a fire might be expected to originate with no
restriction on the type of internal divisional bulkheading, except that in no case must the area
of any accommodation space or spaces bounded by continuous “A” Class divisions and/or “B”
Class divisions exceed 50 square metres subject to the requirements of paragraph 8.7.
 Page 75

Bulkheads within accommodation spaces, services spaces and control stations

8.4 All bulkheads which are required to be “B” Class divisions must 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 ceil-
ing and/or lining.
8.5 In ships where Method IC is adopted all bulkheads which are not required to be either “A”
Class divisions or “B” Class divisions, must be “C” Class divisions.
8.6 In ships where Method IIC is adopted there is no restriction on the construction of bulk-
heads which are not required to be “A” Class divisions or “B” Class divisions except where “C”
Class bulkheads are required in accordance with Table 1 in Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1668.
8.7 In ships where Method IIIC is adopted there is no restriction on the construction of bulk-
heads which are not required to be “A” Class divisions or “B” Class divisions except where “C”
Class bulkheads are required in accordance with Table 1 in Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1668. In no case must the area of any accommodation space or spaces bounded
by continuous “A” Class divisions and/or “B” Class divisions exceed 50 square metres provided
that this area may be exceeded in public spaces.

Fire integrity of bulkheads and decks

8.8 In addition to complying with the specific requirements for fire integrity of bulkheads and
decks referred to elsewhere in this section, the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks
must be as prescribed in Schedule 1 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.

Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces

8.9 Every stairway within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations must
be constructed of steel unless the Secretary of State has given approval for the use of other
equivalent material under the 2023 Regulations. Every such stairway and lift must lie respec-
tively within an enclosure or trunk constructed of “A” Class divisions of “A-0” standard except
that an isolated stairway serving only two decks must only be required to be enclosed at one
level by either “A” Class divisions of “A-0” standard: or “B” Class divisions of “B-0” standard; pro-
vided that the fire integrity of any bulkhead which separates a stairway from either a machinery
space of Category A or a ro-ro cargo space must be determined by reference to Table 1 of
Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.
(a) On ships having accommodation for 12 persons or less, where stairways penetrate more
than a single deck and where there are at least two escape routes direct to the open deck at
every accommodation level, the “A–0” standard in paragraph 7.9 may be reduced to “B–0”
standard.
8.10 Every opening in a stairway enclosure and lift trunk must be provided with a means of
closure which must be permanently attached thereto and which must comply with the require-
ments of paragraphs 8.11 – 8.18 or 8.19 – 8.23, whichever is applicable.
 Page 76

Openings in “A” Class divisions

8.11 Where an “A” Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks,
girders, or beams or for other purposes, the arrangements must be such that the effectiveness
of the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired.
8.12 The construction of all doors and frames in “A” Class bulkheads, with the means of se-
curing the doors when closed, must provide resistance to fire as well as to the passage of smoke
and flame, as far as is reasonably practicable, equivalent to that of the bulkheads in which the
doors are situated this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.
Such doors and door frames shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material. Doors ap-
proved without the sill being part of the frame, which are installed on or after 1 July 2010, shall
be installed such that the gap under the door does not exceed 12 mm. A non-combustible sill
shall be installed under the door such that floor coverings do not extend beneath the closed
door.
8.13 Every door in an “A” Class bulkhead must be so constructed that it can be opened and
closed by one person from either side of the division.
8.14 Every door in an “A” Class bulkhead which forms part of a stairway enclosure or lift trunk
serving accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations and every door in a casing of
a machinery space of Category A must be self-closing.
8.15 Hold-back arrangements may be fitted to doors to which paragraph 8.14 refers provided
that such arrangements—
(a) have remote release fittings of a type which in the event of disruption of the control sys-
tem will automatically close the doors; and
(b) will permit each door to be closed manually.

8.16 Doors fitted in boundary bulkheads of machinery spaces of Category A must be reasona-
bly gastight and self-closing.
8.17 Watertight doors need not be insulated.
8.18 Where ventilation ducts pass through “A” Class divisions the requirements of Schedule 3
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668 must apply.

