FIRE FIGHTING UNIT 4

FIRE PUMPS AND FIRE MAINS

 FIRE PUMPS AND FIRE MAINS
Capacity of fire pumps
The capacity of the fire pump shall not be less
than 80% of the total required
capacity(other than emergency fire pump)
divided by the minimum number of required
fire pumps, but in any case not less than
25m3 per hour .The pump should be capable
of delivering at least two jets of water.The
jets should reach any part of the ship.
 Fire Pump Requirement
• Ships shall be provided with independently driven

fire pumps as follows:

Passenger ships of 4,000 tons

gross tonnage and upwards ---- at least 3

• Passenger ships of less than

4,000 gross tonnage and cargo
ships of 1,000 tons grt and upward ---- at least 2
GENERAL SERVICE OR OTHER PUMPS

Sanitary, ballast, bilge or general service

pumps may be accepted as fire pumps,
provided that they are not normally used for
pumping oil and that if they are subject to
occasional duty for the transfer or pumping of
oil fuel, suitable change-over arrangements
are fitted.
 EMERGENCY FIRE PUMP
• In cargo ships of 2,000 gross tonnage and upwards, if
a fire in any one compartment could put all the
pumps out of action ,there shall be an alternative
means consisting of a fixed independently driven
emergency pump which shall be capable of
supplying two jets of water to the satisfaction
of the Administration. The pump and its location
shall comply with the following requirements
 CAPACITY OF EMERGENCY FIRE PUMP

• The capacity of the pump shall not be less

than 40% of the total capacity of the fire
pumps required by this regulation and in any
case not less than 25 m3/h.
Diesel driven emergency fire pump engine
• Any diesel driven power source for the pump shall be
capable of being readily started in its cold
condition down to a temperature of 0 deg C , by
hand (manual) cranking. If this is impracticable, or
if lower temperatures are likely to be
encountered, consideration is to be given to the
provision and maintenance of heating arrangements,
acceptable to the Administration, so that ready
starting will be assured. If hand (manual) starting is
impracticable, the Administration may
permit other means of starting. ( cont …)
Diesel driven emergency fire pump
• Diesel driven power source to be started at
least six times within a period of 30 minutes
and at least twice within the first 10 minutes.
Emergency fire pump engine fuel tank

Any service fuel tank shall contain sufficient

fuel to enable the pump to run on full load
for at least 3 hours and sufficient reserves of
fuel shall be available outside the main
machinery space to enable the pump to be
run on full load for an additional 15 hours.
 Emergency Fire pump room
The boundaries of the space containing the
fire pump shall be insulated to a standard of
structural fire protection equivalent to that
required for a control station.
 Machinery space and
Emergency fire pump room
No direct access shall be permitted between the
machinery space and the space containing the emergency fire
pump and its source of power. When this is impracticable,
Administration may accept an arrangement where the
access is by means of an airtight door and self-closing,
or through a watertight door capable of being operated from
a space remote from the machinery space and the space
containing the emergency fire pump and unlikely to be cut off
in the event of fire in those spaces.
In such cases , a second means of access to the space
containing the emergency fire pump and its source of power
shall be provided.
 Fire main water supply
In addition, in cargo ships where other
pumps, such as general service, bilge and
ballast, etc., are fitted in a machinery space,
arrangements shall be made to ensure that at
least one of these pumps, having the capacity
and pressure is capable of providing water to
the fire main.
 FIRE PUMP STARTING
• In cargo ships with a periodically unattended
machinery space or when only one person is
required on watch, there shall be immediate
water delivery from the fire main system at a suitable
pressure, either by remote starting of one of the
main fire pumps .
With remote starting from the navigation
bridge and fire control station, if any, or permanent
pressurization of the fire main system by one of
the main fire pumps, except that the
Administration may waive this requirement for cargo
ships of less than 1,600 gross tonnage , if the
arrangement of the machinery space access makes
it unnecessary.
 FIRE MAIN RELIEF VALVE

Relief valves shall be provided in

conjunction with all fire pumps, if the pumps
are capable of developing a pressure
exceeding the design pressure of the water
service pipes, hydrants and hoses.
These valves shall be so placed and adjusted
as to prevent excessive pressure in any part of
the fire main system.
 Isolation valves on fire main
• Isolation valves shall be fitted in the fire
main at poop front in a protected position and
on the tank deck at intervals of not more than
40 m to preserve the integrity of the fire main
system in case of fire or explosion.
 Emergency fire pump vents
Ventilation arrangements to the space
containing the independent source of power
for the emergency fire pump shall be such as
to preclude, as far as practicable, the
possibility of smoke from a machinery space
fire entering or being drawn into that space.
 Fire System Pipelines
The diameter of the fire main and water
service pipes shall be sufficient for the
effective distribution of the maximum
required discharge from two fire pumps
operating simultaneously, except that in the
case of cargo ships the diameter need only be
sufficient for the discharge of 140 m3/hour
 FIRE LINE PRESSURE
With two pumps simultaneously delivering through
nozzles, the quantity of water through any adjacent
hydrants, the following minimum pressures shall be
maintained at all hydrants:

• Passenger ships:

4,000 gross tonnage and upwards 0.31 N/mm2

• 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards 0.27 N/mm2

but under 4,000 gross tonnage

• Under 1,000 gross tonnage SATISFACTION OF

ADMINISTRATION – DG
not less than 0.21 N/mm2

( cont…)
 FIRE LINE PRESSURE
• Cargo ships

• 6,000 GRT and upwards -- 0.27 N/mm2

• 1,000 GRT and upwards
but under 6,000 GRT -- 0.25 N/mm2
• Under 1,000 GRT - - To the satisfaction
of the Administration-
DG 0.21 N/mm2
 Fire main pressure
Passenger ships constructed on or after
1 st October 1994, in lieu of the provisions of
paragraph 4.2 shall comply with the following
requirements:
• With the two pumps simultaneously delivering
through the nozzles with sufficient hydrants to
provide for the quantity of water specified
• a minimum pressure of 0.4 N/mm2 for ships of
4,000 gross tonnage and above .
• 0.3 N/mm2 for ships of less than 4,000 gross
tonnage shall be maintained at all hydrants .
 Hydrant pressure
The maximum pressure at any hydrant shall not exceed
that at which the effective control of a fire hose can be
demonstrated.
Number and position of hydrants
• The number and position of hydrants shall be such that at
least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant,
one of which shall be from a single length of hose, may
reach any part of the ship normally accessible to the
passengers or crew while the ship is being navigated and any
part of any cargo space when empty, any ro-ro cargo space or
any special category space in which latter case the two jets
shall reach any part of such space, each from a single length
of hose. Furthermore, such hydrants shall be positioned near
the accesses to the protected spaces.
Boiler Space and Tunnel space fire lines

