SOLAS requirement for Fire Hoses
This article deals with the SOLAS requirement for Fire Hoses for all types of vessels. The SOLAS is very clear regarding the requirement for fire hoses on board vessel. Lets take a look at those requirements.
As per SOLAS Ch II/2 – Regulation 10, fire hoses shall be of non-perishable material approved by the Administration and sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may
be required to be used. Each hose shall be provided with a nozzle and the necessary
couplings. These hoses shall, together with any necessary fittings and tools, be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near the water hydrants.
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Additionally, in interior locations in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers fire hoses shall be connected to the hydrants at all times. Fire hoses shall have a length of at least 10 m, but not more than:
1) 15 m in machinery spaces
2) 20 m in other spaces and open decks
3) 25 m for open decks on ships with a maximum breadth in excess of 30 m.
Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles. Ships shall be provided with fire hoses the number and diameter of which shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration.
In cargo ships:
1) 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 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. Ships carrying dangerous goods as described in SOLAS Ch 2-2, Regulation 19 shall be provided with 3 hoses and nozzles, in addition to those required above.
2) of less than 1,000 gross tonnage, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall in no case, be less than three.
The standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 mm, 16 mm and 19 mm or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the discretion of the Administration. For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 mm need not be used. 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.