Openings in “B” Class divisions

8.19 Where a “B” Class division is pierced for the passage of electric cables, pipes, trunks,
girders, or beams, or for other purposes, the arrangements must be such that the effectiveness
of the division in resisting fire is not thereby impaired.
8.20 The construction of all doors and door frames in “B” Class bulkheads must provide re-
sistance to fire as well as the passage of flame, as far as is reasonably practicable, equivalent to
that of the bulkheads in which the doors are situated, this being determined in accordance with
the Fire Test Procedures Code except that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower
portion of such doors. this being determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code
except that ventilation openings may be permitted in the lower portion of such doors
 Page 77

8.21 The number of ventilation openings in “B” Class divisions must be kept to a minimum;
such openings must generally be provided only in the lower part doors or by utilising gaps under
doors. Openings in doors must be provided with a grille made from non-combustible material.
Openings must not be provided in a “B” Class division forming a stairway enclosure. The net
area of any such opening or openings must not exceed 0.05 square metre and in no case must
a gap under a door exceed 25 millimetres. The grille must be capable of being manually closed
from each side of the door.
8.22 Every door in a “B” Class bulkhead which forms a stairway enclosure or part thereof
must be self-closing.
8.23 Hold-back arrangements may be fitted to doors to which paragraph 8.22 refers provided
that such arrangements—
(a) have remote release fittings of a type which in the event of disruption of the control sys-
tem will automatically close the doors; and
(b) will permit each door to be closed manually.

Ventilation systems

8.24 Where ventilation systems penetrate decks, precautions must be taken, in addition to
those relating to the fire integrity of the decks required by paragraph 8.11 – 8.18, to reduce the
likelihood of smoke and hot gases passing from one between-deck space to another through the
system. In addition to the insulation requirements, vertical ducts must be insulated as required
by the Tables in Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.
8.25 Ducts serving a stairway enclosure must be taken from the fan room independently of
other ducts in the ventilation system and must not serve any other space.
8.26 There must be provided for every control station situated below deck, other than a con-
trol station in the machinery space, means to ensure ventilation, visibility and freedom from
smoke within it so that in the event of a fire in the ship, the equipment it contains may be oper-
ated effectively. Unless the control station is situated on, and has access to, an open deck or is
provided with local closing arrangements equally effective to maintain ventilation, visibility and
freedom from smoke in the event of a fire in the ship, there must be provided at least two entirely
separate means of supplying air to such control stations and the air inlets to these sources of
supply must be so situated that the risk of both drawing in smoke simultaneously is, as far as
practicable, eliminated.
8.27 Ventilation ducts except those in cargo spaces, must be constructed in accordance with
the specifications set out in Schedule 3 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.
8.28 The following arrangements must be tested in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures
Code:
(a) fire dampers, including relevant means of operation; and
(b) duct penetrations through “A” Class divisions, except where steel sleeves are directly
joined to ventilation ducts by means of riveted or screwed flanges or by welding.

Details of construction
8.29 Where Method IC is adopted ceilings, linings, draught stops and their associated
grounds in accommodation and service spaces and control stations must be non-combustible.
8.30 Where Method IIC or Method IIIC is adopted ceilings, linings, draught stops and their as-
sociated grounds in corridors and stairway enclosures serving accommodation and service
spaces and control stations must be non-combustible.

Restriction of combustible materials

8.31 All exposed surfaces in corridors and stairway enclosures and surfaces in concealed or
inaccessible spaces within accommodation or service spaces or control stations must have low
flame spread and, in the case of ships constructed before 1st July 1998, must have qualities of
resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State.
8.32 Primary deck coverings, if applied within accommodation or service spaces or control
stations, must be of an approved material which will not readily ignite or give rise to toxic or ex-
plosive hazards at elevated temperatures; in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July
1998, this must be determined in accordance with the Fire Test Procedures Code.
8.33 Paints, varnishes and other finishes used on exposed surfaces within accommodation
and service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces must not contain nitrocellulose or
other highly flammable base products and must not be capable of producing excessive quanti-
ties of smoke. Such surfaces, in the case of ships constructed before 1st July 1998, must have
qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the Secretary of State
and, in the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998, must not be capable of producing
excessive quantities of smoke or toxic products, this being determined in accordance with the
Fire Test Procedures Code.
8.34
(a) Insulating materials must be of non-combustible materials except in respect of—
(i) cargo spaces;
(ii) materials used to insulate refrigerated compartments;
(iii) materials used to insulate pipe fittings for cold service systems, provided that their
exposed surfaces have low flame spread or, in the case of ships constructed before 1st
July 1998, have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfaction of the
Secretary of State; and
(iv) vapour barriers and adhesives used in conjunction with insulating materials provided
that their exposed surfaces have low flame spread or, in the case of ships constructed be-
fore 1st July 1998, have qualities of resistance to the propagation of flame to the satisfac-
tion of the Secretary of State.