All hydrants in machinery spaces of such ships

fitted with main or auxiliary oil fired boilers shall be
provided with hoses complete with nozzles. In each
such space at least two fire hydrants one on port and
one on the starboard side and in addition where
there is access to the machinery space of any such
ship by way of a shaft tunnel, a fire hydrant should be
provided in the tunnel at the end adjacent to that
space .
Fire Hose and Hydrants

Spanner
 Fire Hose and Hydrants
Fire Hose and Hydrants
• Spanner
• Type : JIS F 7335
• Size : 65 mm diameter
• Total No. : 6 (on deck)
• 10 (in accommodation)
• 7 (in Engine room)
• All fire hydrants are painted RED and foam hydrants are
painted YELLOW.
• There are hose boxes near each hydrant, on deck, and hose
reel for each hydrant in engine room.
 Pipes and hydrants

Materials readily rendered ineffective by heat shall

not be used for fire mains and hydrants ,unless
adequately protected. The pipes and hydrants shall be
so placed that the fire hoses may be easily coupled to
them. The arrangement of pipes and hydrants shall be
such as to avoid the possibility of freezing. In ships
where deck cargo may be carried, the positions of the
hydrants shall be such that they are always readily
accessible and the pipes shall be arranged as far as
practicable to avoid risk of damage by such cargo.
Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each
hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete
interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.
 Valve on each hydrant

• A valve shall be fitted to serve each fire

hose , so that any fire hose may be removed
while the fire pumps are at work.
Isolating Valve between Engine room and
rest of the fire main
Isolating valves to separate the section of the fire main
within the machinery space containing the main fire pump or
pumps from the rest of the fire main shall be fitted in an
easily accessible and tenable position outside the machinery
spaces. The fire main shall be so arranged that when the
isolating valves are shut all the hydrants on the ship, except
those in the machinery space referred to above, can be supplied
with water by a fire pump not located in this machinery space
through pipes which do not enter this space.
The Administration may permit short lengths of the
emergency fire pump suction and discharge piping to penetrate
the machinery space if it is impracticable to route it externally
provided that the integrity of the fire main is maintained by the
enclosure of the piping in a substantial steel casing.
 FIRE HOSE
Ships shall be provided with fire hoses the
number and diameter of which shall be to the
satisfaction of the Administration.
In passenger ships there shall be at least one
fire hose for each of the hydrants and these hoses
shall be used only for the purposes of extinguishing
fires or testing the fire-extinguishing apparatus at fire
drills and surveys.
 FIRE HOSES ON CARGO VESSELS

In cargo ships of 1,000 gross tonnage and

upwards the number of fire hoses to be provided
shall be one for each 30 m length of the ship and one

spare but in no case not less than five in all. This

number does not include any hoses required in any
engine or boiler room.
The Administration may increase the number of
hoses required so as to ensure that hoses in
sufficient number are available and accessible at all
times, having regard to the type of ship and the
nature of trade in which the ship is employed .
 REGULATIONS ON FIRE HOSE
International Regulations require:
1. Fire Hoses to be made of non-perishable material
At least 10m in length
2. Provided with a nozzle and necessary couplings
3. The maximum lengths are
15m in machinery spaces.
20m in other spaces and open decks.
25m for open decks on ships of over 30m breadth.
4. Hoses diameters are 64mm in UK and some flag
states lined hoses of 45mm diameter with same
throughput also found.
( cont…)
5. It is essential for fire hoses to be maintained in good
condition.
6. They should not be used for routine purposes.
7. Canvas hoses should be well drained after use since
they are subject to mild dew, so dried by natural
means before being rolled and stowed.
8. They are to be examined regularly and any moving
parts of fittings kept lubricated.
9. Washers should be correctly seated and replaced on
deterioration.
 NOZZLES

Standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 mm,16 mm

and 19 mm.
• Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the
discretion of the Administration.
For accommodation and service spaces,
nozzle size greater than 12 mm need not be used .

( cont….)
 For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the
nozzle size shall be such as to obtain the maximum
discharge possible from two jets at the required
pressure from the smallest pump, provided that a
nozzle size greater than 19 mm need not be used.
All nozzles shall be of an approved dual-purpose
type (i.e., spray/jet type) incorporating a shutoff.

( cont….)
 Standard nozzle sizes are 12, 16 or 19mm.
The recent regulations require nozzles to be of a
dual-purpose type (i.e. spray/jet type) incorporating a
shutoff.

