Ship Operations

Fixed Gas Fire-extinguishing Systems

A circular was issued by MSC67 providing guidance on a test method to evaluate the equivalence of fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems for machinery spaces and cargo pump rooms relative to the reliability and effectiveness of previously accepted extinguishing systems such as CO2 and halon systems. The test program includes details on engine mock-up, test condition monitoring, characteristics of the fire source and quantity and rate of extinguishing agent to be discharged.

Fire Testing/Approvals

The fire integrity of bulkheads, decks and divisions -- including primary deck coverings, paints and varnishes -- as well as the resistance to ignition and/or flame spread of furniture, bedding, drapery and other accommodation textiles fitted on ships built on/after 1 July 98 must be determined in accordance with the newly approved Fire Test Procedure (FTP) Code. Refer to the summary provided below under the Fire Test Procedures Code which includes a grace period to allow the new testing and approval procedures to be implemented.

Automatic Sprinkler Systems

Automatic sprinkler systems installed on ships built on/after 1 July 98 will need to meet additional visual and audible alarm requirements. Alarms shall provide a signal, automatically, to the bridge and to a location which is immediately received by the crew. The alarm is to indicate when a the system becomes activated or when a fault occurs for each section served by the sprinkler system.

Side Shell Openings

MSC-67 extended the provisions of SOLAS Regulation II-1/17 -- which address closing requirements for side shell openings located below the “margin line” (76mm below the bulkhead deck) in all passenger ships -- to all side shell openings located: (1) below the “

bulkhead deck” (the upper most deck to which transverse watertight bulkheads are fitted) for all passenger ships built on/after 1 July 98; and (2) below the “freeboard deck” (the upper most watertight/weathertight deck exposed to weather and sea) for all cargo ships built on/after 1 July 98.

Carriage of Dangerous Goods

A new SOLAS amendment specifies certain cargoes listed in the Code of Safe Practice for Solid Bulk Cargoes (BC Code) which, when carried on deck or in cargo spaces, require a fixed “non-gas” fire-extinguishing system.

Also, cargoes considered to be non-combustible or constituting a low fire risk are referenced. In the latter instance, the ship can be exempted from the fitting of a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system provided steel hatch covers and means to secure all ventilation to the cargo holds are fitted.

Fuel Oil Tanks

Ships built on/after 1 July 98 will be required to have two fuel oil service tanks, or an equivalent arrangement, for each type of fuel used for propulsion and its associated vital systems. The aggregate capacity of both tanks is to provide for at least 8 hours of operation at maximum continuous rating of the propulsion plant and normal operating load at sea of the generator plant. Vent pipes for these tanks as well as for settling and lube oil tanks shall be located so as to prevent direct ingress of sea spray in the event of a pipe rupture.

Main and Emergency Electrical Power

Where the main source of electrical power is necessary for propulsion and steering on ships built on/after 1 July 98, it must be arranged such that these capabilities are maintained or restored after the loss of any one of the generators in service. The electrical

Machinery and Essential Equipment

Control systems for the main and auxiliary machinery and equipment essential to the safe operation of the ship shall, for ships built on/after 1 July 98, be independent for each propeller. Otherwise, the equipment and machinery shall be designed such that the failure of one control system does not degrade the performance of another system. Control systems shall be capable of prevent-ing overload of propulsion machinery.