(b) In a ship constructed before 1st February 1992, a non-combustible bulkhead, lining or
ceiling fitted in an accommodation or service space may have a combustible veneer which—
(i) in corridors, stairway enclosures and control stations, does not exceed 1.5 millimetres
in thickness;
(ii) in any other accommodation or service space, does not exceed 2.0 millimetres in
thickness.
 (c) In a ship constructed on or after 1st February 1992—
(i) the total volume of combustible facings, mouldings, decorations and veneers in any
accommodation or service space bounded by non-combustible bulkheads, ceilings and lin-
ings must not exceed a volume equivalent to a 2.5 millimetre veneer on the combined area
of the walls and ceilings;
(ii) a non-combustible bulkhead, lining or ceiling fitted in an accommodation or service
space may have a combustible veneer with a gross calorific potential not exceeding 45
megajoules per square metre of surface area for the thickness used (as measured in ac-
cordance with the method specified in International Standard ISO 1716–1973(E), as may
be amended.

Miscellaneous items of fire protection

8.35 Any pipe which penetrates an “A” Class division or “B” Class division must be of suitable
material having regard to the temperature such divisions are required to withstand.
8.36 In accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations pipes intended to convey
oil or other flammable liquids must be of a suitable material having regard to the risk of fire.
8.37 Overboard scuppers, sanitary discharges or other outlets close to or below the waterline
must not be of a material likely to fail in the event of fire and thereby give rise to danger of flood-
ing.
8.38 Electric space heaters must be fixed in position and must be so constructed as to reduce
the risk of fire to a minimum. No such heater must be constructed with an element so exposed
that clothing, curtains or other material can be scorched or set on fire by heat from the element.
8.39 Cellulose-nitrate film must not be used in cinematograph installations.
8.40 All waste-paper receptacles must be constructed of non-combustible materials with solid
sides and bottoms.
8.41 In spaces where penetration of oil products is possible, the exposed surface of insulation
materials must be impervious to oil or oil vapours.
8.42 Every air space enclosed behind a ceiling, panel or lining within accommodation spaces,
service spaces and control stations must be divided by close fitting draught stops which must be
spaced not more than 14 metres apart and which must be closed at each deck.

Fixed fire detection and fire alarm system, and automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire de-
tection and fire alarm system

8.43 In ships in which Method IC is adopted, a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an
approved type complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1666 must be so installed and arranged as to provide smoke detection and manu-
ally-operated call points in all corridors, stairways and escape routes within accommodation
spaces.
8.44 In ships in which Method IIC is adopted, an automatic sprinkler or water mist, fire detec-
tion and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements specified in
Schedule 1 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be so installed and arranged as to pro-
tect accommodation spaces, galleys and other service spaces, except spaces which afford no
substantial fire risk such as void spaces and sanitary spaces. In addition, a fixed fire detection
and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements specified in Sched-
ule 5 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1666 must be so installed and arranged as to provide
smoke detection and manually-operated call points in all corridors, stairways and escape routes
within accommodation spaces.
8.45 In ships in which Method IIIC is adopted, a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of
an approved type complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1666 must be so installed and arranged as to detect the presence of fire in all ac-
commodation spaces and service spaces, except spaces which afford no substantial fire risk
such as void spaces and sanitary spaces. Notwithstanding the foregoing exception smoke de-
tection and manually-operated call points must be installed in all corridors, stairways and escape
routes.

Special arrangements in machinery spaces

8.46 The following requirements must apply to machinery spaces—

(a) the number of openings to machinery spaces must be the minimum compatible with the
proper working of the ship;
(b) windows must not be fitted in machinery space boundaries;
(c) any machinery space of Category A which is accessible from an adjacent shaft tunnel
must be provided with a light-weight steel fire-screen door in addition to any watertight door;
the fire-screen door must be operable from each side and must be located at the shaft tunnel
side of the bulkhead.