An angle of 30° should be employed to produce a

dense concentrated spray when fighting liquid fires
and an angle of 180° for driving smoke or to provide
protection for advancing personnel.
DUAL PURPOSE NOZZLE
 Fire Pump Capacity
Each of the required fire pumps (other than any
emergency pump ) shall have a capacity not less than 80% of
the total required capacity divided by the minimum number
of required fire pumps, but in any case not less than 25 m3/hr.
Each such pump shall in any event be capable of
delivering at least the two required jets of water. These fire
pumps shall be capable of supplying the fire main system
under the required conditions.
Where more pumps than the minimum of required
pumps are installed the capacity of such additional pumps
shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
 Fire pump non return valve

Every centrifugal pump which is

connected to the fire main shall be fitted with
a non-return valve.
 FIRE CONTROL PLAN
Fire control plan should show clearly the following.
• (a) Control stations on each deck
• (b) The sections of the ship which are enclosed by
fire resisting Bulkheads
• (c) Particulars of fire detection and fire alarms system
• (d) The sprinkler installation (fixed fire fighting system)
• (e) Fire Extinguishing appliances
• (f) Fireman’s out fits
• (g) EEBD
• (h) Ventilations closing arrangements.
• (i) Ventilation fan / oil fuel Pumps / fire Pumps controls
( Shut down from outside E/R)
( cont….)
• (j) QCV remote operation position
• (k) Primary and secondary Escape routes from
Engine room and Accommodation
• (l) Location of International shore connections.
• (m) Fire Hydrants / Hoses location.
• (n) Ships particulars.
• (o) Fire pumps locations
• (p) Spaces protected by fixed fire fighting system Co2 /
Dry powder / Foam/ water.
• (q) Location of fixed CO2 / Foam / Dry powder
installation
• (r) Any other fire fighting equipment with specific
application.
 Location of Fire Control Plan

• Kept outside accommodation, permanently

marked, in a weather tight container, for use of
shore side fire personnel in emergency with
updated crew list.
• Detailed fire control plan displayed in
accommodation, on bridge and in Engine room.
• Any addition of equipment to the fire control
plan must be approved by class and fire control plan
amended.
WATER – FIXED FIRE FIGHTING SYSTEM
 INTERNATIONAL SHORE CONNECTION
•Outside Dia 178 mm
•Inside Dia 64 mm
•Bolt Circle Dia 132mm
•Slots in Flanges: 4 holes, 19
mm in dia, spaced equidistantly
on a bolt circle of the above
dia, slotted to the flange
periphery.
•Flange thickness: 14.5 mm
minimum
•Bolts & Nuts: 4-each of 16
mm dia, 50 mm in length, with
washers.
International shore connection shall be of steel or other equivalent material. Shall be
designed for 1 N/mm2(10 bar ) services. The flange shall have a flat surface on one side
and on the other side shall be permanently attached to a coupling that will fit to the
ship’s hydrant and hose.
The ISC shall be kept onboard together with a gasket of any suitable material suitable for
1N/mm2 services , together with bolts, nuts and 8 washers.
 SAND AS EXTINGUISHING MEDIUM

• Sand is relatively ineffective as an

extinguishing agent and is only useful on small
fires on hard surfaces. Its basic use is to dry up
small spills.
 SCBA Specification
• SCBA Specification:
• Type:
• Capacity of Cylinders:
• Max Pressure: 300 BAR
• Duration: 30 MIN
• Weight:
• Manufacturers: SIGMA 2
• Date of last Servicing
• Date Cylinders last hydrostatically tested
 SCBA - Checks and tests

• Weekly:
• Check for leakage in cylinder and facemasks.
• Monthly:
• Check for overall condition
• Check for air tightness of hood
• Proper functioning of demand valves and alarm.
• For longevity , store face mask in a bag with little talcum powder.
• Air pressure of cylinders within pressure range including spare cylinders
• Safety lamp battery in good condition and lamp working.
• Stowing position clearly marked and identified as per Fire control plan
• ( cont…)
• 3Monthly:
• Soap test to check for leakages in high-pressure hose,
couplings and face masks.

• Yearly:
• SCBA sets to be serviced ashore.

• 5 Yearly:
• Hydrostatic testing of SCBA cylinders to be carried out every
5 years and permanently marked on the cylinders
 Protective Equipment for Chemical tankers

• Contents:
• Large Aprons
• Special long sleeve gloves
• Suitable footwear
• Overalls of chemical resistant material
• Face shields
• Portable thermometer
• Tests , check and maintenance:
• Monthly:
– Check overall condition
– Proper stowage of gear and monthly inventory
– Location properly marked and indicated as per fire control plan
•
 Muster List

• Muster List:
• Displayed in conspicuous places throughout the ship including
bridge, engine room and crew accommodation places.
• To be updated on joining of crew before ship proceeds to sea.
• Details of general emergency Alarms and P.A. system.
• Duties as specified in SOLAS Ch.III Part B Regulation 37.3
• Substitute for key persons.
DECK FOAM SYSTEM
 Types of Fire fighting Equipments onboard

• Fire Hydrants

• Fire Extinguishers – Portable

• Fixed Fire Fighting Systems

 Portable water extinguisher
A representative 9 litre capacity water
extinguisher is shown here

In keeping with all modern extinguishers, it is to

be operated in the upright position.

To operate the extinguisher the safety pin

preventing inadvertent operation should be
removed, then the hose should be unclipped and
appropriately directed.
( cont…)
 To commence discharge, the handle should be
squeezed piercing the disk in the CO2 cylinder and
pressurizing the container.
This pressure forces water up the siphon tube
and into the discharge nozzle . Discharge can be
interrupted by releasing the handle.
9 litre Class A extinguisher has a minimum
discharge range of 6 m and a discharge time of 65 s
and a test pressure of 21 bar. Its full weight is about
15 kg.
CODE DESCRIPTION CODE DESCRIPTION
1 SYPHON TUBE 7 SPRING
AND FILTER
2 HEAD CAP 8 SAFETY PIN
ASSEMBLY
3 0-CLIP 9 CONTROL
SPINDLE
4 DISCHARGE 10 O-RING
HOSE WITH NOZZLE
5 CATRIDGE 11 TUBE HOLDER

6 CONTROL SPINDLE 12 FOAM NOZZLE

INSERT
CODE DESCRIPTION CODE DESCRIPTION
A LEVER J O-RING
B SAFETY PIN K SPRING
C TENSION PIN L CONTROL SPINDLE INSERT
D O-RING M O-RING
E CONTROL SPINDLE N FITTING PIN
F O-RING O O - RING
G HEAD CAP BODY S TUBE HOLDER
H NUT RING V SLEEVE
AFF
CO2 OPERATED WATER EXTINGUISHER
 Portable extinguishers-Water & CO2

Body is made of zinc coated welded steel

Brass neck ring is silver soldered to the top of steel body
and the brass head assembly which incorporates plunger,
handle, swivel safety guard is screwed into it and seals
on a thick rubber washer.
Small radial vent holes are drilled into the head
assembly to relieve internal pressure(when head is
unscrewed in the event nozzle is blocked)
( cont…)
 When the swivel guard is in the protective
position, the spring loaded piercer is slightly
depressed – this serves to keep the extinguisher
vented when not in use and prevents water overflow
due to change in atmospheric conditions.
Contents:
Water(9 liters) with wetting agent to enable the
water to spread more readily. The inner container is
welded steel, zinc coated and contains 74 mg of CO2
@ 36 bar pressure.

