14 Protection of special category spaces (R 37)

The basic principle underlying the provisions of this regulation is that as normal main vertical zoning may not be practicable in special category spaces, equivalent protection must be obtained in such spaces on the basis of a horizontal zone concept and by the provision of an efficient fixed fire-extinguishing system. Under this concept a horizontal zone for the purpose of this regulation may include special category spaces on more than one deck provided that the total overall clear height for vehicles does not exceed 10 metres. The requirements of Regulations II-2/A/12, II-2/B/7 and II-2/B/9 for maintaining the integrity of vertical zones shall be applied equally to decks and bulkheads forming the boundaries separating horizontal zones from each other and from the remainder of the ship. In new ships carrying more than 36 passengers the boundary bulkheads and decks of special category spaces shall be insulated to ‘A-60’ class standard. However, where an open deck space (as defined in Regulation 4.2.2(5)), a sanitary or similar space (as defined in Regulation 4.2.2(9)) or a tank, void or auxiliary machinery space having little or no fire risk (as defined in Regulation 4.2.2(10)), is on one side of the division the standard may be reduced to ‘A-0’. Where fuel oil tanks are below a special category space, the integrity of the deck between such spaces may be reduced to ‘A-0’ standard. In new ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and existing class B ships carrying more than 36 passengers the boundary bulkheads of special category spaces shall be insulated as required for category (11) spaces in table 5.1 of Regulation 5 and the horizontal boundaries as required for category (11) in table 5.2 of Regulation 5. Indicators shall be provided on the navigating bridge which shall indicate when any fire door leading to or from the special category spaces is closed. Doors to special category spaces shall be of such a construction that they cannot be kept open permanently and shall be kept closed during the voyage. Each special category space shall be fitted with an approved fixed pressure water-spraying system for manual operation which shall protect all parts of any deck and vehicle platform in such space. In new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003, such water spray systems shall have: a pressure gauge on the valve manifold; clear marking on each manifold valve indicating the spaces served; instructions for maintenance and operation located in the valve room; and a sufficient number of drainage valves. The Administration of the flag State may permit the use of any other fixed fire-extinguishing system that has been shown by full-scale test in conditions simulating a flowing petrol fire in a special category space to be not less effective in controlling fires likely to occur in such a space. Such fixed pressure water-spraying system or other equivalent fire-extinguishing system shall comply with the provisions of IMO Resolution A.123 (V) and the IMO MSC/Circ. 914 ‘Guidelines when approving alternative water-based fire-fighting systems for use in special category spaces’ shall be taken into consideration. An efficient patrol system shall be maintained in special category spaces. In any such space in which the patrol is not maintained by a continuous fire watch at all times during the voyage there shall be provided a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system of an approved type complying with the requirements of Regulation II-2/A/9. The fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire. The type and the spacing and location of detectors shall determined taking into account the effects of ventilation and other relevant factors. In new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003, after being installed the system shall be tested under normal ventilation conditions and shall give an overall response time to the satisfaction of the Administration of the flag State. Manually operated call points shall be provided as necessary throughout the special category spaces and one shall be placed close to each exit from such spaces. In new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003, manually operated call points shall be spaced so that no part of the space is more than 20 metres from a manually operated call point. There shall be provided in each special category space: at least three water fog applicators; one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of Regulation II-2/A/6.2, provided that at least two such units are available in the ship for use in such spaces; and at least one portable extinguisher located at each access to such spaces. Portable extinguishers shall be provided at each deck level in each hold or compartment where vehicles are carried, spaced not more than 20 metres apart on both sides of the space. At least one portable fire extinguisher shall be located at each access to such space. In addition the following fire extinguishing appliances shall be provided in special category spaces: at least three water-fog applicators; and one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, provided that at least two such units are available in the ship for use in such ro-ro space. There shall be provided an effective power ventilation system for the special category spaces sufficient to give at least 10 air changes per hour. The system for such spaces shall be entirely separated from other ventilation systems and shall be operating at all times when vehicles are in such spaces. The number of air changes shall be increased at least to 20 during loading and unloading of vehicles. Ventilation ducts serving special category spaces capable of being effectively sealed shall be separated for each such space. The system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces. The ventilation shall be such as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air pockets. Means shall be provided to indicate on the navigating bridge any loss or reduction of the required ventilating capacity. Arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shutdown and effective closure of the ventilation system in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions. Ventilation ducts, including dampers, shall be made of steel and their arrangement shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration of the flag State. In new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003, ventilation ducts that pass through horizontal zones or machinery spaces shall be ‘A-60’ class steel ducts constructed in accordance with Regulations II-2/B/9.2.3.1.1 and II-2/B/9.2.3.1.2. In view of the serious loss of stability which could arise due to large quantities of water accumulating on the deck or decks consequent on the operation of the fixed pressure water-spraying system, scuppers shall be fitted so as to ensure that such water is rapidly discharged directly overboard. Discharge valves for scuppers, fitted with positive means of closing operable from a position above the bulkhead deck in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention on Load Lines in force, shall be kept open while the ships are at sea. Any operation of the valves referred to in paragraph .1.2.1 shall be recorded in the logbook. On any deck or platform, if fitted, on which vehicles are carried and on which explosive vapours might be expected to accumulate, except platforms with openings of sufficient size permitting penetration of petrol gases downwards, equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapours and, in particular, electrical equipment and wiring, shall be installed at least 450 mm above the deck or platform. Electrical equipment installed at more than 450 mm above the deck or platform shall be of a type so enclosed and protected as to prevent the escape of sparks. However, if the installation of electrical equipment and wiring at less than 450 mm above the deck or platform is necessary for the safe operation of the ship, such electrical equipment and wiring may be installed provided that it is of a certified safe type approved for use in an explosive petrol and air mixture. Electrical equipment and wiring, if installed in an exhaust ventilation duct, shall be of a type approved for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures and the outlet from any exhaust duct shall be sited in a safe position, having regard to other possible sources of ignition. In view of the serious loss of stability which could arise due to large quantities of water accumulating on the deck or tank top consequent on the operation of the fixed pressure water-spraying system, the Administration of the flag State may require pumping and drainage facilities to be provided additional to the requirements of Regulation II-1/C/3. In new class B, C and D ships constructed on or after 1 January 2003 in such case, the drainage system shall be sized to remove not less than 125 % of the combined capacity of both the water spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles. The drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls. Bilge wells shall be of sufficient holding capacity and shall be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 metres in each watertight compartment. Electrical equipment and wiring, if fitted, shall be of a type suitable for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures. Other equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapours shall not be permitted. Electrical equipment and wiring, if installed in an exhaust ventilation duct, shall be of a type approved for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures and the outlet from any exhaust duct shall be sited in a safe position, having regard to other possible sources of ignition. Permanent openings in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of special category spaces shall be so situated that a fire in the special category space does not endanger stowage areas and embarkation stations for survival craft and accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the special category spaces.

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