Means of escape

8.47 In every ship stairways and ladderways must be arranged so as to provide ready means
of escape to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck from all accommodation spaces, service
spaces and other spaces in which crew are normally employed. In particular the following must
be complied with—
(a) at all levels of accommodation there must be provided at least two widely separated
means of escape from each restricted space or group of spaces;
(b) below the lowest open deck such escapes must be by means of stairways except that
one of these stairways may be replaced by a trunked vertical ladder;
(c) above the lowest open deck the means of escape must be stairways or doors to an
open deck or a combination thereof;
(d) one of the means of escape may be dispensed with in an exceptional case having re-
gard to the nature and location of the space and to the number of persons who normally might
be accommodated or employed there;
 (e) no dead-end corridors having a length of more than 7 metres must be permitted; a
dead-end corridor is a corridor or part of a corridor from which there is only one escape route;
(f) the width and continuity of the means of escape must be to the satisfaction of the Secre-
tary of State; and
(g) if a radio office has no direct access to the open deck, two means of escape from such
office must be provided; one of these escapes may be an opening type window or sidescuttle
of sufficient size.

8.48 In all cargo spaces intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for
their own propulsion where the crew is normally employed the number and locations of escape
routes to the open deck must be sufficient to provide ready escape for the number of persons
involved but must in no case be less than two and must be as widely separated as possible.
8.49 In every ship two means of escape must be provided from each machinery space of Cat-
egory A. In particular one of the following requirements must be complied with—
(a) 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 lifeboat or lifer-
aft embarkation deck or decks; in general, one of these ladders must provide continuous fire
shelter from the lower part of the space to a safe position outside the space; the shelter must
be of steel, insulated where necessary, and be provided with a self-closing steel door at the
lower end; or
(b) one steel ladder leading to a door in the upper part of the space from which access is
provided to the lifeboat or liferaft embarkation deck or decks and additionally, in the lower part
of the space and in a position well separated from the ladder referred to, a steel door capable
of being operated from each side and which provides access to a safe escape route from the
lower part of the space to the lifeboat and liferaft embarkation deck.

8.50 In a ship of less than 1,000 gross tonnage, subject to the approval of the Secretary of
State in accordance with the 2023 Regulations, one of the means of escape required under par-
agraph 7.46 (a), (b) or (c) may be dispensed with, due regard being paid to the dimension and
disposition of the upper part of the space. In addition, the means of escape from machinery
spaces of category A need not comply with the requirement for an enclosed fire shelter. In the
steering gear space, a second means of escape must be provided when the emergency steering
position is located in that space unless there is direct access to the open deck.
8.51 From machinery spaces other than machinery spaces of Category A, escape routes
must be provided having regard to the nature and location of the space and the number of per-
sons normally employed in that space.
8.52 Lifts must not be considered as forming one of the required means of escape.

SECTION 9

Structural Fire Protection

Tankers

Tankers of Classes VII(T), VIII(T), VIII(A)(T) and IX(A)(T) of 500 Tons or over
Application

9.1 Paragraphs 9.2 to 9.25 inclusive apply to tankers of Classes VII(T), VIII(T), VIII(A)(T) and
IX(A)(T) of 500 tons or over carrying crude oil and petroleum products having a closed flash-
point not exceeding 60°C, and the Reid vapour pressure of which is below that of atmospheric
pressure, or other liquids having a similar or additional fire hazard, and to gas carriers, being
ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984. Such tankers constructed on or after the 25th
May 1980 but before 1st September 1984 must comply with the provisions in Schedule 3 in Mer-
chant Shipping Notice MSN 1670. Such tankers constructed after 26th May 1965 but before 25th
May 1980 must comply with the provisions in Schedule 4 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN
1670.

Structure

9.2 The hull, superstructures, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses must be con-
structed of steel or other equivalent material, except that the crowns and casings of machinery
spaces of Category A and the exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses which are
required to be insulated to “A-60” standard in compliance with paragraph 9.5 - 9.8 must be con-
structed only of steel.
9.3 Where any part of the structure is of aluminium alloy, the following requirements must ap-
ply—
(a) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of “A” Class divisions or “B” Class divi-
sions, and supports of such divisions, must be such that the temperature of the structural core
does not rise more than 200°C above the ambient temperature at any time during a standard
fire test of 60 minutes duration in the case of an “A” Class division and 30 minutes duration in
the case of a “B” Class division; and
(b) the insulation of aluminium alloy components of columns, stanchions and other struc-
tural members required to support lifeboat and liferaft stowage, launching and embarkation
areas, must be such that the temperature rise limitation specified in sub-paragraph (a) must
apply for 60 minutes duration.

