Section 6 Other Operational Requirements

601. Fire control plan

A fire control plan complying with SOLAS regulation II-2/15.2.4 is to be permanently exhibited.

602. Operational readiness and maintenance

1. The following functional provisions are to be met:

(1) gas detection systems, fire protection systems and fire fighting systems and appliances are to be maintained ready for use;and

(2) gas detection systems, fire protection systems and fire fighting systems and appliances are to be properly tested and inspected.

2. At all times while the unit is in service, the provisions of Par 1 are to be complied with. A unit is not in service when:

(1) it is in for repairs or lay up (either at anchor or in port) or in drydock;a

(2) it is declared not in service by the owner or the owner’s representative.

3. Operational readiness

(1) The following gas detection and fire protection systems are to be kept in good order so as to ensure their intended performance if a fire occurs:

(A) structural fire protection including fire-resisting divisions and protection of openings and pen- etrations in these divisions;

(B) fire detection and fire alarm systems;

(C) gas detection and alarm systems;and

(D) means of escape systems and appliances.

(2) Fire-fighting systems and appliances and portable gas detection systems are to be kept in good

working order and readily available for immediate use. Portable extinguishers which have been discharged are to be immediately recharged or replaced with an equivalent unit.

4. Maintenance, testing and inspections

(1) Maintenance, testing and inspections are to be carried out based on the "Guidelines on main- tenance and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances (MSC/Circ.850)" developed by the IMO and in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of fire fighting systems and appliances.

(2) The maintenance plan is to be kept on board the unit and be available for inspection whenever required by the Society.

(3) The maintenance plan is to include at least the following fire protection systems and fire fight-

ing systems and appliances, where installed:

(A) fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants including hoses, nozzles and international nections;

(B) fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;

(C) fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing appliances;

(D) automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;

(E) ventilation systems including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their controls;

(F) emergency shut down of fuel supply;

(G) fire doors including their controls;

(H) general emergency alarm systems;

(I) emergency escape breathing devices;

(J) portable fire extinguishers including spare charges or spare extinguishers;

(K) portable hydrogen sulphide gas detection monitoring devices;

(L) portable flammable gas and oxygen monitoring devices;

(M) gas detection and alarm systems;and

(N) fire-fighter’s outfits.

(4) The maintenance programme may be computer-based.

shore con-