(a) Except as provided by paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section, each vessel must be equipped with a fire main that complies with this subpart.

(b) Each vessel of less than 100 gross tons and not more than 19.8 meters (65 feet) in length may have, instead of a fire main that complies with this subpart, a hand-operated pump and a hose capable of providing an effective stream of water to each part of the vessel.

(c) A garden hose of nominal inside diameter of at least 16 millimeters (5/8-inch) complies with paragraph (b) of this section if the hose is—

(1) Of good commercial grade and is constructed of an inner rubber tube, plies of braided-fabric reinforcement, and an outer cover made of rubber or equivalent fire-resistant material; and

(2) Fitted with a commercial garden-hose nozzle of high-grade bronze or equivalent metal capable of providing a solid stream and a spray pattern.

(d) Each OSV of at least 6,000 GT ITC (500 GRT if GT ITC is not assigned) must, in addition to complying with the requirements necessary to satisfy § 125.105(a) and (b) of this subchapter—

(1) Have two fire pumps, each capable of delivering water simultaneously from the two highest outlets at a pitot tube pressure of approximately 75 p.s.i.; and

(2) Have fire hoses and nozzles that comply with § 34.10-10 of this chapter.

(e) The regulations in this part have preemptive effect over State or local regulations in the same field.

[CGD 82-004 and CGD 86-074, 62 FR 49348, Sept. 19, 1997, as amended by USCG-2006-24797, 77 FR 33884, June 7, 2012; USCG-2012-0208, 79 FR 48937, Aug. 18, 2014]

(a) Except as provided for liftboats by § 134.180 of this subchapter, each fitting, flange, valve, and run of piping must meet the applicable requirements of part 128 of this subchapter. Piping must be—

(1) Hot-dip galvanized;

(2) At least extra-heavy schedule; or

(3) Of a suitable corrosion-resistant material.

(b) Each distribution cut-off valve must be marked in compliance with § 131.820 of this subchapter.

(a) Except as provided by § 132.100(b) of this subpart, each vessel must be equipped with one self-priming power-driven fire pump capable of delivering a single stream of water from the highest hydrant, through the hose and nozzle at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi [pounds per square inch]).

(b) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a pressure gauge.

(c) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a relief valve set to relieve at either 172 kPa (25 psi) in excess of the pressure necessary to maintain the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or 862 kPa (125 psi), whichever is greater. The relief valve is optional if the pump is not capable of developing pressure exceeding the greater amount.

(d) If two propulsion engines are installed, the pump required by paragraph (a) of this section may be driven by one of the engines. If only one propulsion engine is installed, the pump must be driven by a source of power independent of the engine.

(e) If two fire pumps are installed, and if one pump remains available for service on the fire main at any time, the other pump may be used for other purposes.

(f) Each fire pump must be capable of providing the quantity of water required to comply with paragraph (a) of this section while meeting any other demands placed on it, as by a branch line connected to the fire main for washing the anchor or the deck.

(g) No branch line may be directly connected to the fire main except for fighting fires or for washing the anchor or the deck. Each discharge line for any other purpose must be clearly marked and must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.

(h) When a fire monitor is connected to the fire main system, it must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.

(i) The total cross-sectional area of piping leading from a fire pump may not be less than that of the pump-discharge outlet.

(j) In no case may a pump connected to a line for flammable or combustible liquid be used as a fire pump.

(k) A fire pump must be capable of both manual operation at the pump and, if a remote operating station is fitted, operation at that station.

(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of this section, ire stations must be so numerous and so placed that each part of the vessel accessible to persons aboard while the vessel is being operated, and each cargo hold, are reachable by at least two effective spray patterns of water. At least two such patterns must come from separate hydrants. At least one must come from a single length of hose.

(b) Each part of the main machinery space, including the shaft alley if it contains space assigned for the stowage of combustibles, must be reachable by at least two streams of water. Each stream must come from a single length of hose, from a separate fire station.

(c) Each fire station must be numbered in compliance with § 131.830 of this subchapter.

(d) Each part of the fire main on a weather deck must be either protected against freezing or fitted with cut-out valves and drain valves so that exposed parts of the piping may be shut off and drained in freezing weather. Except when closed against freezing, the cut-out valves must be sealed open.

(e) Each outlet at a fire hydrant must be at least 38 millimeters (1 1/2 inch) in diameter and, to minimize the possibility of kinking, must be fitted so that no hose leads upward from it.

(f) Each fire station must be equipped with a spanner suitable for use on the hose there.

(g) Each fire station must have at least one length of fire hose. Each hose on the station must have a fire nozzle approved under subpart 162.027 of this chapter that can discharge both solid stream and water spray.

(h) Each pipe and fire hydrant must be placed so that the fire hose may be easily coupled to them. Each station must be readily accessible. No deck cargo may interfere with access to the stations; each pipe must run as far away from this cargo as practicable, to avoid risk of damage by the cargo.

(i) Each fire hydrant or “Y” branch must be equipped with a valve such that the fire hose may be removed while there is pressure on the fire main.

(j) Each fire hydrant connection must be of brass, bronze, or equivalent metal. The threads of fire hose couplings must be of brass or other suitable corrosion-resistant material and comply with NFPA 1963.

(k) Each fire hydrant must have a fire hose 15.2 meters (50 feet) in length, with a minimum diameter of 38 millimeters (1 1/2 inches), connected to an outlet, for use at any time.

(l) No fire hose, when part of the fire equipment, may be used for any purpose except fire-fighting, fire drills, and testing.

(m) A suitable hose rack or other device must be provided for each fire hose. Each rack on a weather deck must be placed so as to protect its hose from heavy weather.

(n) Each section of fire hose must be lined commercial fire hose, or lined fire hose that meets Standard 19 of Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (UL). Hose that bears the UL label as lined fire hose complies with this section.