Helicopter decks

9.4 Paragraphs 7.5 – 7.9 must apply to every tanker to which this Part applies as it applies to
ships to which Part VI applies.

Exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses

9.5 Exterior boundaries of superstructures and deckhouses enclosing accommodation, includ-

ing any overhanging decks which support such accommodation, must be constructed of steel
and insulated to “A-60” standard for the whole of the portions which face the cargo area and on
the side portions for a distance of not less than 3 metres from the portions which face the cargo
area.
9.6 Entrances, air inlets and openings to accommodation spaces, service spaces and control
stations must not face the cargo area. They must be located on the transverse bulkhead not fac-
ing the cargo area or on the outboard side of the superstructure or deckhouse at a distance of at
least 4 per cent of the length of the ship but not less than 3 metres from the end of the super-
structure or deckhouse facing the cargo area; provided that such distance need not exceed 5
metres.
9.7 No doors must be fitted within the limits specified in paragraph 9.6 unless, and subject to
the approval of the Secretary of State in accordance with the 2023 Regulations—
(a) that space is a cargo control station, provisions room or store room; and
(b) that space does not have access to any accommodation space, service space or control
station.

Where such doors are fitted to a space located aft of the cargo area, the boundaries of the
space must be insulated to “A-60” standard, with the exception of the boundary facing the cargo
area. Bolted plates for removal of machinery may be fitted within the limits specified in para-
graph 9.6. Wheelhouse doors and wheelhouse windows may be located within the limits speci-
fied in paragraph 9.6 so long as they are designed to ensure that the wheelhouse can be made
rapidly and efficiently gas and vapour tight.
9.8 Windows and sidescuttles facing the cargo area and on the sides of the superstructures
and deckhouses within the limits specified in paragraph 9.6 must be of the fixed (non-opening)
type. In the case of ships constructed on or after 1st July 1998, such windows and sidescuttles,
except wheelhouse windows, must be of “A–60” standard except that "A-0" class standard is ac-
ceptable for windows and sidescuttles outside the limit specified in SOLAS II-2 regulation
[Link].5. In the case of ships constructed before 1st July 1998, such windows and side scuttles
in the first tier on the main deck must be fitted with inside covers of steel or equivalent material.

Boundary bulkheads and decks of machinery spaces of Category A and cargo pump
rooms

9.9 Windows and sidescuttles must not be fitted in internal or external boundary bulkheads or
decks of machinery spaces of Category A and cargo pump rooms, or in skylights to such
spaces, except that such windows and sidescuttles may be fitted in a bulkhead between a ma-
chinery space of Category A and a machinery control room located within the boundaries of
such a space.
9.10 Skylights to machinery spaces of Category A and cargo pump rooms must be capable of
being closed and opened from outside the spaces which they serve.

Bulkheads within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations

9.11 All bulkheads which are not required to be either “A” Class divisions or “B” Class divi-
sions must be “C” Class divisions.
9.12 All bulkheads required to be “B” Class divisions must extend from deck to deck and to
the shell plating or other boundaries, except that where continuous “B” Class ceilings and/or lin-
ings are fitted on both sides of the bulkheads the bulkheads may terminate at such ceilings
and/or linings.
9.13 All materials used in the construction of “B” Class divisions and “C” Class divisions and
doors in “B” Class bulkheads and “C” Class bulkheads must be non-combustible.

Fire integrity of bulkheads and decks

9.14 In addition to complying with the specific requirements for fire integrity of bulkheads and
decks referred to elsewhere in this Part the minimum fire integrity of bulkheads and decks must
comply with the requirements of Schedule 2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.

Protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces

9.15 Every stairway within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations must
be constructed of steel except where the Secretary of State has given approval for the use of
other equivalent material under the 2023 Regulations. Every such stairway and lift must lie re-
spectively within an enclosure or trunk constructed of “A” Class divisions of “A-0” standard ex-
cept that an isolated stairway serving only two decks must only be required to be enclosed at
one level by either “A” Class divisions of “A-0” standard or “B” Class divisions of “B-0” standard
provided that the fire integrity of any bulkhead which separates a stairway from either a machin-
ery space of Category A or a cargo pump room must be determined by reference to Table 3 of
Schedule 2 in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.
9.16 Every opening in a stairway enclosure and lift trunk must be provided with a means of
closure which must be permanently attached thereto and which must comply with the require-
ments of paragraphs 9.17 or 9.18, whichever is applicable.

