The Fishing Vessels (Safety Provisions) Rules 1975

Requirements for fixed pressure water spraying system for machinery spaces

112.—(1) In every vessel to which these Rules apply every fixed pressure water spraying system shall be provided with a pump, piping system, control valve and spraying nozzles.

(2) In every such vessel the spraying nozzles shall be of such a type, sufficient in number and so arranged as to ensure such distribution of water spray as will effectively extinguish oil on fire in the spaces protected thereby. Spraying nozzles shall be fitted above bilges, tank tops and other areas over which oil fuel is liable to spread and above other main fire hazards in the spaces to be protected.

(3) In every such vessel the water spraying system may be divided into sections and shall be controlled from distribution manifolds, the valves of which shall be capable of being operated from easily accessible positions outside the spaces to be protected, and which will not be readily cut off by an outbreak of fire.

(4) In every such vessel the water spraying system shall be kept charged at the necessary pressure and the pump supplying the water for the system shall be automatically put into action by a pressure drop in the system.

(5) In every such vessel the pump shall be capable of supplying water at the necessary pressure simultaneously to all sections of the water spraying system in any one compartment to be protected. The pump and its controls shall be installed outside the space or spaces to be protected. It shall not be possible for a fire in the space or spaces protected by the water spraying system to put the system out of action.

(6) In every such vessel means shall be provided which will prevent nozzles from becoming clogged by impurities in the water or corrosion of piping, nozzles, valves and pump.

(7) In every such vessel the water spraying system shall include mobile sprayers ready for immediate use in the firing area of the boiler or in the vicinity of the oil fuel unit.

(8) In every such vessel operating instructions in clear and permanent lettering shall be affixed to every water spraying system or in a position adjacent thereto.