MSC.1 Circ. 1430 " Fixed Based FiFi Systems for Ro-Ro Spaces"

The MSC, at its 84 session approved Guidelines for the approval of fixed water-based FiFi systems for Ro-Ro.

Circular MSC.1/Circ. 1430 supersedes MSC.1/Circ. 1272.

This guidelines are intended for the design and approval  of fixed water-based Fire fighting systems for open and close Ro-Ro spaces and special category spaces as defined in SOLAS II-2/3.13; II-2/3.36; II-2/3.46 and II-2/3.49.

PRINCIPAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL SYSTEMS:

1. The system may be automatically activated, automatically activated with provisions for manual activation or manually activated.
2. All system should be divided into sections. Each section should be capable of being isolated by one section control valve. The valve should be located outside the protected space and its location clearly and permanently indicated. It should be possible to manually manipulate or via control system routed outside the protected space. Means shall be provided to prevent unauthorized operation. Location shall be adequately ventilated.
3. The piping system should be sized in accordance with a hydraulic calculation technique such as Hazen-Williams or Dacy-Weisbach.
4. The pressure source system equipment should be located outside the protected space as well as all power supply components and have a minimum rating of IP 54.
5. Activation of automatic system should give a visual and audible alarm at a continuously manned station, showing the specific area activated. Described alarms are in addition to the detection and fire alarm system required by SOLAS II-2/20.4
6. Wet pipe systems on board vessels where temperatures can be expected below 0 ºC, should be protected fro freezing, either by having temperature control of the space. heating coils on pipes, antifreeze agents or other equivalents measures.
7. The capacity of the water supply system should be sufficient for the total simultaneous coverage of the minimum coverage are of tables 4.1 to 4.3 and 5.1 (see MSC.1/Circ 1430) and the vertical applicable areas as defined  in paragraph 22.
8. The system should be provided with a redundant mean of pumping or otherwise supplying a water-based extinguishing medium to the system with a capacity sufficient to compensate for the loss of any single supply pump or alternative source.
9. The system should be provided with a permanent sea inlet and be capable of continuous operation during a fire using sea water.
10. The system and its components to withstand ambient Temperature, vibration, humidity, shock, impact, clogging and corrosion. Piping, pipes fittings and related components except gaskets inside protected spaces to withstand 925 ºC, Distribution pipe of galvanize steel, stainless steel or equivalent. Sprinklers and nozzles to comply with paragraph 11.
11. The system and its components should be designed and installed based on international Standards acceptable for the Organization. The nozzles should be manufactured and tested in accordance with MSC/Circ. 1165.
12. Means for testing the automatic operation of the system and assuring the pressure and flow should be provided.
13. If the system is pre-primed with water containing a fire suppression enhancing additive and/or antifreeze agent, periodic inspection and testing, as specified by the manufacture, should be undertaken. Additive should be approve for fire protection service.
14. Operating instruction should be displayed at each operating position.
15. Installation plans, operating manuals and instructions for testing and maintenance should be supplied to the ship and readily available on board. 
16. Spare Parts should be provided, in the case of automatic sprinkler system, the total number of spare sprinkler heads for each type sahl be six for the first 300, 12 for the first 1000.
17. Where automatic system are installed, a warning notice should be displayed outside each entry point stating the type of media use and the possibility of automatic release.
18. All installation, operation and maintenance instructions should be in the working language of the ship.
19. Any foam concentrates used should comply with the revised guidelines for the performance and testing criteria and surveys of foam concentrates for fixed fire-extinguishing systems (MSC.1/Circ. 1312)
20. Means for flushing the system with fresh water should be provided.
21. The presence of obstructions and the potential for shielding of the water spry should be evaluated to ensure system performance is not affected.
22. System should be designed for simultaneous coverage of vertically applicable area at the minimum  water discharge density as per tables 4.1 to 4.3 indicated in the MSC.1/ Circ 1430.
23. All release controls for deluge system, monitor for any CCTV, control panel for fire detection system, water pressure on the discharge side and the position indication of all section valve should be available in a continuously manned control station. 
24. The length of a deluge section should not be less than 20 m and the with no less than 14 m.