Openings in “A” Class divisions

9.17 Paragraphs 8.11 – 8.18 must apply to every tanker to which this Section applies, as it ap-
plies to ships to which Section 8 applies.

Openings in “B” Class divisions

9.18 Paragraphs 8.19 – 8.23 must apply to every tanker to which this Section applies as it ap-
plies to ships to which Section 8 applies.

Ventilation systems

9.19 Paragraphs 8.24 – 8.28 must apply to every tanker to which this Section applies as it ap-
plies to ships to which Section 8 applies; except that Schedule 2 must be substituted for Sched-
ule 1 of Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1668.

Details of construction
9.20 All ceilings, linings, draught stops and their associated grounds in accommodation and ser-
vice spaces and control stations must be of non-combustible materials.

Restriction of combustible materials

9.21 Paragraphs 8.31 – 8.34 must apply to every tanker to which this Section applies as it ap-
plies to ships to which Section 8 applies.

Miscellaneous items of fire protection

9.22 Paragraphs 8.35 – 8.42 apply to every tanker to which this Section applies as it applies to
ships to which Section 7 applies.

Fixed fire detection and fire alarm system

9.23 In every tanker to which this Section applies a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of
an approved type complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 5 in Merchant Shipping
Notice MSN 1666 must be so installed and arranged as to provide smoke detection and manu-
ally-operated call points in all corridors, stairways and escape routes within accommodation
spaces.

Special arrangements in machinery spaces

9.24 Paragraph 8.46 must apply to every tanker to which this Section applies, as it applies to
ships to which Section 8 applies.

Means of escape

9.25 Except for paragraph 8.48, paragraph 8.47 to 8.52 must apply to every tanker to which this
Section applies as it applies to ships to which Section 8 applies.

SECTION 10

Special Requirements for Ships Carrying Dangerous Goods

Ships carrying explosives

 10.1 Where any ship (other than a passenger ship) carries explosives of such nature and of
such quantity as are not permitted to be carried in a passenger ship by regulation 16(1) of the
Merchant Shipping (Dangerous Goods and Marine Pollutants) Regulations 1997, such explo-
sives must not be carried in any compartment fitted with steam fire smothering arrangements.
There must be provided in any compartment containing such explosives and in every adjacent
compartment, a smoke detection system, or a fire detection system capable of automatically in-
dicating the presence or indication of fire and its location. The indicators must be centralised ei-
ther on the navigating bridge or at other control stations provided with direct communication with
the navigating bridge, except that, and subject to the approval of the Secretary of State in ac-
cordance with the 2023 Regulations, the indicators may be distributed among several stations if
such arrangements are at least as effective as centralised indicators.
10.2 For the purposes of this requirement “compartment” means all spaces contained be-
tween two adjacent permanent bulkheads and includes the lower hold and all cargo spaces
above it. The whole of any shelter deck space not sub-divided by steel bulkheads the openings
in which can be closed by steel closing plates must, for the purpose of this requirement, be con-
sidered as a single space. Where steel bulkheads with openings closed by steel closing plates
are fitted, the enclosed spaces in the shelter deck must be considered as part of the compart-
ment or compartments below.

Ships carrying dangerous goods

10.3 Subject to paragraph 10.4, ships constructed on or after 1st September 1984 of the fol-
lowing descriptions that is to say—
(a) passenger ships; and
(b) cargo ships of 500 tons or over,
which are intended, or which contain cargo spaces which are intended, for the carriage of dan-
gerous goods on international voyages, must comply with the protective requirements prescribed
in Merchant Shipping Notice MSN 1669.
10.4 Paragraph 10.3 does not apply to ships intended for the carriage of dangerous goods in
limited quantities as referred to in section 18 of the general introduction to the International Mari-
time Dangerous Goods Code.
10.5 Nothing in paragraph 10.3 is to be taken to require duplication of anything already pro-
vided in a ship in compliance with other requirements of this Notice.

More information
Ship Standards
Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Bay 2/23
Spring Place
105 Commercial Road
Southampton
SO15 1EG

Telephone: +44 (0)203 81 8172000

Email: marinetechnology@[Link]

Website: [Link]/mca

General enquiries: infoline@[Link]

Please note that all addresses and telephone numbers are correct at time of publishing.

Published: [ ] 2023

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