Vessel Fire Safety Regulations (SOR/2017-14)

334 (1) A vessel of a length overall set out in column 1 of the table to this subsection must be fitted with the number and type of fixed fire pumps set out in column 2 that have the water capacity set out in column 3 and the fire main diameter set out in column 4.

(2) If a bilge, sanitary or general service pump is used as a fire pump, a non-return valve or swing check valve must be fitted between the sea connection and the bilge suction to positively prevent the discharge of water into the bilge compartments. The bilge pumping system and the fire pumping system must be capable of simultaneous operation.

(3) A power-driven fire pump must not be powered by a main engine unless the engine can be operated independently of the propeller shafting.

(4) Relief valves must be provided for every fire pump that is capable of developing a pressure exceeding the design pressure of the fire piping, the fire hydrants or the fire hoses. The valves must be placed and adjusted to prevent excessive pressure in any part of the firefighting system.

(5) If one fire pump is required, it must be located outside the machinery space and be provided with a sea connection outside the space. If the pump is power-driven, it must be provided with a source of power outside the space.

(6) If two fire pumps are required, they must be located in separate compartments and be provided with sea connections independent of one another. If both of those pumps are power-driven, they must be provided with sources of power independent of one another.

(7) On a vessel fitted with two or more fire pumps connected to a common piping system, a non-return valve must be fitted to the discharge line of each pump to prevent water from backing through the pump when it is not operating.

(8) Every fire pump must

• (a) be self-priming; and

• (b) be capable of delivering a jet of water of at least 12 m from the nozzle.

(9) Every fire pump must, unless it is on the open deck, be made of non-combustible materials.

(10) Every fire pump impeller must be of a type that will not be damaged by heat from the pump or by the pump running dry.

(11) Every sea connection of a fire pump must have arrangements to prevent blockage of the connection’s inlet by ice, slush or debris.