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MERCHANT SHIPPING (FIRE APPLIANCES) RULES, 1974 (LI 865).  

IN exercise of the powers conferred by section 181 of the Merchant Shipping Act, 1963 (Act 183), on the Commissioner responsible for Shipping these Rules are made the 4th day of February, 1974.

PART I—PRELIMINARY

Rule 1—Application of these Rules.

These Rules shall apply to—

(a) all sea-going Ghanaian ships; and

(b) all ships other than Ghanaian ships while they are in any port or place in Ghana or within the territorial waters of Ghana:

Provided that these Rules shall not apply to any ship by reason of its being in a port or place in Ghana or within the territorial waters of Ghana if it would not have been at any such port or place but for the stress of weather or any other circumstance that neither the master, nor the owner, nor the charterers, if any, of the ship could have prevented or forestalled.

Rule 2—Classification of Ships.

For the purposes of these Rules, ships shall be arranged in the following classes, namely:—

A—PASSENGER SHIPS

Class I—Passenger ships engaged on voyages (not being short international voyages) any of which are long international voyages.

Class II—Passenger ships engaged on voyages (not being long international voyages) any of which are short international voyages.

B—SHIPS OTHER THAN PASSENGER SHIPS

Class III—Cargo ships engaged on long international voyages.

Class IV—Cargo ships of Class III which are employed in the carriage of unberthed passengers on voyages between ports on the west coast of Central West Africa during the course of which they do not go more than 20 miles from the nearest land.

Class V—Cargo ships engaged on coastal voyages or on voyages with near neighbouring countries.

Class VI—Other ships such as tugs, dredgers, hopper barges which do not fall under any of the Classes I to V, aforesaid, and which either ply in and around harbours or proceed to sea for short distances.

Class VII—Fishing vessels.

PART II—PASSENGER SHIPS

Ships of Class I

Rule 3—Fire Patrol Alarm and Detection.

In every ship of Class I, there shall be—

(a) an efficient patrol system capable of promptly detecting any outbreak of fire;

(b) manual fire alarm fitted throughout the passenger spaces and crew spaces which will enable the fire patrol to give an alarm immediately to the navigating bridge or fire control station;

(c) a fire detecting system complying with the requirements specified in rule 42 of these Rules fitted in any part of the ship which is not accessible to the fire patrol.

Rule 4—Exemption from Rule 42.

The Commissioner may exempt any ship from complying with the requirements of rule 42 if he is satisfied that this would be unreasonable on account of the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged.

Rule 5—Fire Pumps, Fire-Main Water Service Pipes, Hydrants, Hoses and Nozzles.

(1) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this rule whereby at least two jets of water as required by these Rules can reach any part of the ship including store rooms and cargo spaces normally accessible to the passengers or crew.

(2) Every ship of Class I of 4,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least three fire pumps operated by power and every such ship of under 4,000 tons shall be provided with at least two such pumps.

(3) Each such pump shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water simultaneously from each of any two hydrants and shall comply with the requirements of rule 33 of these Rules.

(4)       (a) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over, the arrangement of the sea connections, pumps and the sources for operating them shall be such as will ensure that fire in any one compartment will not put all the fire pumps out of action.

(b) In the case of a ship of Class I of less than 1,000 tons, where a fire in any one compartment could put all the fire pumps out of action, an independently driven power operated emergency fire pump with its source of power and sea connections shall be provided in a suitable position outside the machinery spaces. Such pumps shall be capable of producing at least two jets of water from any two hydrants.

(5) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with a fire main, water services pipes, hydrants, hoses and nozzles which shall be so arranged that they comply with the requirements of rules 34, 35, and 36 of these Rules when all watertight doors and all doors in main vertical zone bulkheads are closed.

(6) Every ship of Class I shall be provided with at least one fire hose for every hydrant fitted in compliance with these Rules.

(7) In every ship of Class I fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type machinery, each space containing such boilers or machinery shall be provided with at least two fire hydrants, one on the port side and one on the starboard side.

(8) In addition, in any such ship in which there is access to the machinery space by way of a shaft tunnel, a fire hydrant shall be provided in the tunnel at the end adjacent to the machinery space.

(9) A spray nozzle shall be provided for every fire hose at every hydrant fitted in spaces in compliance with sub-rules (7) and (8) of this rule.

Rule 6—Portable Fire Extinguishers in Accommodation and Service Spaces.

(1) In every ship of class I, there shall be provided on each deck a sufficient number of portable fire extinguishers so that at least two of these shall be readily available for use in every accommodation and service space between watertight bulkheads and other bulkheads subdividing the hull, superstructure and deck houses.

(2) In enclosed accommodation and service spaces above the bulkhead deck, at least one such extinguisher shall be provided for use on each side of the ship in such spaces, and in addition, at least one portable fire extinguisher and an asbestos blanket shall be provided in every gallery.

(3) In every such ship, at least one portable fire extinguisher shall be provided for use in each central station.

Rule 7—Fixed Fire Smothering in Cargo Spaces.

(1) In every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over there shall be provided a fixed fire smothering gas installation complying with the requirements of rule 39 of these Rules which shall be so arranged as to protect every cargo space:

Provided that the Commissioner may exempt any ship from compliance with this rule if he is satisfied that to require compliance therewith would be unreasonable on account of the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged.

Rule 8—Machinery Spaces General.

Every ship of Class I shall be provided with appliances capable of ejecting rapidly and simultaneously at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, at least one of which shall be from a single length of hose, and reaching any part of any bunker spaces and any machinery spaces when all watertight doors and doors in the main vertical zone bulkheads are closed.

Rule 9—Machinery Spaces Containing Oil-Fired Boilers or Oil Burning Equipment.

(1) In every ship of Class I fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers, there shall be provided in the machinery spaces—

(a) at least two fire hydrants—one on the port side and one on the starboard side;

(b) for each such hydrant, a fire hose with at least two nozzles, one of which shall be capable of spraying water on oil;

(c) in each firing space and each boiler room and in each compartment which contains the whole or part of fuel oil installations, sufficient but not less than two portable fire extinguishers capable of discharging froth or any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires;

(d) a receptacle in each firing space and each boiler room which shall contain at least 10 cubic feet of sand or sawdust impregnated with soda or any other material suitable for quenching oil fires with scoops for distributing the contents of the receptacle; or alternatively, a portable fire extinguisher, suitable for extinguishing oil fires;

(e) a fire smothering gas installation complying with the requirements of rule 39 of these Rules or a pressure water spraying system complying with the requirements of rule 40 of these Rules or foam fire extinguishing installation complying with the requirements of rule 41 of these Rules:

Provided, however, that if the engine room and boiler room are not separated from each other by a bulkhead and fuel oil may drain from the boiler room into engine room bilges, the engine room and boiler room shall, for the purpose of this subrule, be regarded as a single area.

(2) The installation referred to in subrule (1) (e) shall be capable of being controlled from a readily accessible position which is not likely to be cut off in the event of fire.

(3) For each such ship, there shall be provided in each of the boiler rooms sufficient but not less than one CO2 fire extinguisher of 100 lb. capacity or one froth fire extinguisher of at least 30 gallons together with a hose on reel capable of reaching every part of the boiler room and of any space which contains the whole or part of the oil fuel installation.

