(a) General requirements. (1) Nautical school ships shall be provided with an inert-gas fire-extinguishing system when required.

(2) All nautical school ships carrying combustible cargo in the holds, between decks, or other closed cargo compartments shall be equipped with means for extinguishing fire in such compartments by the use of any inert-gas fire-extinguishing system approved by the Coast Guard or Navy. However, in specific cases where by reason of the design, such compartments are normally accessible and considered to be part of the working or living quarters, a water sprinkling system may be installed in lieu of an inert-gas fire-extinguishing system. On such vessels contracted for prior to January 1, 1962, a steam smothering system may be accepted in lieu of the inert gas system for the protection of cargo holds, paint lockers, and similar spaces. However, although existing steam smothering systems may be repaired, replaced, or extended, no new systems contracted for on or after January 1, 1962, will be permitted.

(3) Cabinets, boxes, or casings enclosing manifolds or valves must be marked in conspicuous red letters at least 2 inches high: “[STEAM/CARBON DIOXIDE/HALON/CLEAN AGENT—as appropriate] FIRE APPARATUS.”.

(4) Steam or gas piping fitted for extinguishing fire shall not be used for any other purpose except that it may be used for fire-detecting purposes.

(5) Pipes for conveying steam from the boilers for the purpose of extinguishing fire shall not be led into the cabins, other living spaces, or working spaces. Pipes for conveying carbon dioxide or other extinguishing vapors for the purpose of extinguishing fire shall not be led into the cabins or other living spaces.

(6) Steam smothering lines shall be tested with at least 50 pounds air pressure with ends of the smothering lines capped, or by blowing steam through the lines, and a survey made for detecting corrosion and defects, using the hammer test or such other means as may be necessary.

(7) At annual inspections, each carbon dioxide cylinder, whether fixed or portable, each Halon 1301 cylinder, and each clean agent cylinder must be examined externally and replaced if excessive corrosion is found; and:

(i) Each carbon dioxide cylinder must be weighed and recharged if its weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the charge;

(ii) Each Halon 1301 and halocarbon cylinder must be weighed and checked, and recharged or replaced if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of required weight of charge or if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 10 percent of specified gauge pressure, adjusted for temperature; and

(iii) Each inert gas cylinder must be checked and recharged or replaced if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5 percent of specified gauge pressure adjusted for temperature.

(8) Carbon dioxide, Halon 1301, and clean agent cylinders carried on board nautical school ships must be tested and marked in accordance with the requirements of 46 CFR 147.60, 147.65, 147.66, and 147.67.

(9) On all systems test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed.

(b) Steam systems. (1) As noted in subparagraph (a)(2) of this section, steam smothering systems are not permitted on nautical school ships contracted for on or after January 1, 1962, nor for new installations on vessels contracted for prior to that date. Where steam smothering systems are installed, the provisions of this paragraph shall be met.

(2) Steam for fire-extinguishing systems shall be available at a suitable pressure from the main boilers or a donkey or auxiliary boiler.

(3) The pipe lines shall be led from not more than three stations in easily accessible locations on the weather deck to each cargo hold, cargo 'tween-decks, or other closed cargo compartments, and to each cargo-oil deep tank, lamp locker, oil room, and like compartments, which lamp locker, oil room, and like compartments, shall be wholly and tightly lined with metal. The steam connections to the lamp lockers, oil rooms, and like compartments may be taken from the nearest steam supply line, independent of the extinguishing manifolds. In lamp lockers, oil rooms, and like compartments, adequate means may be provided for ventilation if suitable dampers capable of being operated from outside the spaces are fitted in each vent duct.

(4) Each pipe in the extinguishing manifolds shall be fitted with a shut-off valve plainly and permanently marked to indicate into which compartment it discharges. This requirement also applies to independent extinguishing lines.

(5) Manifold steam supply pipes shall be fitted with master valves at the manifolds, and provision shall be made for draining the manifold and individual lines to protect them against freezing. If the manifolds are located on an open deck, they shall be enclosed in a metal box.

(6) The minimum diameter of any steam fire-extinguishing pipe to a cargo hold, cargo 'tween-decks, other closed cargo compartments, or cargo-oil deep tank shall be one inch, the size and number of pipes to be governed by the size of the compartment. The minimum diameter of any steam fire-extinguishing pipe to a lamp locker, oil room, or like compartments, shall be three-fourths of an inch.

