Article 58 Structural fire protection—vessels with hulls constructed of wood
In every vessel of 12 metres in length and over to which these Rules apply, the hull of which is constructed of wood:—
the following structures shall be constructed from steel or other equivalent material in the propelling machinery space:—
the casings;
the beams supporting that part of the deck which forms the crown of this space, except the half-beams and carlings which may be of hard wood and of substantial section;
bulkheads which separate the machinery spaces from a adjacent accommodation spaces or control stations shall be constructed of steel, other equivalent material or non-combustible material capable of meeting a B.15 standard. Access doors shall be close fitting and provide protection equivalent to the bulkhead in resisting fire;
the deck of a wheelhouse or control station which forms the crown of the machinery space shall be constructed of steel or other equivalent material.
In every such vessel where cooking or heating appliances are fitted in galleys, service spaces or any space adjacent to or within accommodation spaces and adjacent to wood structure, such surrounding structure shall be adequately insulated.
In every such vessel ladders or stairways forming means of escape from below deck shall be constructed of steel and the deck openings shall be fitted with closing appliances which provide protection equivalent to the structure in resisting fire.
In accommodation spaces, service spaces, control stations and machinery spaces in such vessels, paints, varnishes and other finishings used on exposed surfaces shall be such that a Class 1 or Class 2 surface spread of flame shall not be exceeded.
In every such vessel products and materials which produce smoke or toxic products when exposed to fire shall not be stored in machinery spaces, except those products and materials necessary for operating the machinery.
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 the number of openings in the bulkheads and decks shall be a minimum and fitted with closing arrangements which provide protection equivalent to the surrounding structure in resisting fire. Doors in casings extending at least 1·8 metres above the crown of machinery spaces on the freeboard deck shall be fitted with closing appliances of the self-closing type.
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.