Rule 10—Machinery Spaces Containing Steam Engines.

In every ship of Class I there shall be provided in spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed pressure lubricated steam engines used either for main propulsion, or having in the aggregate a total power of not less than 1,000 b.h.p. for auxiliary purposes—

(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 10 gallons capacity or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 35 lb. capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon 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 turbines, engines or associated gearing, if any:

Provided that such extinguishers shall not be required if equivalent arrangement is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with rule 9 (1) (e) of these Rules.

(b) one portable fire extinguisher for each 1,000 b.h.p. or part thereof of such machinery, suitable for extinguishing oil fires, but in no event less than two such extinguishers, provided that not more than six such extinguishers shall be required in any one such space and provided that such extinguishers shall not be required in addition to any provided in compliance with paragraphs (c) and (d) of rule 11 of these Rules.

Rule 11—Spaces Containing Internal Combustion Type of Machinery.

In every ship of Class I using internal combustion type of machinery either for main propulsion or for auxiliary purpose associated with a total power of not less than 1,000 b.h.p. there shall be provided—

(a) at least two fire hydrants, one on the port side and one on the starboard side;

(b) for each hydrant, a fire hose with at least two nozzles one of which shall be capable of spraying water on oil or alternatively suitable dual-purpose nozzles;

(c) one froth type fire extinguisher of not less than 10 gallons capacity or a carbon dioxide extinguisher of at least 35 lb. capacity.

(d) one portable froth type fire extinguisher for each 1,000 b.h.p. or part thereof but in no case less than two such extinguishers need be carried in any one compartment;

(e) one of the fixed fire extinguishing installations complying with the requirements of rule 9 (1) (f) of these Rules.

Rule 12—International Shore Connection.

(1) Every ship of Class I of 1,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least one international shore connection complying with Schedule 1 to these Rules to enable water to be supplied from another ship or from the shore to the fire main.

(2) Fixed provision shall also be made to enable such a connection to be used on either side of the ship.

Rule 13—Firemen’s Outfits.

(1) Every ship of Class I shall carry one fireman's outfit for each 100 feet (or part thereof) of the registered length of the ship, but in no case less than two.

(2) Every such outfit shall comply with the requirements of rule 43 of these Rules, and at least two of them shall include breathing apparatus of the air hose type.

(3) If in any such ship which carries firemen's outfit containing only breathing apparatus of the air hose type, an air hose exceeding 120 feet in length would be necessary to reach from the open deck well clear of any hatch or doorway to any part of the accommodation, service, cargo or machinery spaces, at least two sets of breathing apparatus of the self-contained type shall be provided in addition.

Rule 14—Portable Drilling Machine.

Every ship of Class I shall be provided with a portable electric drilling machine to provide emergency access to fire through decks, casings, or bulkheads.

Ships of Class II

Rule 15—Application of Certain Rules to Ships of Class 1.

Rules 4 to 14 of these Rules shall apply to ships of Class II as they apply to ships of Class I.

PART III—SHIPS OTHER THAN PASSENGER SHIPS

Ships of Class III

Rule 16—Fire Pumps, Hydrants, Hoses, Etc.

(1) Every ship of Class III shall be provided with appliances in accordance with this rule whereby at least two jets of water can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the passengers and crew and any store room and any part of any cargo space.

(2) Every ship of Class III of 1,000 tons or over shall be provided with at least two fire pumps operated by power and each such pump shall be capable of delivering, at least one jet simultaneously from each of any two fire hydrants and shall comply with the requirements of rule 33 of these Rules.

(3) Every ship of Class III of under 1,000 tons shall be provided with at least two fire pumps operated by power, each of which shall be capable of delivering at least one jet of water from any fire hydrant and shall comply with the requirements of rule 33 of these Rules.

(4) If in any ship of Class III of 1,000 tons or over, a fire in any one compartment could put all the fire pumps out of action, there shall be provided, in a position outside the machinery spaces, an emergency fire pump as an alternative means of supplying water.

(5) In the case of ships of 2,000 tons or over, the alternative means of water supply mentioned in sub-rule (4) above shall be provided by a fixed emergency pump independently driven and capable of supplying two powerful jets of water simultaneously to reach any part of the ship.

(6) In every ship of Class III, there shall be provided a fire main, water service pipes and hydrants which shall comply with the requirements of rule 34 of these Rules.

(7) Every such ship of 1,000 tons or over shall, in addition to any fire hoses provided in the machinery spaces, be provided with at least one fire hose for each 100 feet length of the ship but in no case less than five hoses:

Provided that the Commissioner shall have power to order the increase in the number of hoses to be carried so as to ensure that hoses in sufficient number are available and accessible at all times having regard to the type of the ship and the nature of her trade.

(8) In every ship of Class III fitted with oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type propelling machinery, there shall 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 tunnel, a fire hydrant shall be provided in the tunnel adjacent to the machinery space.

(9) A fire hose and a spray nozzle shall be provided at every hydrant in compliance with sub-rule (8) of this rule.

Rule 17—Portable Fire Extinguishers.

(1) Every ship of Class III shall be provided with 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 or service spaces.

(2) The number of such extinguishers shall not be less than five in a ship of 1,000 tons or over and not less than three in a ship below 1,000 tons.

Rule 18—Fixed Fire Smothering Arrangements in Cargo Spaces.

(1) In every ship of Class III of 2,000 tons or over there shall be provided a fixed fire smothering gas installation complying with the requirements of rule 39 of these Rules and so arranged as to protect every cargo space:

Provided that subject to the provisions of rule 39 and sub-rule (3) of this rule,

(a) steam may be substituted for fire smothering gas in any ship;

(b) in any tanker, a fixed installation discharging foam externally and through suitable mobile sprayers internally to the liquid cargo tanks may be accepted as a suitable alternative to the fixed fire smothering gas; the details of such installations shall be to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

(2) The provisions of sub-rule (1) shall not apply in the case of a ship other than a tanker if the Commissioner is satisfied that—

(a) the holds therein are provided with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to such holds; or

(b) the ship is constructed for, and employed solely in, the carriage of ore, coal or grain; or

(c) to require compliance therewith would be unreasonable having regard to the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged.

(3) Every ship of Class III, in addition to complying with the requirements of this rule, shall, while carrying explosives of the nature and in quantity not permitted to be carried in a passenger vessel, comply with the following:—

(a) steam shall not be used for fire smothering purposes in any compartment carrying explosives;

(b) in addition, in each compartment containing explosives and in adjacent cargo compartments, there shall be provided a smoke or fire detection system in each cargo space.

(4) For the purposes of sub-rule (3) "compartment" means all spaces contained between two adjacent permanent bulkheads and includes the lower hold and all cargo spaces above it.

Rule 19—Machinery Spaces Containing Oil-Fired Boilers or Burning Equipment.

(1) In every ship of Class III of 1,000 tons or over there shall be provided, for the protection of any space containing any oil-fired boiler, oil fuel settling tank or oil fuel unit, at least one of the following fixed fire extinguishing installations:—

(a) a preserved water spraying system complying with the requirements of rule 40 of these Rules;

(b) a fire smothering gas installation complying with the requirements of rule 39 of these Rules;

(c) a foam fire extinguishing installation complying with the requirements of rule 41 of these Rules:

Provided that in any ship of under 1,000 tons, a fixed fire smothering steam installation complying with the requirements of rule 39 of these Rules may be provided in lieu of any of the above installations; but if the engine room 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, then the combined engine and boiler room shall, for the purpose of this paragraph, be regarded as a single space.