=============================================
 Soda Acid Type Portable ( banned )
Contents:
9-Litre sodium bicarbonate solution
Sulphuric acid.
Length of jet is 9m approx.
Working pressure is 2.7 bar to 3 bar
Duration of discharge is 1.5 minutes.
Body of container tested to 25 bar
NOT SUITABLE for oil fires (in E/R) since principal substance discharged is water.
 Foam type-Portable (chemical foam)

Aluminium sulphate-inside
Sodium Bicarbonate-outside
9 litres size
Generates 72 litres foam
7 bar delivery pressure
Jet length 7.5 to 9 m
For 1.5 minutes
Test pressure is 25 bar.
 MECHANICAL FOAM

• Foam is a smothering and cooling-down agent which is used

for extinguishing fires in highly inflammable and combustible
liquids, as well as inhibiting the release of highly inflammable
gases and for cooling-down re-ignitable sources. Foam has
four principle extinguishing functions:
• Suffocate the fire and inhibiting the mixing of air with highly
inflammable vapours.
Lower the pressure of highly inflammable gases and restrict
them from being released.
• Separate the flames from the fuel surface.
• Cool down the fuel and vaporizing surfaces. This system is
suited for Cargo flammable liquid
 Mechanical foam extinguisher
Body is made of welded steel, zinc coated with a
solid brass neck ring silver soldered to it.
The removable head assembly which
incorporates the plunger is made from solid brass
pressing. When the head assembly is screwed into
the neck ring, it presses down on to a thick rubber
washer and flange on the charge container ,thus
providing a seal and securing the charge container
in place.
A nozzle made of aluminium alloy with
fin-protected air holes is connected to a reinforced
hose of one meter in length. The hose is coupled to
a brass elbow coupling which is soldered to the
stainless steel dip tube.
 To prevent accidental discharge , a swivel safety
guard is provided which when in position holds the
spring loaded plunger valve open position, which
vents the extinguisher , thus preventing dribbling
from the nozzle.
Contents:
8.25 liters of water.
0.85 liter of liquid air foam concentrate in a sealed
plastic bag (kept in aluminium alloy tube)
A sealed 0.074kg capsule of CO2 at 53 bar (kept in
the aluminium alloy tube).
(9 liters solution produces 72 liters foam)
Length of jet is 7 meters. @ duration of 50 seconds.
 Types of foam
• Foams are especially suitable for use on liquids
with a density less than that of water (water would
sink and be ineffective in extinguishing the fire). The
properties of foams vary and a foam must be
selected according to the type of fire that it is
intended to control.
• There are two generic foam types. One is based on
hydrolysed protein e.g. protein foam and the other
manufactured from synthetic detergents. From an
environmental point of view , protein foam is
significantly less toxic and more biodegradable than
Synthetic foam.
 Effect of foam
• Foam forms a blanket over fire, suppressing
flame and toxic vapours.
• Stability of water retention - the foam must
have the ability to retain water in order to
perform its cooling function and maintain a
vapour suppressing blanket for as long as
possible.
 PROPERTIES OF FOAM
• Heat resistance: the foam must be able to resist both the
destructive effects of heat radiated from any remaining fire or
hot objects and hot metal surfaces.
• Flowability: to extinguish a fire or cover a spill rapidly and
the foam must flow freely around any obstructions.
• Fuel resistance: a good foam exhibits fuel tolerance and the
ability to minimise fuel pick-up, so that the foam does not get
saturated and burn.
• Chemical resistance: foam for vapour suppression of a toxic spill
should be resistant to the detrimental chemical effects of the
liquid as long as possible.
( cont….)
• Vapour Suppression: In oil as well as other fires, it is vapour
that is burning. When applied, the foam blanket will reduce
the vapour concentration above the surface of the oil. It will
then decrease the rate of evaporation from the surface
and, consequently, reduce the rate of burning.
• Cooling Effect: The water in the foam provides a cooling
effect. Water drains from the foam and allows a gentle
application to the oil surface. Certain foams, e.g- aqueous
film-forming foams, have been developed to provide a fast
drainage rate. The liquid draining out floats on the fuel
surface, forming a film with good surface tension, which gives
a cooling effect and good sealing capability
 Application of foam
• Whenever possible, foam should be applied to a vertical
surface and allowed to run down and spread over the
burning surface.
• An effective foam blanket will not be achieved if it is applied
directly to a burning surface. Also, direct application may
cause burning oil to splash and thus spread the fire.
• If a vertical surface is not available ,the foam should be
applied in full sweeping movement progressively across the
surface until full coverage has been achieved. The aim is to
avoid agitating the fuel surface, otherwise the application of
over 50 per cent extra foam may be required
 Application rate of foam
• When foam is applied to a fire its volume
decreases due to drainage of water (drainage
rate) and evaporation due to the heat
(evaporation rate).
There is a critical application rate of foam
which must exceed these losses, before there
is any possibility of the foam extinguishing the
fire. It is therefore essential to have sufficient
foam capacity available to deal with a fire.
 THERMAL RADIATION BARRIER OF FOAM

