NEW CLASS B, C AND D AND EXISTING CLASS B SHIPS:

At all times while the ship is in service, the fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be maintained ready for use. A ship is not in service when: it is in for repairs or lay-up (either at anchor or at port) or in dry-dock; it is declared not in service by the owner or the owner's representative; and if there are no passengers on board. The following fire protection systems shall be kept in good order so as to ensure their required performance if a fire occurs: structural fire protection including fire resisting divisions and protection of openings and penetrations in these divisions; fire detection and fire alarm systems; and means of escape systems and appliances. Fire-fighting systems and appliances shall be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use. Portable extinguishers which have been discharged shall be immediately recharged or replaced with an equivalent unit. Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on the guidelines developed by IMO and in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances. A maintenance plan shall be kept on board the ship and shall be available for inspection, whenever required by the Administration of the flag State. The maintenance plan shall include at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed: fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants including hoses and nozzles; fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems; fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing appliances; automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems; ventilation systems including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their controls; emergency shut down of fuel supply; fire doors including their controls; general emergency alarm systems; emergency escape breathing devices; portable fire extinguishers including spare charges; and firefighter's outfits. The maintenance programme may be computer-based. For new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003 carrying more than 36 passengers, a maintenance plan for low-location lighting and public address systems shall be developed in addition to the maintenance plan mentioned under paragraph .1.2.

← 14 Operational readiness and maintenance · All articles · .1 General requirements →

Source: EUR-Lex (Cellar) · retrieved 2026-11-10 · Text as adopted (Official Journal); later amendments are not incorporated in this text.