Retroactive requirements of SOLAS 74 Convention regarding fire protection for passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers and constructed before 1 October 1994
Until 1 October 2010, existing passenger ships shall comply with retroactive requirements of Amendments to Chapter II-2 of SOLAS Convention, Regulation 41-1/2.4 – Upgrading of passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers constructed before 1 October 1994, adopted by Res. MSC.24(60) on 10 April 1992.
The text of the requirements:
“Passenger ships which do not comply with all the requirements of chapter II-2 applicable to ships constructed on or after 25 May 1980 (requirements of chapter II-2 of SOLAS 1974, as adopted by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, applicable to new passenger ships) shall comply with: all the requirements of chapter II-2 applicable to ships constructed on or after 25 May 1980 (requirements of chapter II-2 of SOLAS 1974, as adopted by the International Conference on Safety of Life at Sea, 1974, applicable to new passenger ships) not later than 1 October 2010.”
It means that with respect to structural fire protection, materials used for insulation and finishing of ship inside spaces, systems regarding ship fire safety, fire protection of ship spaces and fire-fighting equipment, the requirements given in Regulations 4 ÷ 34 of SOLAS 74, Chapter II-2, are to be complied with:
1. Ship structure, main fire divisions, fire integrity of bulkheads and decks – Regulations 17, 18, 19 and 20;
2. Openings in A and B class divisions – Regulations 23 and 24;
3. Draught stops – Regulation 28;
4. Means of escape – Regulation 21;
5. Windows and sidescuttles – Regulation 26;
6. Restriction of combustible materials – Regulation 27;
7. Fire control plan – Regulation 4;
8. Fire pumps, fire mains, hydrants and hoses – Regulations 5 and 32;
9. Ventilation systems – Regulation 25;
10. Oil fuel and other inflammable oils systems – Regulation 33;
11. Fixed gas fire-extinguishing system – Regulation 8;
12. Fixed froth fire-extinguishing systems in machinery spaces – Regulations 9 or 10;
13. Fixed pressure water spraying system in machinery spaces – Regulation 11;
14. Automatic sprinkler system in accommodation spaces – Regulation 12;
15. Fire alarm and fire detection system – Regulation 13;
16. Fire protection of stairways and lifts in accommodation and service spaces – Regulation 22;
17. Fire protection of accommodation and service spaces – Regulation 29;
18. Fire protection of special category spaces – Regulation 30;
19. Fire protection of cargo spaces for the carriage of motor vehicles – Regulation 31;
20. Fire protection of cargo holds – Regulation 32;
21. Fire protection of machinery spaces – Regulations 32 and 34;
22. Electric radiators – Regulation 6;
23. Waste -receptacles – Regulation 27;
24. Fire extinguishers and fireman’s outfit – Regulations 7, 14 and 32;
25. Alarms and public address system – Regulation 32.
Compliance with the requirements of these Regulations is subject to verification according to the principles presented below.
The Owner should submit to PRS HO in triplicate the documentation of the ship or the ship’s adaptation to retroactive requirements, with information which shall enable PRS to ascertain that the requirements of regulations 4 ÷34 of Chapter II-2, SOLAS 74 are complied with.
The scope of the required documentation:
1. Plan of structural fire protection, with A, B and C fire class divisions, penetrations of pipes, cables and ventilation ducts, doors, windows and other openings in the fire divisions;
2. Drawing showing details of A, B and C fire class divisions, penetrations of pipes, cables and ventilation ducts, with a list of used structures, penetrations, doors, windows and other locks of openings in the fire divisions, together with their certificates;
3. Plan of finishing the interior ship spaces, with a list of lining and finishing materials of walls and ceilings, together with their certificates;
4. Plan of floor coverings, with a list of used materials, together with their certificates;
5. Plan of insulation, with a list of used materials, together with their certificates;
6. Plan of escape routes;
7. Plan of ventilation systems;
8. Plan of automatic sprinkler system;
9. Plan of fire detection and alarm system;
10. Plan of water fire main system;
11. Plan of fire-extinguishing system in machinery spaces;
12. Plan of fire-extinguishing system in ro-ro/ special category spaces;
13. Plan of fire-extinguishing system in cargo holds;
14. Plan of oil fuel and flammable oils systems;
15. Fire control plan.
Documentation is subject to consideration and approval for compliance with the a.m. requirements.
The compliance with the requirements shall be finally confirmed by PRS Surveyor during an onboard survey aimed at verifying the information contained in the documentation with the actual condition on the ship.
After 1 October 2010, the Passenger Ship Safety Certificate will remain valid, provided that the ship complies with retroactive requirements of SOLAS Convention, Regulation II-2/41-1/2.4.
