Presentation contains links to official documents such as SOLAS and IMO MSC circulars and describes inspection procedure for Fire Hoses and Hydrants on board marine vessel.

1. Fire Hoses & Hydrants
Promo version
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Fire & Safety Equipment Series

2. Requirements
on FH’s carriage and storage
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
2.3 Fire hoses and nozzles
2.3.1 General specifications
2.3.1.1 Fire hoses shall be of non-perishable material approved by the Administration and shall
be sufficient in length to project a jet of water to any of the spaces in which they may be required
to be used.
Each hose shall be provided with a nozzle and the necessary couplings. Hoses specified in this
chapter as "fire hoses" shall, together with any necessary fittings and tools, be kept ready for use
in conspicuous positions near the water service hydrants or connections. Additionally, in interior
locations in passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers fire hoses shall be connected to
the hydrants at all times.

3. Requirements
on FH’s carriage and storage
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
Fire hoses shall have a length of at least 10 m, but not more than:
.1 15 m in machinery spaces;
.2 20 m in other spaces and open decks; and
.3 25 m for open decks on ships with a maximum breadth in excess of 30 m.
2.3.1.2 Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be
complete interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

4. Requirements
on FH’s carriage and storage
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
2.3.2 Number and diameter of fire hoses
2.3.2.1 Ships shall be provided with fire hoses the number and diameter of which shall be to the
satisfaction of the Administration.
2.3.2.2 In passenger ships, there shall be at least one fire hose for each of the hydrants required
by paragraph 2.1.5 and these hoses shall be used only for the purposes of extinguishing fires or
testing the fire-extinguishing apparatus at fire drills and surveys.

5. Requirements
on FH’s carriage and storage
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
2.3.2 Number and diameter of fire hoses
2.3.2.3 In cargo ships:
.1 of 1,000 gross tonnage and upwards, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall be one for
each 30 m length of the ship and one spare but in no case less than five in all.
This number does not include any hoses required in any engine or boiler room. The
Administration may increase the number of hoses required so as to ensure that hoses in
sufficient number are available and accessible at all times, having regard to the type of ship and
the nature of trade in which the ship is employed. Ships carrying dangerous goods in accordance
with regulation 19 shall be provided with 3 hoses and nozzles, in addition to those required
above; and
.2 of less than 1,000 gross tonnage, the number of fire hoses to be provided shall be
calculated in accordance with the provisions of paragraph 2.3.2.3.1. However, the number of
hoses shall in no case be less than three.

6. Requirements
on FH’s carriage and storage
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
2.3.3 Size and types of nozzles
2.3.3.1 For the purposes of this chapter, standard nozzle sizes shall be 12 mm, 16 mm and 19 mm
or as near thereto as possible. Larger diameter nozzles may be permitted at the discretion of the
Administration.
2.3.3.2 For accommodation and service spaces, a nozzle size greater than 12 mm need not be
used.
2.3.3.3 For machinery spaces and exterior locations, the nozzle size shall be such as to obtain
the maximum discharge possible from two jets at the pressure mentioned in paragraph 2.1.6
from the smallest pump, provided that a nozzle size greater than 19 mm need not be used.
2.3.3.4 Nozzles shall be of an approved dual-purpose type (i.e., spray/jet type) incorporating a
shutoff.

7. Requirements on the
International Shore Connection
SOLAS Ch. II-2, Part C, Regulation 10.2 – Water supply systems
2.1.7 International sore connection
2.1.7.1 Ships of 500 gross tonnage and upwards shall be provided with at least one international
shore connection complying with the Fire Safety Systems Code.

8. Requirements
on FE’s inspections & service

9. Periodical checks requirements
Monthly:
Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
• verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in serviceable
condition;
• operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure; and
• emergency fire pump fuel supply adequate, and heating system in satisfactory condition, if
applicable. (engineers )
Quarterly:
Verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition.

10. Periodical checks requirements
Annually:
Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
• visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test emergency fire pump with
isolation valves closed; (engineers )
• test all hydrant valves for proper operation;
• pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all fire hoses are
tested within five years;
• verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set; (engineers )
• examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; (engineers )
and
• nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.

11. What to check? In general
HYDRANT
 Location as per Fire Plan
 Protective cup in place and secured
 Fire hydrants can be fully opened and
closed
 Washers in place
 IMO signs in place
HOSE BOX
Hose box in good condition without cracks
IMO signs in place
Securing strap and door packing in good condition
Inside:
Spray/Jet nozzle of appropriate size and type
Fire hose of appropriate diameter & length
Appropriate spanner.
Washers in place
Hose coupling is properly connected
Nozzle is freely moving

12. What to consider when ordering
spares?
Types of couplings:
• Storz
• Nakajima
• J. Morris
• and more…. (NST, Machino)

13. Hose length and
diameter are
normally marked
on it
What to consider when ordering
spares?
Hose & coupling diameter:
• 1 ½” – 40 mm
• 2” – 50 mm
• 2 ½” – 65 mm
with or without couplings