The International Maritime Organization has issued a document submitted by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) titled “Review and Update of SOLAS Regulation II-2/9 on Containment of Fire to Incorporate Existing Guidance and Clarify Requirements”, reports Marine Regulations News.
Its purpose is to propose amendments to SOLAS regulation II-2/9, which governs fire containment requirements on ships. These amendments aim to incorporate existing guidance developed by IACS, clarify current requirements, eliminate ambiguities, and enhance the comprehensiveness of the regulation. The goal is to align the regulation with current industry practices and ensure consistent implementation.
Since its adoption in 2000, SOLAS regulation II-2/9 has guided fire containment measures on ships. Over time, IACS has developed several unified interpretations to facilitate safe and consistent implementation of these requirements. These interpretations, widely recognized in the shipping industry and by flag States, address specific technical and safety concerns. Some of these interpretations have been formally issued as IMO circulars, while others remain unpublished in this format. The proposal seeks to formally integrate both published and unpublished guidance into the regulation.
The proposed amendments focus on integrating specific IACS interpretations into SOLAS regulation II-2/9 to address key areas. These include guidance on main vertical zones (MVZs), specifying that stairways serving two MVZs should have insulated boundaries equivalent to MVZ bulkheads, as detailed in IACS UI SC101/Rev.1. Provisions regarding continuous ceilings propose that any air gap between cabins, creating an opening in a continuous B-15 class ceiling, should require bulkheads on either side to meet B-15 standards, following IACS UI SC107/Rev.1. For the fire integrity of bulkheads and decks, the amendments refine categorizations of spaces based on fire risks and their associated requirements, as outlined in IACS UI SC45/Rev.1.
Further proposals address balancing ducts, restricting their size and placement between certain enclosed spaces, based on IACS UI SC119/Rev.1. Amendments regarding the arrangement of galley ducts specify that fire dampers must be fitted in all duct sections for certain ship types, as recommended by IACS UI SC192. Additional updates related to exhaust ducts from galley ranges emphasize construction, insulation, and fire damper requirements to prevent grease and fat accumulation. These are guided by multiple IACS UIs, including SC108/Rev.1, SC118/Rev.2, and SC106/Rev.1.
The rationale for these amendments is to ensure that SOLAS regulation II-2/9 reflects current practices and technology. Incorporating IACS guidance will enhance clarity and consistency, eliminate ambiguities, and ensure comprehensive coverage of safety requirements, addressing areas not explicitly detailed in the existing regulation.
The Sub-Committee on Ship Systems and Equipment is invited to review the proposed amendments, consider incorporating the IACS unified interpretations into the updated regulation, and take appropriate action to advance the amendment process. This effort will ensure the regulation aligns with practical implementation needs and further improves fire safety standards in the maritime industry. Incorporating IACS guidance into the regulation is seen as a critical step toward providing clearer and more comprehensive requirements for ship operators, flag States, and classification societies.
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Source: Marine Regulations News