• Foam acts as a barrier to thermal radiation

and thus limits evaporation of vapours from
the surface of materials already extinguished,
while insulating other combustible materials
against fire and heat sources.
 PROTIEN FOAM
• Normal protein foams are produced by the decomposition of
protein (such as hoof and hen meal, chicken feathers and
blood) and by interaction with water.-
• Mineral salts are added to improve stability and storage. The
foams produced are very stable and has a good ability to
resist direct flame impingement.
• It is, however, relatively slow in spreading across the oil
surface. Protein foams have the advantage of low cost.
 Fluro protein foam
• Fluroprotein foams are protein foams to which fluorocarbon
surface-active substances have been added
• ('fluro' indicates that the compound contains fluorine). These
added substances give improved characteristic compared with
protein foams as follows:
• faster flow across the fuel surface giving faster 'knock-down'
• superior sealing ability
• better burn back resistance (resistance to flames) improves
extinguishing properties
 SYNTHETIC FOAM
• Synthetic foams are based on mixtures of water-soluble
surface-active agents derived from hydrocarbons usually
containing fluorocarbons with additional stabilisers.
Characteristics of these foams are
• they flow, more freely than protein foams.
• less concentrate than protein foams to produce the same
expansion.
• they have poor burn-back resistance.
• they have a tendency to mix with the fuel.
 AFFF
• Fluro chemical foam is Aqueous Film Forming Foam
commonly referred to as AFFF
AFFF is produced from a combination of flurocarbon
surfactants and stabilizers
Characteristics are:
• Produce more fluid than protein or fluro protein
foams and have a fast drainage rate.
• The liquid draining out ,floats on the fuel surface as
light water. ( cont...)
• A major advantage of AFFF is that they have a low
surface tension that facilitates `wetting' the surface of most
flammable liquids including petrol.
The very thin transparent film formed over the surface of
the fuel provides an effective sealing capacity and helps to
prevent re-ignition. The speed with which the film spreads
makes it especially valuable for use against large area spill
fires of limited depth. These characteristics make them
suitable for use in both portable extinguishers and in
combating major oil tanker fires.
• A foaming agent is incorporated in the
foam compound, which enables AFFF to be
handled in the same way as normal protein
foam compounds.
However, because of its low surface
tension, the foam spreads rapidly and
controls the fire about four times more
effectively than normal protein foam.
 FFFP
• Film Forming Fluoro Protein Foam (FFFP)
• FFFP is a film forming combination of protein
and fluorinated surface-active substances and
stabilisers with similar properties to AFFF, but
with better knock-down and burn-back
properties.
 ALCHO RESISTANCE FOAM

• Alcohol Resistant Foams

• Combustible liquids that are capable of mixing
(miscible), such as alcohols and ketones, react
chemically with normal foam and dissolve it.
• To counteract this, alcohol-resistant foams have
been developed for use on these miscible liquids and
the IMO International Bulk Chemical (IBC) Code list
contains a reference to the type of foam suitable for
each chemical cargo.
 AFFF/FFFP
• In alcohol resistant foams, a polymer ingredient is
added to the foaming agent (protein or fluoro protein)
and a stabiliser which form a fuel-insoluble membrane
at the interface between the liquid and the foam. This
separating membrane prevents the destruction of the
foam.
• Various types of synthetic protein foams as well as
AFFF and FFFP types of alcohol resistant foams
are available.
=========================================
 CO2 FIRE EXTINGUISHER
The body is made of solid drawn steel and
hydraulically tested to 227 bar.
The extinguisher is coated internally and externally
with zinc, external surface painted for finish.
The head assembly is a solid brass pressing and is
screwed into the neck of the steel bottle.
The head assembly incorporates a lever operated
valve, copper dip tube, bursting disc and discharge
horn made of non conducting material.
( cont…)
Contents:
Body is charged with 5 kg of CO2 in liquid form
at 53 bar pressure.
Range is 3 to 4 meters in still air.
Duration of discharge is 20 seconds.
About 2.5 cubic meter of CO2 is produced.
Cooling and smothering action.
Can reach inaccessible places.
Used on Class B & C fires.
Checked for weight every FOUR months.
CO2 EXTINGUISHER
 PORTABLE DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER

There are two main types of dry powder

extinguishers, (1).stored pressure (2)cartridge
operated.
In the stored pressure type, the charge of dry
powder (BC or ABC ‘all purpose’, as appropriate) is
placed in the body of the extinguisher and the
head cap with pressure gauge is fitted. The
extinguisher is then charged to the required
pressure with nitrogen or dry air. Control of the
extinguisher in use is as described below for the
cartridge-operated type.
( cont…)
 When using dry powder in confined spaces care
should be taken to avoid inhalation of the dry
powder or getting it near the eyes, before and after
use.
Although dry powder will rapidly ‘knock down’
the fire, it does not maintain an inert atmosphere and
re-ignition may occur, unless compatible foam or
cooling water is applied.
( cont….)
code description code description
1 GAS TUBE 8 SAFETY PIN
2 BALANCE VALVE 9 CONTROL SPINDLE
3 O-CLIP 10 O-RING
4 DISCH HOSE 11 TUBE HOLDER
WITH NOZZLE
5 CATRIDGE 12 SYPHON TUBE
6 CONTROL 13 HEAD CAP
SPINDLE ASSEMBLY
DRY POWDER EXTINGUISHER
 The balance valve arrangement is provided to
ensure correct fluidization of the dry powder. The
‘rivet-shaped’ balance valve has two different areas
at its ends. The objective is to ensure that the
compressed gas, once released from the cartridge by
the single action of the valve, does not escape
directly through the outlet before passing through
the compacted powder in the body of the
extinguisher.
( cont….)
 The initial squeezing of the handle against the
pressure of the control spring ,forces the firing pin
into the CO2 cartridge disk. This action releases the
compressed gas to the top of the balance valve
holder. Initially the pressure holds the valve closed,
while the remaining gas enters the powder via the
gas tube . While the gas is converting the powder to
its fluidized state, the pressure in the body of the
extinguisher increases,until the pressure acting on
the larger underside of the valve is equal to the
pressure acting downwards. When the pressure is
equal, the difference in the areas of the two ends of
the valve will cause the valve to fully open , allowing
the fluidized powder to pass out of the extinguisher
at an even rate. ( cont….)
• Dry chemical powder is discharged from an
extinguisher as a free flowing cloud. It is most
effective in dealing initially with a fire resulting from
an oil spill on a jetty or on the deck of a tanker ,
but can also be used in confined spaces. It is
especially useful on burning liquids escaping from
leaking pipelines and joints. It is a non-conductor of
electricity and therefore suitable for dealing with
electrical fires. It must be directed into the flames.
• Dry chemical powder has a negligible cooling effect
and affords no protection against re-ignition, for
example, from the presence of hot metal surfaces.
( cont....)
 The gas must pass through the powder to ensure
fluidization and subsequent correct discharge in
order to obtain the maximum fire fighting capability.
To operate the extinguisher the safety pin should
be removed, the hose unclipped, the discharge hose
nozzle directed at the base of the fire, then the
handle squeezed. Releasing the handle interrupts the
discharge. When the extinguisher is lifted from its
bracket the balance valve is seated, under gravity,
against the top of the siphon tube .
=============================================
 DRY CHEMICAL POWDER EXTINGUISHER