(2) In addition to the requirements of sub-rule (1) of this rule, there shall be provided—

(a) in each boiler room, one foam extinguisher of at least 10 gallons capacity or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of at least 35 lb. capacity if the number of burners therein is five or more; but if the number of burners in the boiler room is less than five, one portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires of a capacity of at least 2 gallons shall be provided for each burner;

(b) in each firing space and in each space which contains any part of any oil fuel installation, at least two portable fire extinguishers suitable for extinguishing oil fires; and these shall be in addition to any extinguishers which shall be carried in compliance with sub-rule (2) (a);

(c) in each firing space, a receptacle containing at least 10 cubic feet of sand or other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for its distribution or alternatively an additional portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.

Rule 20—Machinery Spaces Containing Internal Combustion Type Machinery.

(1) In every ship of Class III of 1,000 tons or over there shall be spaces provided, for the protection of any space containing internal combustion type machinery used, either for main propulsion machinery, or for auxiliary purposes having in the aggregate a total power of not less than 1,000 b.h.p., at least one of the fixed fire extinguishing installations required by rule 19 (1) of these Rules.

(2) In addition to the requirements of sub-rule (1) of this rule, there shall also be provided in any such space—

(a) one foam fire extinguisher of at least 10 gallons capacity or a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher of at least 35 lb. capacity;

(b) one portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires for each 1000 b.h.p. or part thereof of such machinery but in no event less than two such extinguishers; provided that not more than six such extinguishers shall be required in any such space.

Rule 21—Machinery Spaces Containing Steam Engines.

In every ship of Class III there shall be provided in spaces containing steam turbines or enclosed pressure lubricated steam engines used either for main propulsion, or having in the aggregate a total power of not less than 1,000 b.h.p. for auxiliary purpose—

(a) foam fire extinguishers each of at least 10 gallons capacity  or carbon dioxide fire extinguishers each of at least 35 1b. capacity sufficient in number to enable foam or carbon dioxide to be directed on to any part of the pressure lubrication system and on to any part of the casings enclosing pressure lubrication parts of the turbines, engines or associated gearing, if any:

Provided that such extinguishers shall not be required if equivalent protection is provided in such spaces by a fixed fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with rule 19

(1) of these Rules.

(b) one portable fire extinguisher, for each 1,000 b.h.p. or part thereof of such machinery, suitable for extinguishing oil fires, but in no event less than two such extinguishers, provided that not more than six such extinguishers shall be required in any one such space and provided that such extinguishers shall not be required in addition to any provided in compliance with rule 20 (2) of these Rules.

Rule 22—Firemen’s Outfits.

(1) Every ship of Class III shall carry at least two firemen’s outfits complying with the requirements of rule 43 of these Rules.

(2) For each firemen's outfit which includes a self-contained breathing apparatus as provided in Schedule 4 to these Rules, at least two complete sets of spare charges shall be carried.

(3) The fireman's outfits and personal equipment shall be stored so as to be easily accessible and ready for use and each complete unit shall be stored in widely separated positions in the ship.

Rule 23—International Shore Connection.

Every ship of Class III of 1,000 tons and upwards shall be provided with—

(a) at least one international shore connection complying with the requirements specified in Schedule 1 to these Rules, and

(b) necessary facilities for enabling such a connection to be used on both sides of the ship.

Rule 24—Portable Drilling Machine.

Every ship of Class III of 1,000 tons and upwards other than a tanker, shall be provided with a portable drilling machine to provide emergency access to fires through decks, casings or bulkheads.

Ships of Class IV

Rule 25—Additional Requirements for Ships of Class IV.

(1) Every ship of Class IV shall comply with the requirements of rules 16 to 24 of these Rules.

(2) In addition to complying with sub-rule (1) of this rule, they shall also comply with the following requirements when carrying unberthed passengers:—

(a) at least two portable fire extinguishers shall be placed in the close vicinity of the accommodation allocated for the use of the unberthed passengers; and these shall be in addition to the extinguishers required to be carried in compliance with rule 17 of these Rules;

(b) a fire hose and a nozzle shall be kept ready for use coupled to the hydrant or hydrants closest to the unberthed passenger accommodation.

Ships of Class V

Rule 26—Requirements for Ships of Class V of 1,000 Tons and Over.

Rules 16 to 24 inclusive of these Rules shall apply-to ships of Class V of 1,000 tons and over as they apply to ships of Class III.

Rule 27—Requirements for Ships of Class V of 500 Tons or Over but Under 1, 000 Tons.

(1) This rule shall apply to ships of Class V of 500 tons and over but under 1,000 tons.

(2) Every such ship shall be provided with at least—

(a) one pump operated by power and one fire hose where by a powerful jet of water can be rapidly directed into any part of the ship together with a spare hose of 30 feet in length;

(b) three portable fire extinguishers readily accessible for use in crew spaces and passenger spaces, if any;

(c) a fireman's outfit complying with the requirements of rule 43 of these Rules, and the outfit shall contain a breathing apparatus of the air hose type.

(3) Every such ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal combustion type machinery shall be provided with a hydrant and a fire hose with nozzles, one of which shall be suitable for spraying water on oil; or alternatively, suitable dual purpose nozzles.

(4) Every such ship fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be provided in each boiler room with a receptacle containing at least 5 cubic feet of sand or any other material suitable for quenching oil fires together with scoops for distributing the contents of the receptacle; alternatively a portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires.

(5) In each firing place in every such ship and in each compartment therein containing the whole or part of the fuel oil installation, there shall be provided at least two portable fire extinguishers which shall be capable of discharging froth or any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires; and in addition one such fire extinguisher of at least 10 gallons capacity or an equivalent carbon dioxide extinguisher shall be provided in each boiler room if the number of burners is five and more.

(6) If the number of such burners is less than five in a boiler room, there shall be provided one froth extinguisher of at least 2 gallons capacity for each such burner.

(7) Every such ship of Class V fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal combustion machinery shall be provided in the machinery space with one of the fixed fire extinguishing installations as required under rules 9 (1) (e) and 9 (2) of these Rules.

(8) Every ship to which this rule applies, being a ship fitted with internal combustion propelling machinery, shall be provided in the machinery spaces with portable fire extinguishers capable of discharging froth or other substance suitable for quenching oil fires, in accordance with the following table:—

                            Number of portable

                            B.H.P. of main engines                             extinguishers

                  Not over 100..         ..          ..          ..          ..         3

                  Over 100 but not over 150   ..          ..          ..         4

                  Over 150 but not over 200   ..          ..          ..         5

                  Over 200 but not over 250   ..          ..          ..         6

                  Over 250       ..         ..          ..          ..          ..         7

Rule 28—Requirements for Ships of Class V of 150 Tons or Over but Under 500 Tons.

(1) This rule applies to ships of Class V which are of 150 tons and over but less than 500 tons.

(2) Every such ship shall be provided with at least—

(a) one power pump and one fire hose whereby one powerful jet of water can be rapidly directed into any part of the ship;

(b) four fire buckets;

(c) one fireman's axe;

(d) two portable fire extinguishers so placed as to be readily available for use in the accommodation and service spaces.

