The intent of this section is to identify practices and standards, which when applied on UNOLS vessels, will help to insure that a vessel is adequately outfitted, that equipment is properly maintained, that proper training is carried out and that adequate plans and procedures for fire safety emergencies exist.
These practices and standards identified herein will not relieve a vessel from complying with existing class standards, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requirements, SOLAS requirements or other rules and guidelines, and may in some instances establish or recommend a more stringent standard for the operator of an oceanographic research vessel than contained in the CFR.
This section does not address structural fire protection requirements for any group of vessels.
The following documents contain information, rules, and requirements pertaining to fire safety on vessels, which may be applicable. They include:
Required fire protection equipment for inspected vessels is prescribed by 46 CFR 193 Subchapter U, and for uninspected vessels by 46 CFR 25.30 Subchapter C. In addition, further practices and standards for them are contained in ABYC’s “Safety Standards For Small Craft.”
On all vessels, including non-self-propelled vessels of less than 300 gross tons, where fire detecting or extinguishing systems or other equipment are not required but are installed, the system or equipment and its installation shall meet the requirements of 46 CFR 193.
Inspected vessels over 300 gross tons must follow the requirements of subpart 46 CFR 193.50 for classification, number, size, type, location and spares required.
All inspected research vessels shall have an approved fixed fire extinguisher system installed to protect paint lockers, chemical storerooms, and similar spaces. Machinery spaces containing gasoline engines and machinery spaces containing any internal combustion engines on vessels over 1,000 GRT and total power over 1,000 HP must have fixed CO2 systems installed. (46 CFR 193.05)
Installations must adhere to the details contained in subpart 193.15 and in particular, protected spaces which are normally accessible to personnel while the vessel is underway should be fitted with an approved audible alarm which will sound automatically during a 20 second delay prior to fire suppression materials being discharged into the space. (46 CFR 193.15-30)
Inspected vessels must be equipped with at least one (two if over 1,000 gross tons) independently driven fire pump and the appropriate number of hydrants and hose. If the fire pump is located in an unmanned machinery space, inspected vessels must have the controls for its operation remotely located at a fire control station, on the bridge, or other readily accessible space. (46 CFR 193.10-5)
All inspected vessels shall carry on board at least the minimum number of fire axes using guidelines set forth in Table 46 CFR 193.60-5(a). The axes should be distributed so as to be most readily available in the event of an emergency. Fire axes shall be located where they maybe readily seen or they should be placed in enclosures together with fire hose, and the enclosure so marked. (46 CFR 193.60)
Tests and inspections of portable and fixed fire extinguishing equipment must be conducted at least once every twelve months. Records of these tests shall be maintained and the equipment tagged to indicate that it has been inspected. It is encouraged, where practicable, that such tests and inspections be conducted by a company recommended by the manufacturer and for classed vessels by a company approved by the classification society. Fire hoses shall be tested every 12 months at a pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure they will be subjected to in service, but not less than 100 psi. (46 CFR 189.25-20 and 46 CFR 196.15-60)
All inspected vessels must have aboard, in an accessible area, at least two Fireman’s Outfits, each to include: one pressure-demand or positive-pressure self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), one lifeline with belt, one flashlight, one flame safety lamp or combination oxygen/combustible gas indicator (must be intrinsically safe and UL or Factory Mutual (FM) approved), one spanner wrench, an approved firefighters outfit (to include approved rigid helmet, boots, gloves, coat, trousers and coveralls), and one fire axe. These outfits shall be stored in widely separated, accessible locations. A spare charge is required for each SCBA (46 CFR 195.35, NVIC 12-86 and NVIC 06-01).
Two of these appliances are mandatory for inspected vessels as part of a fireman’s outfit (46 CFR 195.35).
Consideration should be given to ease of operation and response time in selecting from the list of approved equipment. Lockers and spaces containing the apparatus shall be marked “Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.” (46 CFR 196.37-20) Selected members of the crew should be instructed in its use. Apparatus shall be Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved for 30 minutes. A spare bottle shall be available for each apparatus and one additional bottle for training. This equipment is not approved for medical use.
Fire detecting, manual alarm, and supervised patrol systems are not required on inspected vessels by Subchapter U, but if installed, the systems shall meet the applicable requirements of 46 CFR-part 76 of Subchapter H (Passenger Vessels) (46 CFR 193.05-1).
See 16.3.3 for SOLAS vessel requirements.
Fire equipment for all inspected vessels shall be marked in accordance with the guidelines as set forth in 46 CFR 196.37 if the specified equipment is on board a vessel.
Fire control plans for inspected vessels must submitted to the Coast Guard for new construction under 46 CFR 189.55-5.
It is required that all manned vessels have available a set of plans which include a general arrangement showing fire retardant bulkheads with particulars of fire-detection, manual alarm and fire extinguishing systems, fire doors, ingress to various compartments, ventilation, location of remote means of stopping fans and identification of sections of ship served by. These requirements are applicable to inspected vessels. When in port, vessels shall have fire control plans immediately available for emergency personnel called to the vessel for fire emergencies. (46 CFR 196.36)
None
SOLAS compliant oceanographic vessels are required to have fixed suppression system in galleys outfitted with a broiler or deep fat fryer (SOLAS Chapter II-2 Part C Regulation 10).
