Article 57 Structural fire protection—vessels with hulls constructed of a glass reinforced plastic
In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply, the hull of which is constructed of glass reinforced plastic, the hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads, decks and deckhouses shall be provided with fire-resistant properties.
In every such vessel the following structures shall be so insulated and constructed as to meet a B.30 standard:—
the internal surfaces of the deckhead, boundary bulkheads, side shell down to light waterline level and the casings of the main machinery space;
the adjacent deck areas and bulkheads forming the enclosures to stairways serving accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations, except that:—
all stairways shall be constructed of steel;
a stairway leading between two decks may be enclosed at one deck only;
bulkheads and decks enclosing the control stations and corridors serving accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations.
In every such vessel lift trunks in accommodation and service spaces shall be provided with adequate means of closing which will contain smoke and draughts within the lift trunk.
In every such vessel structures enclosing the galley and similar spaces adjacent to or within the accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations shall be adequately insulated.
In every such vessel exposed surfaces within accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations or machinery spaces other than those required to be insulated in accordance with paragraphs (2) and (4) above shall have a final layer of suitable fire retardant resin or be coated with a suitable fire retardant paint, except that the foregoing provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to surface laminates which are self-extinguishing.
In every such vessel the number of openings in the bulkheads and decks 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 self-closing and arrangements, where provided, for holding open the doors shall be such that the doors close automatically in the event of fire. Doorways fitted to casings situated above the machinery spaces and extending above the free board deck shall be fitted with closing appliances of the self-closing type.
In every such vessel insulation provided within refrigerated compartments or insulated fish-holds shall be non-combustible unless the exposed surfaces of such insulation are protected by close fitting cladding which shall be non-combustible where fitted in spaces containing fire hazards.
In every such vessel where ceilings, panellings or linings are fitted in accommodation spaces, service spaces or control stations the requirements of Rule 56(10) and (13) of these Rules shall apply to such ceilings, panellings or linings.
In every such vessel exhaust pipes and ducts which are liable to become heated shall be adequately insulated and properly positioned.
In every such vessel deck coverings shall comply with the requirements of Rule 56(11) of these Rules.
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 and service spaces remote from the control stations.