SOLAS require
under 7.1.3 that Cargo spaces on cargo ships of 2.000 GT and above shall be
protected by a fixed CO2 system, Inert gas System or by a fire-extinguishing
system which provides equivalent protection. The same convention state, under
7.2, that a ship engaged in the carriage of Dangerous Goods “DG” in any cargo
space shall be also provided with a CO2 system, inert gas system or a
equivalent fire protection system.
Under SOLAS 7.1.4
is stated that The Administration may exempt from the above mentioned
requirements, cargo spaces of any cargo ship if constructed, and solely
intended for, the carriage of ore, coal, grain, unseasoned timber,
non-combustible cargoes or cargoes which, in the opinion of the Administration,
constitute a low fire risk. These exemptions may be only granted if the ship is
fitted with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing ventilators and
other openings.
When such
exemption is granted, the administration shall issued a Exemption Certificate,
irrespective of the date of construction and shall ensure the list of cargoes
the ship is permitted to carry is attach to such certificate. The Exemption Certificate
shall be issued with validity similar to the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment
Certificate (CSSEC). When a short Term CSSEC shall be issued, the Exemption
Certificate shall be also issued for the same period and when all conditions
have been dealt with the exemption certificate shall be reinstated for the same
period of the Full Term CSSEC.
In view of before,
The Maritime Safety Committee agreed that there were a need to provide
administrations with guide lines regarding the provisions of SOLAS II-2/10/7.1.4,
concerning exemptions from the requirements for fire extinguishing systems.
Therefore the Marine safety committee between 11 and 20 of May 2011, review the
list of solid bulk cargoes, approved by MSC/Circ.671, to align certain names in
the list with those in the recent version of the IMDG Code, and approve them,
as set out in table 1 & 2 of the annex to MSC/Circ.1395