For vessels subject to SOLAS, Chapter II-2 Part C Regulation 7 requires that a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be installed in periodically unattended machinery spaces, in machinery spaces where the installation of automatic and remote control systems and equipment has been approved in lieu of continuous manning of the space and in spaces where the main propulsion and associated machinery including sources of the main sources of electrical power, are provided with various degrees of automatic or remote control and are under continuous manned supervision from a control room. Additional requirements call for smoke detection systems in accommodation and service spaces.
EEBDs are required on SOLAS ships as of 1 July 2002. The intent of an EEBD is to allow personnel to escape from smoke filled areas as well as areas where a total flooding fire suppression system has been discharged. They are not intended for confined space entry or firefighting purposes. The Coast Guard will accept NIOSH approved EEBDs that have a minimum service time of 10 minutes, are supplied air or oxygen type device, and have a full-face piece or hood. Minimum Coast Guard requirements call for at least two units and one spare unit for the overall crew or passenger living area, and one EEBD for each crewmember normally assigned to continuous or periodic duty in machinery spaces, and at least one spare EEBD such that any person visiting machinery spaces will have access to a unit. Note that compressed air or oxygen cylinders over two inches in diameter will require periodic hydrostatic testing per 49 CFR 173.34.
Training in the use of EEBDs should be part of shipboard familiarization training. (NVIC 06-02)
Uninspected vessels requirements for fire-fighting equipment are contained in 46 CFR 25.30 in Subchapter C.
In general, the minimum requirements of Subchapter C are substandard for a research vessel. All uninspected research vessels over 65 ft and less than 300 gross tons shall meet the standards set out in Subchapter U (46 CFR 193) for vessels of their size or to the extent possible when the requirements are stated for large vessels only. Those vessels under 65 ft at a minimum must comply with Subchapter C and with elements of Subchapter U appropriate for vessels of their size. See Section 16.4 below.
Under STCW, mariners with safety-related duties must complete a Basic Safety Training course. Incorporated in this requirement is 16 hours of Basic Fire Fighting. STCW also requires that “Seafarers designated to control fire-fighting operations shall have successfully completed advanced training in techniques for fighting fires, with organizational tactics and command.” This competence must have been demonstrated within the previous five years. Participation and compliance with these training requirements is encouraged; however, the U.S. exempts mariners from STCW requirements who serve on small passenger vessels under subchapters T and K and other vessels of less than 200 Gross tons sailing on near coastal, domestic voyage, that being a voyage that begins and ends in a U.S. port, does not touch at a foreign port or enter foreign waters, and is not more than 200 miles from shore.
The requirements for firefighting equipment contained in subchapter U (46 CFR 193) provide specifications in many sections for vessels smaller than 300 GT. Because the requirements of Subchapter C are considered substandard for research vessels, UNOLS vessels should usually comply with the requirements appropriate to the size of the vessel.
Uninspected vessels less than 300 gross tons and over 65 ft shall comply with the requirements of 46 CFR 193.50 regarding classification, number and location of fire extinguishers. In lieu of carrying spare charges if the vessel when meeting the requirements of 46 CFR 193.50 meets or exceeds the requirements of 46 CFR 25.30-20(c) then no spare charges will be required.
Uninspected vessels under 65 ft are required to follow the requirements in Subchapter C concerning the carriage of portable fire extinguishers. (46 CFR 25.30)
Any uninspected vessel operating beyond the boundary line and with overnight accommodations for science party and crew shall have a fixed fire extinguishing system for spaces containing an internal combustion engine over 50 hp, an oil fired boiler, an incinerator or a gasoline storage tank. Equipment for a fixed system installed on an uninspected vessel must be type-accepted by the Commandant (G-MSE) or the Commanding Officer U. S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center and installed properly. (46 CFR 25.30-15)
Protected spaces which are normally accessible to personnel while the vessel is underway should be fitted with an approved audible alarm which will sound automatically during a 20 second delay prior to fire suppression materials being discharged into the space. (46 CFR 25.30-15, 46 CFR 193.05-10 and 46 CFR 193.15-30)
Uninspected vessels over 65 ft in length and under 300 gross tons whenever practicable shall be equipped with at least one independently driven fire pump and provided with an appropriate number of 1 1/2 inch-hydrants and hoses complying with table (46 CFR 193.10-5). If the fire pump is located in an unmanned machinery space vessels should, so far as practicable, have the ability to start a fire pump remotely from an accessible space.
For vessels less than 65 ft in length, operated beyond the boundary line with overnight accommodations for crew and science party, a ¾ inch hose (46 CFR 193.10-5) of good commercial grade together with a commercial nozzle may be used. The pump may be hand operated, and the length of hose shall be sufficient to assure coverage of all parts of the vessel.