Contents:

4.5 kg of dry powder—sodium bicarbonate with

magnesium sterate to prevent caking.
CO2 bottle contains 600 mg of CO2 gas
Range is 3 to 4 meters.
Duration of discharge is 15 seconds.
Construction:
Body made from riveted or welded steel with a brass
neck ring
The neck ring incorporates the CO2 injection tube.
Screwed over the neck ring is the head assembly
which is fitted with a spring loaded plunger and has
screwed into it a replaceable CO2 bottle.

Action :
Smothers a fire similar to a blanket. Sodium
bicarbonate will also produce CO2 due to the heat,
which will further assist in smothering the fire.
 EFFECT OF DRY POWDER

• Powder based agent that extinguishes by

separating the four parts of the
fire tetrahedron. It prevents the chain reaction
between heat, fuel and oxygen and halts the
production of fire sustaining "free-radicals",
thus extinguishing the fire.
 TYPES OF DRY POWDERS

• Ammonium phosphate, also known as

"tri-class", "multipurpose" or "ABC" dry
chemical, used on class A, B, and C fires.
It receives its class A rating from the agent's
ability to melt and flow at 177 °C (350 °F) to
smother the fire. More corrosive than other
dry chemical agents. Pale yellow in colour.

• ( cont...)
• Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or "ordinary" used on
class B and C fires, was the first of the dry chemical
agents developed. It interrupts the fire's chemical
reaction, and was very common in commercial
kitchens ,before the advent of wet chemical agents,
but now is falling out of favour, as it is much less
effective than wet chemical agents for class K fires,
less effective than for class B fires, and is ineffective
on class A fires. White or blue in colour.
• ( cont...)
• Potassium bicarbonate (AKA Purple-K),
used on class B and C fires. About two times as
effective on class B fires as sodium
bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical
agent of the oil and gas industry. Violet
in colour.
• ( cont...)
• Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex
(aka Monnex)
This type used on Class B and C fires. More
effective than all other powders due to its
ability to descrepitate (where the powder
breaks up into smaller particles) in the flame
zone, creating a larger surface area for free
radical inhibition.
( cont...)
• Potassium Chloride, or Super-K dry chemical
was developed in an effort to create a high
efficiency, protein-foam compatible dry
chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to
Purple-K, it was never as popular as other
agents ,since being a salt, it was quite
corrosive. Used for B and C fires.
• White in colour.
=======================================
Inspecting and Recharging Portable Water, Foam and Dry
Powder Extinguishers

Ship’s staff should be capable of making detailed

inspections and recharging portable water, foam and dry
powder extinguishers of the types described above
although shipping companies almost invariably employ
manufacturers’ representatives or specialist contractors
to service fire extinguishers.
Portable extinguishers should be inspected annually
in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The
hydraulic test date on the body of the extinguisher
should be noted and arrangements made for a new test,
if necessary. Nevertheless, the following general
procedures should be observed:
Maintenance of Portable Water Extinguishers

a. Ensure there is no residual pressure in any hose

and/or nozzle assembly.
b. Unscrew the head or valve assembly to not more
than one-third of the extent necessary for full
disengagement, so that any residual pressure
escapes through the holes provided.
c. Note the liquid level and pour the liquid into a clean
container.
d. Examine the extinguisher body internally and
externally for corrosion or damage.
( cont...)
e. Examine the gas cartridge externally and check its
weight against that marked on the cartridge. Note
the hydraulic test date of the cartridge and replace it,
if more than ten years have elapsed since that date.
f. Examine and, if necessary ,clean the vent holes in the
cap.
g. Examine the nozzle, strainer and internal discharge
tube, clean as necessary and ensure there are no
blockages or obstructions.
h Check the operating mechanism and clean as
necessary.
( cont....)
i. Examine the sealing washers and hose and replace
them ,if the parts are not in good condition.
j. Return the original charge to the extinguisher, topping
up as necessary or fill to the indicated level with
fresh water. In the case of special solutions (e.g.
antifreeze or corrosion inhibitor) refill with
recommended mixture.
k. Refit or replace the type of device required to
prevent inadvertent operation. Where appropriate,
fit or reset any device or means used to indicate the
extinguisher may have been operated.
=============================================
Inspection / Recharging of Portable Foam
Extinguishers

Foam extinguishers should be inspected in

accordance with the description given above for
water extinguishers except that foam solution
replaces the water charge. The useful life of a foam
solution depends on its location but, in general, foam
solution should be replaced at least every four years.
In the case of foams based on hydrolysed protein,
bacteriological decay may occur sooner.
(cont...)
 This should be evident from the foul smell of
hydrogen sulphide or decaying organic matter and
the colour of the solution being black rather than
brown. In this case, the foam solution should be
discarded and a new one prepared in accordance
with the manufacturer’s instructions. If the original
foam solution is in good condition, return it to the
extinguisher and, if necessary top up with water to
the correct level.
=============================================
Inspection /Recharging of Portable Dry Powder
Extinguishers

