What Fire Performance Standards Are Required under SOLAS?
SOLAS refers to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). It relates to the construction of vessels, radiocommunications, requirements for life-saving devices, requirements for navigation devices, and fire safety. Ensuring that your vessel meets all fire performance standards is key to protecting yourself and others on the water. Our established Florida marine safety company can help you achieve this.
Small Pleasure Crafts
While SOLAS has limited applicability to small pleasure crafts, Chapter V does address navigation safety and the misuse of distress signals on smaller vessels. There may also be local fire safety regulations in place, and regardless of the requirements, fire safety should remain a primary concern whenever you’re on the water.
Passenger Ships
SOLAS directly applies to passenger ships that carry more than 12 passengers and to yachts with a gross tonnage over 500. However, the same requirements are strongly recommended for smaller yachts.
SOLAS Chapter II-2: Fire Protection, Detection, and Extinction
Solas Chapter II-2 covers fire protection standards, broken down into several basic parts.
Prevention of Fire and Explosion
SOLAS seriously considers the construction of ships in terms of fire safety. As such, ship compartments must be divided by bulkheads and decks that are constructed of materials that meet the safety requirements for the specific fire-safety standard that applies, including:
- Class A, which requires steel or an equivalent material that can pass test-fire conditions for at least 60 minutes
- Class B, which must be constructed of a material that can pass test-fire conditions for at least 30 minutes
- Class C, which must be constructed of fire-resistant materials – with no additional requirements
Fire Detection
SOLAS requires fire detection systems that include the following:
- At least one gas detection system for carbon monoxide, flammable gases, and hydrogen sulfide
- Fire detectors that respond to flame, heat, smoke, and other products of combustion
There are also requirements related to regular maintenance and inspections of fire detection equipment.
Fire Suppression
Once a fire is detected on board a vessel and an alarm is sounded, SOLAS employs each of the following requirements:
- Outfitting the watercraft with the fire suppression equipment required for its size
- Controlling the spread of smoke to reduce related hazards
- Containing the fire to the space in which it originated
- Sending clear safety notifications to the passengers and crew that instigate a safe evacuation – as necessary
- Having means of escape that allow all passengers and crew to quickly make their way to safety on the embarkation deck or wherever the lifeboats are stored
Contact a Well-Respected Florida Marine Safety Company Today
Fire safety is a critical component of overall safety on your vessel, and the marine safety pros at NextGen Marine – proudly serving boat owners throughout the State of Florida – are committed to ensuring that your boat checks all the SOLAS fire-safety boxes and is always seaworthy. Learn more about what we can do to help you by contacting us online or calling 954-789-3665 today.
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