Details about International Shore Connection
At least one such connection is required to be provided on every ship with facilities to enable it to be used on either side of the ship. The use is such that, in an emergency if own ship is unable to give deck water then means are to be provided to charge the fire line from shore facility.
To achieve this, the International Shore Connection (ISC) is provided. The ISC coupling end is connected to the ship’s fire mains. Shore is supposed to provide a similar coupling suitable for their fire hoses. This shore coupling flange end is connected to ship’s ISC flange end. Now shore fire hose is connected to shore coupling and the ship’s fire line is charged with sea water. Thus to get ship’s fire line charged with shore facility two ISC are required, one provided by ship and one provided by shore and both flange ends should have international standards. That is the reason for its name “International Shore Connection”.
The material used in the manufacture of ISC is brass or bronze suitable for 150 PSI service
pressure. Usually the nuts, bolts and washers are made of brass. Otherwise in case of actual
emergency the nuts and bolts might be beyond use due to corrosion. The ISC is also required to have its particular dimensions as shown in the table below. Except the coupling end, other dimensions are fixed. The coupling end is to be of the type suitable for the ships hydrants. Any ISC cannot be installed on board the ship.
The connection should be kept on board with a ready gasket of material that can handle a pressure of 1,0 N/mm2 together with four 16mm bolts, 50 mm in length and 8 washers so that the connection can be readily used in case of an emergency situation.
Ref: Seamanship book by Late Capt. J. Dinger & FSS Code
