- February 14, 2017
- 2017
- Comments : 0
Updated requirements for fire-fighter’s radio communication
14 February 2017 | C17009
Following Dromon Circular C17004, this circular aims to update Shipowners about the fire-fighter’s communication requirements.
NOTICE TO
Ship Owners / Managers / Operators | Surveyors
Through MSC.338(91), the IMO Maritime Safety Committee (MSC), adopted the following amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/10 regarding fire fighters’ communication. In Regulation 10.10.4 the deadline for vessels constructed before July 01, 2014 to comply with the Regulation 10.10.4 is not later than the first Radio Survey after July 01, 2018.
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 survey after 1 July 2018.
| All ships | At least two fire-fighter´s outfit (Chapter II-2, regulation 10.10.2.1) | |
| Passenger ships | An additional fire-fighter’s outfit is required depending on the design of the ship (Chapter II-2, regulation 10.10.2.2) | |
| Tankers | An additional two fire-fighter’s outfits shall be provided (Chapter II-2, regulation 10.10.2.3) |
Fire-fighter’s radio communication is additional to the fire-fighters outfit and intended for the Fire Party. Therefore, the total number of these radios to be carried on board will depend upon the number of fire parties detailed on the Muster List rather than the number of fire-fighter outfits.
Each Fire Party must have at least two of these dedicated radios and as fire-fighters may need to use Direct Mode Operation during fire-fighting operations or if the Fire Party consist of more crew members than the actual fire fighters. The purpose of these fire-fighter radios is to provide a dedicated means of communication between a team of fire fighters entering the space, and the crew member located outside the space who is assigned to control this team.
The fire-fighter’s outfit shall be kept ready for use in an easily accessible location which is clearly marked, although Regulation 10.10.4 does not provide recommendation on the placement of fire-fighter radios.
Act now
Ship owners / Managers / Operators are advised to take note of above requirements to achieve their ships’ compliance.
Surveyors that shall carry out radio surveys are requested that if the conditions of the ship or its equipment do not correspond with the above requirements, shall immediately ensure that corrective actions are taken.