(3) Every such ship, if fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal combustion propelling machinery shall be provided with a nozzle suitable for spraying water on oil by means of the hose referred to in sub-rule (2) (a).

(4) Every such ship if fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers shall be provided—

(a) in the machinery spaces, with a receptacle containing an adequate quantity of sand or sawdust impregnated with soda or any other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle; or alternatively, a portable fire extinguisher suitable for extinguishing oil fires;

(b) in the boiler room and each compartment in the ship which contains the whole or part of fuel oil installation, with at least two portable fire extinguishers capable of discharging froth or other substance suitable for quenching oil fires;

(c) in the machinery space with one of the fixed extinguishing installations as required under rules 9 (1) (e) and 9 (2) of these Rules.

(5) Every such ship if fitted with internal combustion propelling machinery shall be provided in the engine room with—

(a) a receptacle containing an adequate quantity of sand or sawdust impregnated with soda or any other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle;

(b) at least two portable extinguishers capable of discharging froth or any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires;

(c) one froth fire extinguisher of 10 gallons capacity.

Rule 29—Requirements for Ships of Class V of Under 150 Tons.

(1) This rule applies to ships of Class V of under 150 tons.

(2) Every such ship shall be provided with—

(a) one pump and one fire hose whereby a powerful jet of water can be directed into any part of the ship;

(b) at least three fire buckets;

(c) a fireman's axe:

Provided that in open ships fitted with internal combustion propelling machinery, two fire buckets with lanyard attached may be substituted for a pump and a fire hose, and such fire buckets shall be in addition to the fire buckets referred to in sub-rule (2) (b).

(3) Every such ship, if fitted with main or auxiliary oil-fired boilers or internal combustion propelling machinery, shall be provided with—

(a) a receptacle containing an adequate quantity of sand or sawdust impregnated with soda or any other dry material suitable for quenching oil fires together with a scoop for distributing the contents of the receptacle;

(b) if the ship is provided with a fire hose, a nozzle for spraying water on oil by means of that hose;

(c) a least two portable fire extinguishers capable of' discharging froth or any other substance suitable for quenching oil fires.

Ships of Class VI

Rule 30—Requirements for Ships of Class VII.

(1) Rules 26 to 29 of these Rules shall apply to Ships of Class VI as they apply to ships of Class V.

(2) The Commissioner may, subject to such conditions as he may think fit, exempt any ship of Class VI from any of the requirements of these Rules.

Ships of Class VII

Rule 31—Requirements for Ships of Class VII.

(1) Rules 26 to 29 of these Rules shall apply to Ships of Class VII as they apply to ships of Class V.

(2) The Commissioner may, subject to such conditions as he may think fit, exempt any ship of Class VII from any of the requirements of these Rules.

PART IV—GENERAL

Rule 32—Spaces Containing Particular Risks.

In every ship to which these Rules apply containing spaces such as galleys, gasoline compartments, cinemas, electric-steering gear battery charging room and such other similar spaces as in their opinion contain particular risks, the fire appliances shall be to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

Rule 33—Fire Pumps.

(1) Every fire pump required to be carried under these Rules shall be operated by means of power other than the ship's main engines.

(2) Sanitary, ballast, bilge, or general service pumps may be accepted as fire pumps provided that they are not normally used for pumping oil and in case they are occasionally used for pumping or transferring fuel oil, suitable change-over arrangements are fitted.

(3) Each of the required type of fire pumps, other than an emergency pump referred to in these Rules, shall have a capacity of not less than 80 per centum of the total required capacity divided by the number of pumps required under these Rules and shall, in any case, be capable of delivering at least two simultaneous jets of water at a throw of at least 40 feet at the pressure specified in this sub-rule at every prescribed nozzle, other than a spray nozzle, when used with any of the fire hoses and nozzles provided in compliance with these Rules as follows—

(a) Passenger Ships

            (i) of 4,000 tons and upwards                   45 pounds per square inch.

            (ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards                  40 pounds per square inch.

                  but under 4,000 tons

            (iii) of under 1,000 tons                            30 pounds per square inch.

(b) Ships other than Passenger Ships

            (i) of 6,000 tons and upwards                   40 pounds per square inch.

            (ii) of 1,000 tons and upwards but

                       under 6,000 tons                                 37 pounds per square inch.

            (iii) of under 1,000 tons                            30 pounds per square inch.

(4) In every ship required by these Rules to be provided with fire pumps operated by power, the total pumping capacity of such pumps shall not be less than that specified as follows:—

(a) in the case of a passenger ship, the required fire pumps shall be capable of delivering a quantity of water, at the appropriate pressure prescribed in sub-rule (2) of this rule, of not less than two-thirds of the quantity required to be dealt with by the bilge pumps;

(b) in the case of ships other than passenger ships, the required fire pumps (other than any emergency fire pump) shall together be capable of delivering for fire-fighting purposes a quantity of water at the appropriate pressure prescribed in the sub-rule (2) of this rule, which shall not be less than the quantity obtained from the following formula:—

Quantity of water in tons per hour = Cd2 where:

C = 5 for ships required to be provided with more than one fire pump (excluding any emergency fire pump) and C = 2.5 for ships required to be provided with only

one fire pump and d = 1 +  L (B + D)

                                                      2, 500

to the nearest  where:

L = length of the ship in feet on the summer load waterline from the foreside of the stem to the after side of the rubber post.  Where there is no rubber post, the length is measured from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock.  For ships with cruiser sterns, the length shall be taken as 96 per cent of the total length on the designed summer load waterline or as the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock if that be the greater;

B = greatest moulded breadth of the ship in feet; and

D = moulded depth of the ship in feet measured to the bulkhead deck amidships:

Provided that in any ship the total capacity of the fire pumps for fire-fighting purposes shall not be required to exceed 180 tons per hour.

(5) If more fire pumps operated by power than are required by these Rules are provided in any ship the Commissioner may permit the capacity of any such additional fire pumps to be less than 80 per cent.

(6) Relief valves shall be provided in conjunction with all the fire pumps if the pumps are capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of water service pipes, hydrants or hoses provided that such valves shall be so placed and adjusted as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire main system.

(7) Every centrifugal pump which is connected in the fire main shall be fitted with a non-return valve.

(8) Emergency fire pumps required to be provided under these Rules shall be of fixed and self-priming type independently driven by compression ignition engine or other approved means and shall have an adequate capacity for supplying at least two jets of water at the appropriate pressure prescribed in sub-rule (2); and they shall be located at a place remote from machinery spaces and shall have their own sea-suctions capable of providing adequate suction lift for the intended purpose but the suction lift shall under no circumstances exceed 20 feet.

(9) Handles for starting the emergency fire pump prime movers should be stowed and marked so that they can be easily located in an emergency.

Rule 34—Water Pipes and Fire Hydrants.

(1) All water pipes and fire hydrants provided in compliance with these Rules shall be so placed that, in addition to complying with other requirements under these Rules, fire hoses may easily be coupled to them.

(2) The diameter of the fire main and water service pipes shall be sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum required discharge from one or two fire pumps as required to be provided by the rules operating simultaneously except that in the case of ships other than passenger ships, the diameter need only be sufficient for the discharge of 140 tons per hour; and the fire mains shall have no connections other than those necessary for fire-fighting and washing down.

