Rules for Fire Protection, Detection and Extinction for the Issue and Maintenance of Statutory Certificates
other than SOLAS Certificates
Section 3: Cargo ships
10
CARGO SHIPS OF 4000 GROSS
TONNAGE AND UPWARDS
STRUCTURAL PROTECTION
1.1.1
The hull, superstructure, structural bulkheads,
decks and deckhouses are to be constructed of
steel, except where RINA may sanction the use
of other suitable material (such as aluminium
alloy) in special cases, bearing in mind the risk of
fire, if this material is insulated in such a way that
the structure cannot collapse in the event of fire.
1.1.2
As far as compatible with the size of the ship,
boundaries separating spaces of the following
categories are generally to be made of steel or
other equivalent material meeting the
requirement of at least “A-0” class:
accommodation spaces, machinery spaces,
control stations, cargo spaces, service spaces
with a high fire risk and any spaces intended for
the carriage of motor vehicles.
1.1.3
In accommodation spaces, the corridor
bulkheads are to be of steel or constructed of B
class panels. If these bulkheads are of steel, the
face exposed to the corridor is, as a rule, to be
bare or lined with non-combustible material; it
may, however, be lined with combustible material
provided that the plate is insulated in such a way
as to obtain a B-15 class bulkhead. In any case
the ceilings in the corridors, including their
supports, are to be of non-combustible material.
1.1.4
When A class divisions are penetrated for the
passage of electrical cables, pipes, ducts, etc. or
are pierced by the fitting of stringers, beams and
other similar structures or vent outlets, lighting
apparatus and other similar apparatus, such
penetrations are to be tested in accordance with
the Fire Test Procedures Code. In the case of
ventilation ducts, [1.1.14] to [1.1.16] apply.
However, where a pipe penetration is made of
steel or equivalent material having a thickness of
3 mm or greater and a length of not less than 900
mm (preferably 450 mm on each side of the
division), and no openings, testing is not required.
Such penetrations are to be suitably insulated by
extension of the insulation at the same level as
the division.
1.1.5
When "B" class divisions are penetrated for the
passage of electrical cables, pipes, trunks, ducts,
etc., or for the fitting of ventilation terminals,
lighting fixtures and similar devices,
arrangements are to be made to ensure that the
fire resistance is not impaired, subject to the
provisions of paragraph [1.1.16] c). Pipes other
than steel or copper that penetrate "B" class
divisions are to be protected by either:
a) a fire tested penetration device, suitable for
the fire resistance of the division pierced and
the type of pipe used; or
b) a steel sleeve, having a thickness of not less
than 1,8 mm and a length of not less than 900
mm for pipe diameters of 150 mm or more and
not less than 600 mm for pipe diameters of less
than 150 mm (preferably equally divided on
each side of the division). The pipes are to be
connected to the ends of the sleeve by flanges
or couplings, or the clearance between the
sleeve and the pipe is to not exceed 2,5 mm,
or any clearance between pipe and sleeve is to
be made tight by means of non-combustible or
other suitable material.
1.1.6
Uninsulated metallic pipes penetrating "A" or "B"
class divisions are to be of materials having a
melting temperature which exceeds 950°C for “A-
0” and 850°C for “B-0” class divisions.
1.1.7
Deck coverings within accommodation spaces on
the decks forming the crown of machinery and
cargo spaces are to be of a type which does not
readily ignite.
1.1.8
Interior stairways and associated supports are to
be of steel or other material deemed suitable by
RINA. Crew lift trunks within accommodation
spaces are to be of steel or equivalent material.
1.1.9
Bulkheads of galleys, paint stores, lamp rooms,
boatswain’s stores when adjacent to
accommodation spaces and emergency
generator rooms, if any, are to be of steel or
equivalent material. The face of these bulkheads
external to such spaces (and also the internal
face for spaces containing emergency generators
or similar) is, as a rule, be to bare or lined with
non-combustible material; it may, however, be
lined with combustible material provided that the
plate is insulated in such a way as to obtain an
“A-60” class bulkhead.
For the boundaries of cargo spaces intended for
the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel (gasoline,
LPG or methane) in their tanks for their own
propulsion, see [1.11.3] and [1.11.4].