Fireman’s outfit

(1) Every ship of 150 gross tonnage and above propelled by mechanical means shall be provided with at least one fireman’s (2) A fireman’s outfit shall consist of– (a) personal equipment comprising– (i) protective clothing of material to protect the skin from the heat radiating from the fire and from burns and scalding by steam. The outer surface of protective clothing shall be water resistant; (ii) boots and gloves of rubber or other electrically non-conducting material; (iii) a rigid helmet providing effective protection against impact; Merchant Ships (Registration) 177 (iv) an electric safety lamp (hand lantern) of an approved type with a minimum burning period of three hours; and (v) an axe to the satisfaction of the Administration. (b) breathing apparatus of an approved type which may be either– (i) a smoke helmet or smoke mask which shall be provided with a suitable air pump and length of air hose sufficient to reach from the open deck, well clear of hatch or doorway, to any part of the holds or machinery spaces. Where in order to comply with this paragraph, an air hose exceeding 36m in length would be necessary, a self-contained breathing apparatus shall be substituted or provided, in addition thereto, as determined by the Administration; or (ii) a self-contained compressed air breathing apparatus, the volume of air contained in the cylinders of which shall be at least 1,200L, or other self contained breathing apparatus which shall be capable of functioning for at least 30min. A number of spare charges, suitable for use with the apparatus provided, shall be available on board to the satisfaction of the Administration. (3) For each breathing apparatus a fireproof lifeline of sufficient length and strength shall be provided capable of being attached by means of a snaphook to the harness of the apparatus or to a separate belt in order to prevent the breathing apparatus becoming detached when the lifeline is operated. Merchant Ships (Registration) 178 (4) The Administration may require additional sets of personal equipment and breathing apparatus, having due regard to the size and type of the ship. (5) The fireman’s outfits or sets of personal equipment shall be so stored as to be easily accessible and ready for use and where more than one fireman’s outfit or more than one set of personnel equipment is carried, they shall be stored in widely separated positions.