All uninspected vessels shall carry on board at least the minimum number of fire axes using guidelines set forth in Table 46 CFR 193.60-5(a). The axes should be distributed so as to be most readily available in the event of an emergency. Fire axes shall be located where they maybe readily seen or they should be placed in enclosures together with fire hose, and the enclosure so marked. (46 CFR 193.60)
This section is applicable to all UNOLS research vessels. Tests and inspections of portable and fixed fire extinguishing equipment must be conducted at least once every twelve months. Records of these tests shall be maintained and the equipment tagged to indicate that it has been inspected. It is encouraged, where practicable, that such tests and inspections be conducted by a company recommended by the manufacturer and for classed vessels by a company approved by the classification society. Fire hoses shall be tested every 12 months at a pressure equivalent to the maximum pressure they will be subjected to in service, but not less than 100 psi. (46 CFR 189.25-20 and 46 CFR 196.15-60)
Galley areas in general, and deep fat fryers in particular, are high fire risk areas and merit specialized protection by a smothering system, which can be remotely or automatically activated.
While Coast Guard Regulations do not call for a suppression system on inspected or uninspected vessels, the standards used for other inspected vessels as well as uninspected fishing vessels call for the following: each grease extraction hood must be equipped with a pre-engineered dry or wet chemical fire extinguishing system meeting the applicable sections of NFPA 17 or 17A or other standard set by the Coast Guard and must be listed by an independent lab (46 CFR 28.330 and 46 CFR 181.425) All UNOLS vessels should install remotely or automatically activated systems that at least meet these requirements.
Vessels over 65 ft in length and less than 300 gross tons operating beyond the boundary line and providing overnight accommodations for crew and science party shall carry firemen’s outfits as required for inspected oceanographic vessels (46 CFR 195.35, NVIC 12-86 and NVIC 06-01).
(a) Each fireman’s outfit must consist of one self-contained breathing apparatus, one lifeline with a belt or a suitable harness, one flashlight, one flame safety lamp, one rigid helmet, boots and gloves, protective clothing, and one fire ax.
(b) Every vessel shall carry at least two fireman’s outfits. The fireman’s outfits must be stored in widely separated, accessible locations.
Vessels less than 65 ft in length are not required to carry a fireman’s outfit.
Two of these appliances are required as part of the fireman’s outfit (46 CFR 195.35).
Vessels less than 65 ft in length shall consider whether a self-contained breathing apparatus is appropriate.
Consideration should be given to ease of operation and response time in selecting from the list of approved equipment. Lockers and spaces containing the apparatus shall be marked “Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus.” (46 CFR 196.37-20) Selected members of the crew should be instructed in its use. Apparatus shall be Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) approved for 30 minutes. A spare bottle shall be available for each apparatus and one additional bottle for training. This equipment is not approved for medical use.
All vessels at minimum with accommodations for overnight berthing of crew and science party must be provided with smoke detection devices. Each accommodation space shall be equipped with an independent modular smoke detector or a smoke actuated fire detecting unit installed in accordance with 46 CFR 76, Subpart 76.33. If an independent modular smoke detector is installed, it must meet UL 217 and be listed as a “Single Station Smoke Detector - Also suitable for use in Recreational Vehicles.” (46 CFR 28.325) Further consideration should be given to installation of detection and alarm devices in unattended machinery spaces.
Fire equipment for uninspected shall be marked in accordance with the guidelines as set forth in 46 CFR 196.37 if the specified equipment is on board a vessel.
Uninspected vessels 65 ft or over in length and less than 300 gross tons should have a fire plan as provided for in 46 CFR 196.36. In the event such a plan is not available, a general arrangement drawing, at a minimum, shall be readily available for this purpose. When in port, vessels shall have fire control plans immediately available for emergency personnel called to the vessel for fire emergencies.
No requirement exists for vessels less than 65 ft in length; however, it is strongly recommended that a general arrangement drawing of the vessel be readily maintained for emergencies.
Vessel crews must receive adequate training to properly operate the fire fighting equipment available aboard their vessel. This should be part of an onboard training program. It is further recommended that all crewmembers, no matter the size of vessel, meet the STCW training requirements for Basic Safety Training and remain current in this training. If possible, the crew should attend as a group.
None.
All vessels should consider carrying portable pumps of appropriate size for fire fighting and dewatering.
Vessels less than 65 ft in length shall give due consideration to the benefit of having a fire axe available onboard. In the event a fire axe is carried they shall be located where they maybe readily seen or they should be placed in enclosures together with fire hose and the enclosure so marked
Operators should be aware of hazards posed by specialized spaces or contents of spaces, e.g., labs, spaces with hydraulic oil storage, etc., and insure these specialized hazards are identified and addressed with additional fire fighting systems to accommodate the added potential danger.
Consideration should be given to providing EEBDs as specified for SOLAS vessels in 16.3.3 above on uninspected vessels with the number available taking into account the location and arrangement of berthing spaces as well the science and crew.
For all uninspected vessels there are any number of operational issues, which must be given consideration by the operator when outfitting a vessel. These considerations include the size of the vessel and its capability, area of operation, distance offshore, the number of crewmembers, the training and experience of the crew, and the number of persons in the science party. The standards identified herein are minimum standards.