(3) In ships which may carry deck cargo the fire hydrants shall be so placed that they are always readily accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo.

(4) Unless one fire hose and nozzle is provided for each fire hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete inter-changeability of fire hose couplings and nozzles.

(5) Water pipes shall not be made of material readily rendered ineffective by heat; and they shall not be made of cast iron and shall be galvanised if made of iron or steel.

(6) The fire main shall be situated outside the machinery spaces and the discharge  line or lines shall be fitted with isolating valves at the connections to the fire main provided that when the machinery space is situated amidships, the isolating valve shall also be provided in the fire main so that fire hydrants at both ends of the ship may be used simultaneously and separately.

(7) Cocks and valves shall be fitted to water service pipes and shall be so arranged that any fire hose coupled thereto may be removed while fire pumps are in operation.

(8) All water pipes for fire extinguishing system shall be provided with drain valves for use in frosty weather and so located that they may not be damaged by cargo.

Rule 35—Fire Hoses.

(1) Fire hoses provided in compliance with these Rules shall be suitable for the intended use and shall not exceed 60 feet in length and shall be made of leather, seamless hemp closely woven flax canvas or any other suitable material and shall be provided with couplings, conductors and other necessary equipment and also with a plain nozzle in addition to any spray nozzle that may be required by these Rules.

(2) Every fire hose provided in compliance with these Rules, together with the tools and fittings necessary for its use, shall be kept in a conspicuous position near the fire hydrants or connections with which it is intended to be used.

(3) The fire hoses provided in compliance with these Rules shall not be used for any purposes other than for extinguishing fires or at fire drills or for testing fire appliances.

Rule 36—Nozzles.

(1) Every ship which is required by these Rules to be provided with fire pumps operated by power shall be provided with nozzles of ½ inch, 5/8 inch or ¾ inch in diameter or as near to these as possible; and nozzle larger in diameter may be provided if the requirements of these Rules relating to the provision of water for fire-fighting purposes are otherwise complied with.

(2) For accommodation and service spaces the diameter of the nozzle shall not be required to be greater than ½ inch.

(3) For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the diameter of the nozzles shall be such as to obtain the maximum possible discharge from the minimum number of jets of water; provided that the diameter of the nozzles shall not be required to be greater than ¾ inch.

(4) Every spray nozzle provided in compliance with these Rules shall be capable of producing a water spray suitable for extinguishing oil fires; provided that a dual purpose nozzle capable of producing alternately such a spray and a plain water jet may be provided in substitution; and a spray nozzle shall be provided in addition to any plain nozzle required by these Rules.

Rule 37—Fire Buckets.

(1) Every fire bucket provided in compliance with these Rules shall be painted red and shall be clearly and permanently marked in black or white with the word “FIRE”; and every such fire bucket shall be kept filled with sand or water.

(2) At least half the number of such fire buckets shall be fitted with lanyards of sufficient length to enable the buckets to be filled from the sea with the ship in light condition.

(3) Such fire buckets shall not be used for any purpose other than for extinguishing fires.

Rule 38—Fire Extinguishers.

(1) Non-portable foam and carbon dioxide fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall be constructed in accordance with the requirements of Schedule 2 and Schedule 3 of these Rules respectively.

(2) Portable fire extinguishers (other than carbon dioxide fire extinguishers) provided in compliance with these Rules shall, if they are of a type discharging fluid, have a capacity of not more than 3 gallons and less than 2 gallons.

(3) Portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall have a capacity of not less than 7 1b. of carbon dioxide.

(4) Portable dry powder fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall have a capacity of not less than 10 1b. of dry powder.

(5) Portable fire extinguishers of other types provided in compliance with these Rules shall be of not less than the fire extinguishing equivalent of 2 gallons fluid fire extinguisher.

(6) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall not exceed 56 1b. in weight in the fully charged condition and shall be as portable as a 3-gallon fire extinguisher.

(7) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules for use in accommodation or service spaces of any ship shall, so far as practicable, have a uniform method of operation.

(8) Portable fire extinguishers provided in compliance with these Rules shall, subject to the limitations of sub-rules (2) to (7) of this rule, be designed and constructed to the satisfaction of the Commissioner.

(9) Fire extinguishers in which the substance used for extinguishing fires is stored under pressure shall not be provided for use in accommodation spaces.

(10) Notwithstanding the requirements of sub-rule (9) of this rule portable dry powder fire extinguishers wherein the substance to extinguish fire is stored under pressure may be provided in compliance with these Rules in either the accommodation or service spaces or in the machinery spaces, subject to their number not exceeding one-half of the total number of extinguishers required to be provided in either of these spaces.

(11) Fire extinguishers provided for use in any ship to which these Rules apply shall not contain an extinguishing medium which either by itself or when in use gives off gases harmful to persons.

(12) For the purpose of these Rules the capacity of any fire extinguisher other than a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher shall be taken to be the greatest volume or weight of extinguishing medium which it can contain when sufficient space is left to ensure the proper operation of the extinguisher.

(13) For the purposes of these Rules the capacity of a carbon dioxide fire extinguisher shall be taken to be the greatest weight of carbon dioxide which it can safely contain in a tropical climate.

(14) Every fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these Rules shall be kept fully charged at all times.

(15) A spare charge shall be provided for every portable fire extinguisher provided in compliance with these Rules, except that for each such fire extinguisher which is of a type that cannot readily be recharges while the ship is at sea, an additional portable fire extinguisher of the same type, or its equivalent, shall be provided in lieu of a spare charge.

Rule 39—Smothering Gas and Steam Installation.

(1) Where provision is made for the injection of gas or steam into machinery or cargo spaces for fire extinguishing purposes, the necessary pipes for conveying the gas or steam shall be provided with control valves or cocks which shall be so placed that they will be easily accessible and not readily cut off from use by an outbreak of fire; and such control valves or cocks shall be so marked as to indicate clearly the compartments to which the pipes are laid.

(2) Suitable provision shall be made to prevent inadvertent admission of the gas or steam to any compartment; and where cargo spaces fitted with smothering gas for fire protection are used as passenger spaces the smothering gas or steam pipe connection shall be blanked during service as a passenger space.

(3) The piping shall be so arranged as to distribute the smothering gas or steam in an effective manner; and in holds over 60 feet in length at least two pipes shall be provided in cargo space, one at each end of the hold that is to say, one on the forward part and the other on the after part.

(4) Except in tankers and ships used for the conveyance of coal, pipes for conveying steam shall be fitted with outlets as low as practicable in the space which they serve and as nearly as possible to the centre line of the space.

(5) In tankers, the piping system shall be so arranged that the smothering gas when discharged, will be distributed over the surface of the cargo.

(6) Where a generator producing inertia gas is used to provide smothering gas in a fixed smothering installation for cargo spaces, it shall be capable of producing hourly a volume of free gas equal to 25 per cent of the gross volume of the largest compartment protected in this way for a period of 72 hours.

(7) When steam is used as an extinguishing medium in cargo spaces, the boilers available for supplying steam shall have an evaporation of at least one pound of steam per hour for each 12 cubic feet of the gross volume of the largest cargo compartment in the ship.

