Article 56 Structural fire protection—vessels with hulls constructed of steel or other equivalent material

In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply, the hull of which is constructed of steel or other equivalent material, the superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall also be constructed of steel or other suitable material, having regard to the risk of fire.

In every such vessel the bulkheads and decks separating accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and emergency firepump space from machinery spaces shall be constructed and insulated to A. 60 standard, provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to spaces where the fire risk is minimal.

In every such vessel the bulkheads of corridors serving accommodation spaces, other than bulkheads required to meet the provisions of paragraph (2) above, shall be formed of non-combustible B Class divisions extending from deck to deck.

In every such vessel interior stairways serving accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations shall be constructed of steel. In vessels of 24·4 metres in length and over such stairways shall be within enclosures formed of steel, other equivalent material, or non-combustible B Class divisions, except that a stairway connecting only two decks may be enclosed at one deck only.

In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply the number of openings in the bulkheads and decks referred to in paragraph (2) above shall be as few as reasonably practicable. Such openings shall be fitted with closing arrangements which provide protection equivalent to the surrounding structure in resisting fire. In vessels less than 24·4 metres in length the doors provided in casings of the main propelling machinery and boiler spaces shall be self-closing when such casings extend at least 1·8 metres above the freeboard deck.

In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply the number of openings in the bulkheads and decks referred to in paragraphs (3) and (4) above shall be as few as reasonably practicable and fitted with closing arrangements which provide protection equivalent to the surrounding structure in resisting fire. Doors fitted to stairway enclosures shall be selfclosing and arrangements, where provided, for holding open the doors shall be such that the doors close automatically in the event of fire.

In every such vessel lift trunks in accommodation and service spaces shall be constructed of steel or equivalent material and the openings therein shall be provided with adequate means of closing which will contain smoke and draughts within the lift trunks and which provide protection equivalent to the surrounding structure in resisting fire.

In every such vessel boundary bulkheads and decks of spaces containing emergency sources of power and such bulkheads and decks which separate galleys, paint rooms, lamp-rooms or store-rooms containing flammable materials from accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations shall be constructed to A.60 standard. Bulkheads, other than boundary bulkheads, to paint rooms, lamp-rooms or any other store-rooms containing flammable materials shall be constructed of steel or equivalent material. Entrances to store-rooms containing highly flammable materials or products shall be from the open deck and the materials or products shall be stored in sealed containers, provided that such an entrance may lead into a passageway if the closing arrangements are adequate.

In every vessel of 24·4 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply bulkheads, linings, ceilings and the support grounds in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations shall be constructed of non-combustible material, except that such bulkheads, linings and ceilings may have a combustible veneer the thickness of which shall not exceed 1·5 millimetres.

In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply concealed surfaces behind bulkheads, ceilings, panellings and linings in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations, together with all exposed surfaces therein shall be such that a Class 1 or Class 2 surface spread of flame shall not be exceeded. Paints, varnishes and other finishings used on these exposed surfaces shall also be such that a Class 1 or Class 2 surface spread of flame shall not be exceeded.

In every such vessel deck coverings within accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations shall be of a type which will not readily ignite.

In every such vessel curtains, other suspended textile materials and floor coverings shall have adequate fire resistant qualities.

In every such vessel spaces enclosed behind ceilings, panellings or linings in accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations shall be suitably sub-divided by close fitting draught stops situated not more than 7 metres apart.

In every such vessel pipes conveying oil or other combustible liquids or compressed air shall be constructed from steel or other suitable material. Jointing materials used shall be such that they shall not be rendered ineffective by heat.

In every such vessel overboard scuppers, discharges or other outlets situated below the freeboard deck shall be constructed of steel or other suitable material.

In every such vessel the hinged portions of skylights serving spaces containing either main propulsion machinery, oil-fired boilers or auxiliary internal combustion machinery shall be capable of being operated from inside and outside such spaces.

In every such vessel insulation in accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces shall be of non-combustible material and such insulation, fitted on the inside of machinery spaces in positions where oil spillage or the emission of oil vapours may arise, shall have exposed surfaces impervious to oils or oil vapours.

In every such vessel insulation where fitted in refrigerated compartments or fish holds shall be non-combustible unless the exposed surfaces thereof are protected by close fitting cladding.

In any such vessel insulation to refrigerated compartments within accommodation spaces need not be non-combustible provided the exposed surfaces are protected by non-combustible cladding.

In every vessel of 24·4 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply an automatic fire detection and alarm system complying with the requirements of Rule 111 of these Rules shall be provided to compartments within accommodation spaces remote from the control stations.