Meeting the requirements of SOLAS and the FSS Code
The 2014 amendments to SOLAS and the Fire Safety Systems (FSS) Code adopted by IMO Resolutions MSC.338(91) and MSC.339(91) will enter into force on 1 July, 2014, introducing revised and new requirements for fire-fighter’s outfit breathing apparatus and two-way portable radiotelephone apparatuses.
Owners and operators of new and existing ships should ensure that the fire fighters’ outfits on their vessels meet the requirements of SOLAS and the FSS Code and that any changes to the fire locker contents are shown on the vessel’s fire control plans, if included.
| Breathing apparatus |
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| Two-way portable radiotelephone apparatuses |
| New SOLAS regulation II-2/10.10.4 requires that: “For ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014, a minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter’s communication shall be carried on board. Those two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus shall be of an explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe. Ships constructed before 1 July, 2014 shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph not later than the first safety equipment survey after 1 July, 2018.” |
Is there a requirement for scba used to fight chemical contamination onboard merchant ships to have a positive pressure type face mask fitted to the scba? Plz help
Akshay, all SCBA sets used today should be positive pressure, the mask design has nothing to contribute in that regard.
If you lift the seal of the mask it will leak (if worn acording to the manufacturers instructions), that demonstrates positive pressure inside the mask.
Some manufacturers recommend doing the seal lift when donning an SCBA as part of the pre-work checks known as the low pressure test.
Hope this helps?
Ian,
Maritime Firefighting Centre
Australian Maritime College
What is the standard fireman’s outfit?
what are the limitations for the fire mans suit which the fire fighters should be aware of when they are entering a fire compartment.
As a vendor of Safety related products for the maritime sector we often receive rfq’s for a fireman’s outfit (jacket and trousers) where the client mentions “no any metal buttons or latches that will transfer heat to wearer”. Although I understand the nature of their question I just cannot find any relating regulations where this requirement is mentioned.
Naturally I first asked the manufacturer but they do not seem to be aware of this either.
Does anyone know if there’s a regulation for this?
Fireman Outfits Jackets with metal buttons are noted as deficiency during Paris MOU PSC inspections since the metal buttons warm up and cause heat transfer to the fireman. Alternative is to supply outfits with zipper and velcro closing arrangements. For example: fire buddy plus outfit from survitec.
Is it required for the radio to always charge when not in use?
No, it should only be charged at all time!
Goo day
Is there any requirement, by SOLAS or any other regulation, for the donning time at ships (tankers) ???
hi everyone. Is it necessary to mark two-way radio for fireman on a fire plan?
SOLAS does not say anything about marking. FSS Code also does not say anything about changing fire plan due to new requirement.
So is it necessary to mark Radios anywhere?
Radio is not a part of Fireman’s outfit. I would say it is a additional equipment just like life line
Does anyone has some experience with PSC interpretation about that?