(8) The arrangement shall be such that steam shall be available immediately and will not be dependent on the lighting of the boilers and that it can be supplied continuously until the end of the voyage in the required quantity in addition to any steam necessary for the normal requirements of the ship including propulsion and provision shall be made for extra feed water to meet this requirement.

(9) When carbon dioxide is used as an extinguishing medium—

(a) if discharged into spaces containing boilers or internal combustion type of machinery, the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum quantity of free gas equal to larger of the following quantities, namely either:—

(i) 40 per cent of the gross volume of the largest space, such a volume to include the casing up to the level at which the horizontal area of the casing is 40 per cent or less of the space concerned; or

(ii) 35 per cent of the entire volume of the largest space including the casing:

Provided that the above-mentioned percentages may be reduced to 35 per cent or 30 per cent respectively in the case of cargo ships of less than 2,000 tons:

Provided further that if two or more spaces containing boilers or internal combustion type of machinery are not entirely separate, they shall be deemed as forming one compartment.

(b) if discharged into cargo spaces, the quantity of gas available shall be sufficient to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 30 per cent of the gross volume of the largest cargo compartment in the ship which is capable of being sealed;

(c) if discharged into both cargo spaces and spaces containing boilers or internal combustion type of machinery, the quantity of gas need not be more than the maximum required either for the largest cargo compartment or machinery spaces;

(d) if discharged into spaces containing boilers or internal combustion type of machinery, the fixed piping system shall be such that 85 per cent of the gas shall be capable of being discharged into such spaces within two minutes.

(10) For the purpose of determining the quantity of liquid carbon dioxide required to produce the volume of smothering gas required under these Rules, 1 lb. of liquified carbon dioxide shall be deemed to produce 9 cubic feet of gas.

(11) Adequate means shall be provided for giving audible warning when carbon dioxide is about to be released into any working spaces.

(12) When carbon dioxide is used as the extinguishing medium in spaces containing boilers or oil fuel installations a quantity of gas which can be discharged normally without danger to the operator shall be available near the oil fuel unit.

Rule 40—Fixed Pressure Water Spraying System for Machinery Spaces.

(1) Every fixed pressure water spraying system fitted in compliance with these Rules shall be provided with a pump, piping system, control valves, and spraying nozzles.

(2) The spraying nozzles shall be of such a type, sufficient in number and so arranged as to ensure distribution of water spray such as will effectively extinguish oil on fire in the spaces protected thereby.

(3) Spraying nozzles shall be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and above other main fire hazards in the spaces to be protected.

(4) The water spraying system may be divided into sections and shall be controlled from distribution manifolds the valves of which shall be capable of being operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected and which will not be readily cut off by an outbreak of fire.

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

(6) The pump shall be capable of supplying water at the necessary pressure simultaneously to all sections of the water spraying system in any one compartment to be protected; and the pump and its control shall be installed outside the space or spaces to be protected.

(7) The water spraying system shall be such that fire in the space or spaces protected by it shall not put the system out of action.

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

(9) The water spraying system shall include mobile sprayers ready for immediate use in the firing area of the boiler or in the vicinity of the oil fuel unit.

(10) No part of the water spraying system shall be situated forward of the collision bulkheads in any passenger steamer.

(11) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every water spraying system or in a position adjacent thereto.

Rule 41—Fixed Foam Fire Extinguishing Installations.

(1) Every fixed foam fire extinguishing installation fitted in compliance with these Rules shall be capable of discharging through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 5 minutes, a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of 6 inches the largest single area over which oil fuel is liable to spread.

(2) Such installation shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires and means shall be provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to discharge outlets, and for the foam to be effectively directed by fixed sprayers on other main oil fire hazards in the protected space either simultaneously or separately.

(3) Such installation shall include mobile sprayers ready for immediate use in the firing area of the boiler and in the vicinity of the oil fuel unit.

(4) Every fixed area fire extinguishing installation fitted in lieu of a fixed fire smothering gas installation required by these Rules to be provided in the oil cargo spaces of any tanker shall be capable of distributing on the decks over the oil cargo tanks through fixed discharge outlets in not more than 15 minutes a quantity of foam sufficient to cover to a depth of at least 2 inches the whole of tank deck area.

(5) Such installation shall be capable of generating foam suitable for extinguishing oil fires and means shall be provided for the effective distribution of the foam through a permanent system of piping and control valves or cocks to discharge outlets; and there shall be sufficient mobile foam sprayers capable of being connected to the installation whereby foam can be directed into any tank.

(6) For the purpose of sub-rules (4) and (5) of this rule "tank deck area" means an area equivalent to the extreme length of the cargo tanks multiplied by the breadth of the ship.

(7) Every fixed foam fire extinguishing installation shall be so arranged that a fire in any of the spaces it protects shall not render the controls inaccessible nor put the installation out of action.

(8) Operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to very fixed foam fire extinguishing installation or in a position adjacent thereto.

Rule 42—Fire Detention System.

(1) Every fire detection system fitted in compliance with these Rules shall be capable of automatically indicating the presence or indication of fire and its location; and the indicators shall be centralized either on the navigating bridge or at other control stations which are provided with direct communication with the navigating bridge, provided that the Commissioner may, in any ship, permit the indicators to be distributed among several stations if he is satisfied that such arrangements are at least as effective as if the indicators were so centralized.

(2) In any passenger steamer electrical equipment used in the operation of any fire detection system fitted in compliance with these Rules shall be capable of being supplied from two sources of electric power one of which shall be the emergency source of power.

(3) The indicating system of any fire detection system fitted in compliance with these Rules shall operate both audible and visible alarms at the stations referred to in sub-rule (1) of this rule.

Rule 43—Firemen’s Outfits.

(1) Every firemen's outfit carried in compliance with these Rules shall consist of—

(a) a breathing apparatus complying with requirements specified in Schedule 4 to these Rules;

(b) a portable self-contained electric battery operated safety lamp capable of functioning efficiently for a period of at least three hours; and

(c) a fireman’s axe.

(2) Where more than one such outfit is provided they shall be kept in readily accessible and widely separated positions which are not likely to be cut off in the event of fire.

Rule 44—Means of Stopping Machinery, Etc.

(1) In every ship to which these Rules apply there shall be provided means for stopping ventilating fans serving machinery, accommodation, and cargo spaces.

(2) For machinery and cargo spaces there shall be provided means for closing all skylights, doorways, ventilators, annular spaces round the funnels and other openings to such places.

(3) Such means shall be capable of being operated from positions outside the said spaces which would not be made inaccessible by a fire within such spaces.

(4) In every ship to which these Rules apply machinery driving (forced or induced) draught fans, oil fuel transfer pumps, oil fuel unit pumps and other similar fuel pumps shall be fitted with remote controls situated outside the spaces in which such machinery or pumps are situated; and such controls shall be capable of stopping such machinery or pumps in the event of fire in the said spaces.

(5) In every ship to which these Rules apply every pipe connected to any oil fuel storage, settling or daily service tank, not being a double bottom tank, which if damaged would permit discharge of contents so as to cause a fire hazard, shall be fitted with a valve or cock which shall be secured to the tank to which it is connected and which shall be capable of being closed from readily accessible position outside the space in which the tank is situated, provided that in case of any inlet pipe to such a tank, a non-return valve, similarly secured to the tank may be substituted.