Dry powder extinguishers should be opened only

in the driest available conditions and for the
minimum time needed for examination. The powder
will absorb moisture ,if exposed to air of high relative
humidity or if the powder is colder than the ambient
air. Different types of powder should never be mixed,
as chemical action can take place and produce CO2
and water, often after a delay of some weeks. The
water formed will cause ‘caking’ and the CO2 can
cause a dangerous pressure rise.
( cont...)
 Either the extinguisher should be weighed and
the result checked against the weight recorded ,
when it was first put into service or the dry powder
should be emptied out into a clean container and
weighed. If there is 10 % or more loss of powder, the
extinguisher should be re-charged.
The annual inspection should follow the same
procedure as described above for cartridge-operated
dry powder extinguishers. However, before removing
the dry powder, the cap should be removed and the
powder examined for visual signs of ‘caking’, lumps
or foreign bodies.
( cont...)
 The cap should then be replaced and the
powder agitated by inverting and shaking the
extinguisher. Following this, if there is any sign
of ‘caking’, lumps or foreign bodies, the charge
should be discarded and the extinguisher
recharged.
=======================================
Refilling after Use of Portable Extinguishers

If a cartridge-Operated extinguisher has been

discharged the pressure should be relieved by
inverting it and (directing the hose nozzle away from
the face) gently squeezing the operating handle. This
will relieve the pressure without discharging the
remaining contents. The head or valve assembly can
then be removed. Water or foam extinguishers are
washed out, the remains discarded and the interior
of the extinguisher examined.

( cont....)
 The extinguishers should then be re-charged with
water or new foam solution, as appropriate, in
accordance with the manufacturers instructions (making
an allowance for anti-freeze ,if freezing temperatures are
expected). The procedure for dry powder extinguishers is
similar ,except that they must never be washed out.
In all extinguishers the operation of the head cap,
siphon tube, strainer and nozzle should be checked by
blowing through the nozzle with the handle squeezed.
The head cap should be examined for damage and
reassembled with a new CO2 cartridge. The date of
recharge must be added to the record tag or label on the
extinguisher.
================================================
 NO:ENG/MMAM-37(6)/99Dated:12th December, 2005
Sub: Maintenance, Inspection and Tests of Fire - Protection
and Fire Fighting System on Board Ships.
Ref:- Eng. Circular No. 17 dated 8th October 2003 and
Eng. Circular No. 25 dated 12.4.2004
Maintenance plan
• The maintenance plan should include, but not limited
to the following fire protection systems and Fire-
fighting systems and appliances, where installed.
• (i) Fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants including
hoses, nozzles and international shore connections.
• (ii) Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems
( cont….)
• (iv) Automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm
systems
• (v) Ventilation systems including fire and smoke
dampers, fans and their controls
• (vi) Emergency shut down of fuel supply
• (vii) Fire doors including their controls
• (viii) General emergency alarm systems
• (ix) Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)
• (x) Portable fire extinguishers including spare
charges
(xi) Fire-fighter's outfit.
• Schedule For Hydraulic Pressure Testing Of
Fire Extinguishers

• Every fire extinguisher placed on board ships shall be

hydraulically pressure tested as per the schedule.
• Extinguisher, which fails during the pressure testing, shall be
replaced.

• The hydraulic pressure testing should be carried out such that

at least one third (1/3) of the extinguishers are tested every
year and the pressure testing cycle of all extinguishers are
completed every three years
 Test pressures and Test intervals
Type of Extinguisher Test Interval Test Pressure
Water (gas cartridge) 3 years 1.75 Mpa (17.5 kg/cm2)

Mechanical foam 3 years 1.75 Mpa (17.5 kg/ cm2)

Dry powder type 3 years 2.50 Mpa (25 kg/ cm2)

Duration of test - 2 minutes
Extinguishers To Be Refilled – every year
Operated For Performance Test - every three years
a) Portable/Non-portable fire extinguisher (mechanical foam
type).
b) Portable fire extinguisher, water type (gas cartridge)
c) Portable fire extinguisher, dry powder (cartridge type)
d) Higher capacity dry powder fire extinguisher (trolley mounted)
 Servicing Portable Fire Extinguishers

• All fire extinguishers should be serviced annually by shore,

• Servicing by ship’s crew is acceptable, only if crew is trained in
servicing, testing and examination of fire extinguishers and
extinguisher manufacturer’s servicing instructions are
followed and such testing and inspection is carried out to the
satisfaction of attending class surveyors.
 Spare Charges for extinguishers

• 100 % for the first 10 extinguishers, then 50 %

of the remaining extinguishers ,but not more
than 60 for fire extinguishers capable of being
recharged on board.
• For extinguishers, which cannot be recharged,
additional portable fire extinguishers of the
same quantity type and number as above
 MOBILE FOAM EXTINGUISHERS

Every foam fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire extinguisher

