Updated requirements for fire-fighter’s equipment

30 January 2017 |  C17004

This circular aims to remind Shipowners about the requirements of breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills, audible alarm device in self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders and to inform about the fire-fighter’s communication.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners / Managers / Operators  |  Surveyors

After the 97th Session of the Maritime Safety Commission, the relevant requirements of fire-fighters outfit equipment have been amended as follows.

 

Fire-fighter’s communication

A minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter’s communication shall be carried on board. Those two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus shall be of explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Except for the radiotelephone apparatus required by SOLAS Chapter III Reg.6.2.1 and Reg.6.4.1, other radiotelephone apparatus provided for the purpose of onboard communication can be used as the one required for fire-fighter’s communication.

The radiotelephone apparatus for fire-fighter is not required to be approved by the Flag Administration or by Dromon.

Ships which are constructed on or after July 1, 2014 must comply with the above requirements by the delivery of the ships. Ships which are constructed before July 1, 2014 must comply with the above requirements by July 1, 2018.

 

Breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills

Through Dromon Circular C14015, Shipowners were advised that as of July 1, 2014 all new and existing cargo ships must be provided with means of recharging cylinders of air breathing apparatuses or a suitable number of spare cylinders used for training purposes. Below text is a reminder to this requirement.

Means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills and spare cylinders to replace those used for fire-fighters. In addition to the spare cylinders required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 Reg.10 and Reg.18, it is required to provide an onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills or a suitable number of spare cylinders to replace those used. This requirement has already been applied from July 1, 2014.

According to the new interpretation for the number of suitable number of spare cylinders, in case where an onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders is not provided, at least one set of spare cylinders for fire drills shall be provided for each mandatory breathing apparatus required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 Reg.10 and Reg.18. The number of cylinders which are required to operate the breathing apparatus is called Set of cylinders. The sets of spare cylinders for each fire-fighter’s breathing apparatus required by the regulations, can be found to the table below. If spare cylinders are required more than the number set below, by the Shipboard safety Management System, the number of spare cylinders carried on board shall be in accordance with the Shipboard Safety Management System. No additional cylinders are required for fire drills for breathing apparatus sets required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 Reg.19, IGC Code, IBC Code, and IMSBC Code.

Spare cylinders required by SOLAS II-2/Reg.10 and Reg.18 Spare cylinders for fire drills required by SOLAS II-2/Reg.15 Total
Means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders is not provided 2 sets 1 set 3 sets
Means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders is provided 1 set Not required 1 set

Ships which are delivered on or after January 1, 2017 must comply with the above requirements by the delivery of the ships. Ships which are delivered before January 1, 2017 must comply with the above requirements by January 1, 2017.

 

Breathing apparatus of fire-fighter’s outfits

As stated in Dromon Circular C14015, each compressed air breathing apparatus must to be fitted with an audible alarm and a visual or other device which will alert the user before the volume of the air in the cylinder has been reduced to no less than 200 litres. A pressure indicator, with which the user can read that the volume of remaining air in the cylinder has been reduced to no less than 200 litres, regardless of the need for supplemental lighting, may be regarded as a “visual device”.

Ships which are constructed on or after July 1, 2014 must comply with the above requirements by the delivery of the ships. Ships which are constructed before July 1, 2014 must comply with the above requirements by July 1, 2019.

 

Act now

Ship owners / Managers / Operators are advised to take note of above requirements to achieve their ships’ compliance.

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