(6) In the case of an oil fuel deep tank traversed by any shaft or pipe tunnel, a valve shall be fitted on the tank, but an additional valve or valves may be fitted on the pipe line or lines outside the tunnel or tunnels to enable control to be exercised in the event of fire.

Rule 45—Fire Control Plans.

(1) In every ship of Classes I and II there shall be permanently exhibited, for the guidance of the master and officers of the ship, general arrangement plans showing clearly for each deck the position of the control stations, the sections of the ship which are enclosed by fire resisting bulkheads, the sections of the ship enclosed by fire retarding bulkheads, together with particulars of the fire alarms, fire detecting 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 rule 44 of these Rules.

(2) In every ship of 500 tons or over, other than a ship of Class I or II, there shall be permanently exhibited, for the guidance of the master and officers of the ship, general arrangement plans showing clearly the information referred to in sub-rule (1) of this rule in so far as it is applicable to the ship.

(3) The general arrangement plans required by this rule shall be kept up to date, any alterations being recorded thereon without delay.

Rule 46—Availability and Stowage of Fire Appliances.

Fire appliances carried in any ship in compliance with these Rules shall be maintained in good order and shall be kept available for immediate use at all times; and all moveable fire appliances, other than firemen's outfits carried in compliance with these Rules shall be stowed where they will be readily accessible from the spaces in which they are intended to be used, and, in particular, one of the fire extinguishers intended for use in any space shall be stowed near the entrance to that space.

Rule 47—Requirements for Ships of Special Design.

Where in the case of a ship in which particular fittings, material, appliances, apparatus or any other equipment or any type thereof fitted in compliance with these Rules are not considered adequate, having regard to her design, layout or susceptibility to risk of fire, the Commissioner may, notwithstanding anything contained in these Rules, require, by an order in writing, the ship to carry such other fittings, material, appliances, apparatus or equipment as he may consider necessary.

Rule 48—Equivalents, Exemptions and Savings.

(1) Where these Rules require that a particular fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or equipment or any type thereof shall be fitted or carried in a ship or that any particular arrangement or provision shall be made, the Commissioner may allow any other fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or any type thereof to be carried or fitted or any other arrangement or provision to be made in that ship if he is satisfied, by trial thereof or otherwise, that such other fitting, material, appliance, apparatus or equipment or type thereof or any such other arrangement or provision is at least as effective as that required under these Rules.

(2) The Commissioner may, on such conditions, as he thinks fit, exempt—

(a) any ship of Classes V, VI, and VIII, from the requirements of these Rules if he is satisfied that by the nature of her construction and design it is neither practicable nor reasonable for that ship to comply with such requirements;

(b) any ship, which is not normally engaged on international voyages but which in exceptional circumstances is required to undertake a single international voyage, from the requirement of these Rules provided the ship complies with such safety requirements as are in the opinion of the Commissioner adequate for the intended voyage.

(3) These Rules shall not apply in the case of ships whose keel was laid before the International Convention on Safety of Life at Sea, 1960 came into force provided that such ships comply at least with the requirements of the 1948 Convention and subject to compliance with such other improvements and modifications in standards of fire safety as may be specified by the Government having due regard to the date the ship was built and the extent of major structural alterations involved in effecting the improvements.

Rule 49—Interpretation.

In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Act" means the Merchant Shipping Act, 1963 (Act 183);

“accommodation spaces" means passenger spaces, corridors, lavatories, cabins, offices, crews spaces, barber shops, isolated pantries, lockers and other similar spaces;

“cargo spaces" means all spaces used for cargo (including cargo oil tanks) and trunks to all such spaces;

“commissioner" means the Commissioner responsible for Shipping;

“crew spaces" means accommodation approved for the exclusive use of the crew;

“Control station” includes those spaces in which radio, main navigating or central fire recording equipment or the emergency generator is located;

“international voyage" means a voyage from a port in Ghana to a port outside Ghana or conversely.

"length", in relation to a ship, means the registered length and in relation to an unregistered 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 foreside of the rudder stock at the point where the rudder passes out of the hull;

"machinery spaces" include all spaces used for propelling, auxiliary, or refrigerating machinery, boilers, pumps, workshops, generators, ventilation and air-conditioning machinery, oil filling station and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces;

"passenger spaces" means the spaces provided for the accommodation and use of passengers, excluding baggage, store, provision and mail rooms;

"service spaces" are those used for galleys, main pantries, stores (except isolated pantries and lockers), mail rooms, specie rooms and similar spaces and trunks to such spaces;

“oil-fired boiler" means any boiler wholly or partly fired by liquid fuel not being domestic boiler;

“oil fuel unit" means all equipments used for the preparation of oil fuel for delivery to the oil burners of an oil-fired boiler and includes the oil pressure pumps, filters and heaters;

“short international voyage" means an international voyage in the course of which a vessel is not more than 200 miles from a port or place where the passengers and crew could be placed in safety and which does not exceed 600 miles in length between the last port of call in the country in which the voyage begins and the final port of destination;

"tons" in relation to the tonnage of a ship means gross tons.

Rule 50—Certain Rules shall Cease to Apply to Ghana.

On and after the commencement of these Rules, the United Kingdom Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1965, shall cease to have effect in Ghana.

SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 1

INTERNATIONAL SHORE CONNECTION

1. The international shore connection, as hereinafter illustrated, which is required by these Rules to be carried in the ship shall be in accordance with the following specification:—

Outside diameter: 7 inches

Inner diameter: 2½ inches

Bolt circle diameter: 5 inches

Holes: 4 holes of ¾ inch diameter equidistantly placed, slotted to the flange periphery.

Flange thickness: 9/16 inch minimum.

Bolts: 4, each of 5/8 inch diameter, 2 inches in length with eight washers.

Flange surface: flat face.

Material: any suited to 150 pounds per square inch service.

Gasket: any suited to 150 pounds per square inch service.

2. The connection shall be constructed of material suitable for 150 pounds per square inch service. The flange shall have a flat face on one side, and to the other there shall be permanently attached a coupling which will fit the ship's hydrants and hose. The connection shall be kept aboard the ship together with its gasket, bolts and washers.

(PAGE 31 OMITTED from the Original)

SCHEDULE 2

NON—PORTABLE FOAM FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Every foam fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher, provided in compliance with these Rules shall be so designed and constructed that the interior of the extinguisher can be examined.

2. The body of the extinguisher shall be cylindrical with ends which shall be dished outwards, without reverse flanging, to a radius not exceeding the diameter of the body.

3. The body and ends shall be made of sheet steel which shall be tinned or lead-coated internally or they shall be provided with equivalent protection against corrosion internally.

4. Every other part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected against corrosion.

5. The body of the extinguisher shall be welded or riveted. All riveted joints shall be soldered.

6. The body shall be provided with an opening for the introduction of an inner container; and the opening shall be fitted with a cap of gunmetal or other suitable material, screwed with a continuous thread, through the side of which safety holes or slots shall be provided so that when the cap is being removed any pressure of gas remaining in the container may be released gradually should the discharge opening be choked.