provided in compliance with these rules shall be constructed in
accordance with approved specifications and be of suitable materials
and shall be of sufficient strength to withstand with an adequate factor
of safety the maximum internal pressure to which it may be subjected
and shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure, in
excess of the maximum working pressure. Fore the purpose of this
schedule ,the maximum working pressure shall be the equilibrium
pressure that develops within the body at 700C when the correctly
charged extinguisher has been operated with all outlets closed. The
interior of the extinguisher shall be capable of being examined.
( cont….)
• The body of the extinguisher shall be cylindrical with ends
which shall be dished outwards to a radius not exceeding the
diameter of the body. The body and ends shall be made of
sheet steel which shall be tinned or lead-coated internally,
and every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be
protected against corrosion. The body of the extinguisher
shall be welded.
• Where the extinguisher is provided with a gas cylinder
as the means for expelling the extinguishing medium,
such gas cylinder shall be constructed to approved
specifications.
• ( cont ….)
 The extinguisher actuating mechanism shall be protected
so that it is safeguarded against inadvertent operation.
A reinforced discharge hose shall be provided together
with a nozzle, the area of which shall be such that when the
extinguisher is operated, the foam is projected to a distance
of 14 metres for a period not less than 90 seconds, in the
case of an extinguisher of 135 litres capacity or over and to
distance of 10 metres for a period not less than 60 seconds
in the case of an extinguisher of under 135 litres capacity.
The nozzle and the reinforced discharge hose should be
capable to withstand four times the maximum working
pressure specified.
 The charge and the air space above the level of the
solution in the body shall be so regulated that the maximum
pressure in the extinguisher when put into action, with all
outlets closed, does not exceed 19.50 bar/ 1.95 N/mm2 with
solution at a temperature of 380C.
The extinguisher shall be capable of withstanding for a
period of 5 minutes an internal pressure of 1-1/2 times the
maximum working pressure specified , when put into action
with all outlets closed, and in no event of less than 24.5 bar
(2.45 N/mm2).

====================================================
 Mobile CO2 extinguisher

• Every carbon dioxide non portable fire extinguisher

provided in compliance with these rules shall be provided and
constructed in accordance with approved specifications.
• Each cylinder shall be provided with an internal
discharge tube, and a valve to release the gas.
• The extinguisher shall be provided with a discharge hose
which shall be reinforced, so as to withstand a pressure of at
least 122 bar (12.2 N/mm2) when the necessary couplings are
fitted.
 Test of mobile CO2 extinguisher

Capacity of
extinguisher Period
_____________________________________
16.0 Kg. 30 to 45 seconds
45.0 Kg. 60 to 90 seconds
 Non-Portable Dry Powder Extinguishers

Every dry powder fire extinguisher, other than a portable fire

extinguisher, provided in compliance with these rule shall be
constructed of suitable materials and shall be of an efficient design
and of sufficient strength to withstand with an adequate factor of
safety the maximum internal pressure to which it may be subjected
and shall be capable of withstanding a test by hydraulic pressure
suitably in excess of the maximum working pressure. For the
purpose of this schedule, the maximum working pressure shall be
the equilibrium pressure that develops within the body at 70 0C
when the correctly charged extinguisher has been operated with all
outlets closed
(cont…)
• Where the extinguisher is provided with a gas cylinder as the means for
expelling the extinguishing medium, such gas cylinder shall be in accordance
with approved specifications.
The extinguisher shall be provided with a nozzle and a reinforced
discharge hose constructed to withstand four times the maximum working
pressure specified.
Any necessary openings in the extinguisher body shall be fitted with caps
or covers so designed that any pressure remaining in the container may be
released gradually before the cap or cover can be removed completely.
Every part of the extinguisher shall, where necessary, be protected
against corrosion.
The extinguisher shall be effectively sealed to prevent the ingress of
moisture, but such sealing arrangements shall not interfere with the discharge
of the extinguisher.
The extinguisher shall be provided with a controllable device to enable the
discharge to be interrupted.

=========================================
 Foam applicator

Every portable foam applicator unit provided in

compliance with these rules shall be provided with
• (a) an induction type of air-foam nozzle capable of being
connected to the fire main by means of a fire hose.
• (b) a portable tank containing at least 20 litres of form
concentrate from which the nozzle can induce the
contents.
• (c) a spare tank identical to the one above.
• ( cont….)
 The nozzle at the minimum hydrant pressure
on the ship permitted shall be capable of producing
effective foam suitable for extinguishing an oil fire at
the rate of at least 1.5 cubic metres per minute.

The foam expansion ratio (i.e the ratio of the

volume of foam produced to the volume of foam
solution) shall not exceed 12 to 1.

(cont….)
• Foam Applicator

• Container capacity : 20 liters

• Capacity : 400L/Min

• Total No. Onboard : 2

(cont...)
 How to use foam applicator
• Connect the HOSE to the hydrant, nearest to the site of fire.
• Connect the other end of hose to the FOAM GUN.
• Insert the PIPE (connected to the foam gun, by means of
rubber hose), in one of the containers, containing foam
concentrate.
• Open the hydrant to allow flow of water.
• Water comes out through the foam gun, thereby causing
foam concentrate to be sucked through the small rubber
hose, due to ‘VENTURI’ effect, thus providing foam for fire
fighting.
Foam applicator
 MOBILE FIRE EXTINGUISHERS

• Total nos. onboard : 2

• Locations :
• 135 lts outside ECR
• 45 lts E/R , near boiler water circulating pump.
• Operation :
• Take the mobile extinguisher to the site of fire.
• Take out the nozzle and direct towards fire
• Open the CO2 cylinder bottle valve, to release the propellant gas.
• Squeeze the nozzle handle to discharge foam contents.
•
Wheeled foam extinguisher
 SEMI PORTABLE FOAM EXTINGUISHER

To operate this semi portable unit, the discharge hose is

uncoiled and CO2 slowly released into the body of the extinguisher.
The internal pressure forces the foam solution up an internal syphon
tube to the discharge hose and foam lance where it is aspirated to
produce finished foam. A trigger on the lance controls the discharge.

This class AB extinguisher has a continuous discharge time of 95

seconds and a minimum discharge range of 15 m.
 FIRE CONTROL STATION
• Central control station is a control station in which the
following control and indicator functions are centralized:

• .1 fixed fire detection and alarm systems;

• .2 automatic sprinklers, fire detection and alarm systems;
• .3 fire door indicator panels;
• .4 fire door closures;
• .5 watertight door indicator panels;
• .6 watertight door closures;
• .7 ventilation fans;
• .8 general/fire alarms;
• .9 communication systems including telephones; and
• .10 microphones to public address systems.
Fire fighting procedure
Fire fighting proceedure
Fire man out fit
Crow bar
Safety torch
firefire
Life line
Fire man’s boots
SCBA