Fire main, water service pipes and fire hydrants

(1) In every ship where more than one hydrant is required to provide a jet of water required by regulation 61, a fire main shall be provided. A ship shall be built and maintained within the applicable rules of a classification society or any other internationally recognized standard for the type of service of the ship. (2) In a ship where one or more main fire pumps are provided, the diameter of the main and of the water service pipes connecting the hydrants thereto shall be sufficient for the effective distribution of the maximum discharge required by regulation 61 from– (a) one main fire pump where only one such pump is required; or (b) two main fire pumps simultaneously where two such pumps are required, provided that in any ship, the diameters of the fire main and water service pipes need not be greater than is necessary for the discharge of 140m3/h of water. (3) Where only one hydrant is required, the minimum pressure at the hydrant should be 0.21 N / mm2 (2.1 kg/cm2). Where more than one hydrant is required, the main fire pump should be capable, when discharging the maximum amount referred to in regulation 61(2) through adjacent fire hydrants with nozzles of the sizes specified in regulation 63, of maintaining at all hydrants the minimum pressures 0.21 N/mm2 (2.1 kg / cm2). In any case, the maximum pressure at any hydrant should not exceed that at which the effective control of a fire hose can be demonstrated. (4) In every ship, the number and position of hydrants should be such that at least one jet of water from a single length of hose can reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the crew while the ship is being navigated and any part of any cargo space when empty, any ro-ro cargo space or any special category Merchant Ships (Registration) 168 space in which later case, at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant should reach any part of such space, each from single length of hose. Furthermore, such hydrants should be positioned near the accesses to the protected spaces. (5) Material readily rendered ineffective by heat shall not be used for fire main and hydrants unless adequately protected. The pipes and hydrants shall be so placed that the fire hoses maybe easily coupled to them. (6) In ships where deck cargo maybe carried, the position of the hydrants shall be such that they are always accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo (7) A valve shall be fitted to serve each fire hose so that any fire hose may be removed while the fire pumps are at work. (8) The fire mains shall be provided with isolating valves located so as to permit optimum utilization in the event of physical damage to any part of the main. (9) Fire mains shall have no connections other than those required for fire-fighting except for the purposes of washing the deck and anchor chains or operating the chain locker bilge ejector.