7. The cap joint shall be made with acid-resisting rubber, greased leather or other suitable material.

8. If the extinguisher is provided with an inner container, such container shall be adequately supported.

9. A reinforced discharge hose shall be provided, together with a nozzle, the area of which shall be such that, when the extinguisher is operated, the foam is projected a distance of 45 feet for a period of not less than 100 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of 30 gallons capacity or over, and a distance of 35 feet for a period of not less than 90 seconds in the case of an extinguisher of under 30 gallons capacity.

10. The charge and the air space above the level of the solution in the body shall be so regulated that the maximum pressure in the extinguisher when put into action, with all outlets closed, does not exceed 280 pounds per square inch with the solution at a temperature of 100ºF.

11. The extinguisher shall be capable of withstanding for a period of 5 minutes an internal pressure of 1½ times the pressure in the extinguisher when put into action with all outlets closed, and in no event of less than 350 lb.

12. The outside of the extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked with—

(a) the name of the maker or vendor of the extinguisher;

(b) the capacity of the extinguisher;

(c) the level of the solution, when the extinguisher is filled to its working capacity;

(d) the pressure under which the extinguisher was tested;

(e) instructions for operating the extinguisher;

(f) the year in which the extinguisher was manufactured.

SCHEDULE 3

NON-PORTABLE CARBON DIOXIDE FIRE EXTINGUISHER

1. Every carbon dioxide fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher, provided in compliance with these Rules shall be provided with cylinders constructed in accordance with any one of the following specifications of the British Standards Institution:—

Numbers B.S. 401: 1931. B.S. 1287: 1946. B.S. 1288: 1946.

2. Each cylinder shall be provided with an internal discharge tube and a valve to release the gas.

3. The extinguisher shall be provided with a discharge hose which shall be reinforced so as to withstand a pressure of at least 1,800 pounds per square inch when the necessary couplings are fitted; and the bore of the discharge hose shall not be less than the sizes respectively set forth in the following table:—

  Capacity of                                         Minimum bore of

          Extinguisher                                         discharge hose

35 lb     ..          ..          ..    .     ..    3/8 inch

100 lb   ..          ..          ..          ..     ½ inch

4. The discharge hose shall be provided with a horn which shall be of electrically non-conducting material and of a design which will reduce the velocity of the gas discharged; and the metal part of the operating handle shall be suitably sheathed to protect the hands of the operator from extreme cold.

5. At any temperature between 60ºF. (15ºC.) and 65ºF. (18ºC.) the extinguisher shall discharge gas at such a rate that carbon dioxide equal in weight to ¾ of the capacity of the container will be discharged in the periods respectively set forth in the following table:—

Capacity of

extinguisher                                             Period

35 lb     ..          ..          ..          ..         30 to 45 seconds

100 lb   ..          ..          ..          ..         60 to 90 seconds

6. The outside of the extinguisher shall be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with Section Four of the specification of the British Standards Institution Number B.S. 3326: 1960.

SCHEDULE 4

BREATHING APPARATUS

1. Every breathing apparatus provided in compliance with these Rules may be either—

(a) a smoke helmet or a smoke mask, each of which shall be provided with an air pump or bellows and an air hose; or

(b) a self-contained breathing apparatus.

2. Every smoke helmet or smoke mask provided in compliance with these Rules shall be provided with a hose for the supply of air from the outside atmosphere; and an air pump or bellows shall be provided which shall be suitable for pumping air through the hose.

3. The hose shall be of the non-collapsing type and shall be sufficient in length to enable the air pump or bellows to be on the open deck in clean air well clear of any hatch or doorway while the wearer of the helmet or mask is in any part of the accommodation, service, cargo or machinery spaces.

4. Efficient couplings shall be provided if two or more lengths of hose are to be joined in order to reach the aforesaid spaces; and the air inlet to the pump or bellows shall be so protected as to ensure that the supply of air cannot be obstructed.

5. Every self-contained breathing apparatus provided in compliance with these Rules shall be of the open circuit compressed air type.

6. The storage capacity of the compressed air cylinder or cylinders attached to the apparatus and carried by the wearer shall be at least 1,200 litres (42 cubic feet) of free air; and the storage cylinders shall be constructed of suitable material and shall be of efficient design and of sufficient strength to withstand, with an adequate factor of safety, the internal air pressure to which they may be subjected, and each cylinder shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure.

7. Means shall be provided for the automatic regulation of the air supply to the wearer of the apparatus in accordance with his breathing requirements when he is breathing any volume of free air of up to 85 litres (3 cubic feet) per minute at any time when the pressure in the supply cylinder or cylinders is above 150 pounds per square inch and means shall also be provided for overriding the automatic air supply valve.

8. A pressure gauge with an anti-bursting orifice shall be incorporated in the high-pressure air supply system to enable the wearer to read directly and easily the pressure of air in the supply cylinder or cylinders

9. Means shall be provided for warning the wearer audibly when 80 per cent of the usable capacity of the apparatus has been consumed.

10. The maximum weight of any such apparatus shall not exceed 35 lb. excluding any lifeline and, if they do not form an integral part of the apparatus, any safety belt or harness.

11. Every self-contained breathing apparatus shall be provided with fully charged spare cylinders having a spare storage capacity of at least 2,400 litres (84 cubic feet) of free air except that—

(a) if the ship is carrying five sets or more of such apparatus the total spare storage capacity of free air shall not be required to exceed, 9,600 litres (336 cubic feet); or

(b) if the ship is equipped with means for re-charging the air cylinder to full pressure with air free from contamination, the spare storage capacity of the fully charged spare cylinders of each such apparatus shall be of at least 1,200 litres (42 cubic feet) of free air, and the total spare storage capacity of free air provided in the ship shall not be required to exceed 4,800 litres (168 cubic feet).

12. A servicing and instruction manual shall be kept with each such apparatus.

13. Every breathing apparatus shall be constructed of materials having adequate mechanical strength, durability and resistance to deterioration by heat or by contact with water and such materials shall be resistant to fire and shall not allow the breathing circuit to be penetrated by smoke or chemical fumes likely to be encountered in service.

14. The fabric used in the construction of any harness provided with such apparatus shall be resistant to shrinkage and exposed metal parts of the apparatus, harness and fittings shall be of materials so far as practicable resistant to frictional sparking.

15. The following equipment shall be provided for use with each set of breathing apparatus:—

(a) a fire-proof life-and-signalling line at least 10 feet longer than is required to reach from the open deck in clean air well clear of any hatch or doorway to any part of the accommodation, service, cargo or machinery spaces; and the line shall be made of copper or galvanised steel wire rope having a breaking strength of at least 1,120 lb. and shall be overlaid up to at least 1 inches in circumference by hemp or other covering to provide a surface which can be firmly gripped when wet;

(b) an adjustable safety belt or harness to which such line shall be capable of being securely attached and detached by the wearer by means of a snap-hook;

(c) means for protecting the eyes and face of the wearer against smoke;

(d) plates of suitable non-inflammable material bearing a clearly legible code of signals to be used between the wearer and his attendant, one of which shall be attached to the safety belt or harness and another attached to the free end of the life-line;

(e) (for every apparatus other than a smoke helmet) a lightweight safety helmet with lining and adjustable head-band.

16.  Every breathing apparatus shall be clearly marked with the name of the maker or vendor and the year of manufacturer, and operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to such apparatus.

MAJOR KWAME ASANTE

Commissioner Responsible for Shipping

Date of Gazette Notification: 15th February, 1974.