(c) Inert-gas systems. (1) When a carbon dioxide (CO2) smothering system is fitted in the cargo hold, cargo 'tween-decks, or other closed cargo compartments, or cargo-oil deep tanks, the quantity of carbon dioxide shall be sufficient to give a gas saturation of 30 percent of the gross volume of the largest cargo hold. The quantity in pounds of carbon dioxide required may be determined approximately by the following formula:

(2) When a carbon dioxide (CO2) smothering system is fitted in the lamp locker, oil room, or like compartments, the quantity in pounds of carbon dioxide required may be determined by dividing the gross volume of the space by a factor of 22. Lamp lockers, oil rooms, and like compartments, in all classes of vessels, shall be wholly and tightly lined with metal. The whole charge of gas shall be capable of being released simultaneously by operating one valve and control, and all cylinders shall be completely discharged in not more than two minutes.

(3) Pipes used for supplying carbon dioxide to the cargo holds, cargo 'tween-decks, other closed cargo compartments, and cargo-oil deep tanks shall be not less than three-fourths inch inside diameter. Pipes used for supplying carbon dioxide to lamp lockers, oil rooms, and like compartments shall not be less than one-half inch inside diameter.

(4) The control(s) releasing the inert gas shall be located in a position(s) outside the space(s) protected and shall be readily accessible when the vessel is being navigated. All valves shall be permanently marked to indicate into which compartment they discharge. A space which is protected by a carbon dioxide extinguishing system, and is normally accessible to crew while the nautical school ship is being navigated shall be fitted with an approved audible alarm in such space, which will be automatically sounded when the carbon dioxide is admitted to the space.

(5) Provisions shall be made to prevent the admission of air into the lower parts of cargo holds, cargo 'tween-decks, and other closed cargo compartments while the inert-gas system is in operation.

(6) Cylinders, piping, and controls for the inert-gas system shall be protected from damage and shall be securely fastened and supported.

(a) All nautical school ships shall be equipped with fire pumps.

(b) Nautical school ships of 100 gross tons and under shall be equipped with one hand fire pump with a pump-cylinder capacity not less than 100 cubic inches, or a power-driven pump of equivalent discharge capacity.

(c) Nautical school ships over 100 gross tons shall be equipped with fire pumps and piping as follows:

(1) All nautical school ships shall be provided with powerful pumps available for use as fire pumps. When of less than 1,000 gross tons it shall have 1, and when larger it shall have at least 2 independently driven pumps connected to the fire main. Each pump shall be capable of delivering two powerful jets of water simultaneously from the highest outlets on the fire main at a Pitot tube pressure of approximately 50 pounds per square inch.

(2) On oil-burning nautical school ships, where two pumps are required, they may be located in the same compartment, if the compartment is equipped with an approved fixed carbon dioxide extinguishing system.

(d) Outlets from the fire mains shall be of a sufficient number and so arranged that any part of the living quarters, weather decks and any part of cargo decks, accessible to crew, while the nautical school ship is being navigated, may be reached with a single 50-foot length of hose. Outlets within accommodations and service spaces adjacent thereto shall comply with the above or they may be so arranged that any part may be reached with a single 75-foot length of hose provided a siamese connection is fitted at each outlet. Where the fire main is located on an exposed deck, branches shall be provided so that the hose connections necessary to comply with the foregoing be distributed on both sides of the nautical school ship. The fire hose shall be connected to the outlet at all times, except on open decks where the location of the fire hydrants is such that no protection is afforded for the hose in heavy weather. The fire hose may be temporarily removed from the hydrant when it will interfere with the handling of cargo.

(e) Outlet openings shall have a diameter of not less than 1 1/2 inches and shall be fitted with suitable hose connections and spanners. The arrangement of the fire hydrant shall be limited to any position from the horizontal to the vertical pointing downward, so that the hose will lead downward or horizontally, in order to minimize the possibility of kinking. In no case will a hydrant arranged in a vertical position with the outlet pointing upward be accepted.

(f) Fire pumps shall be fitted on the discharge side with relief valves set to relieve at 25 pounds higher than the pressure necessary to maintain the requirements of paragraph (c)(1) of this section and a pressure gage to indicate the pressure on the fire main. If the fire pumps operating under shut-off conditions are not capable of producing a pressure exceeding 125 pounds per square inch, the relief valve may be omitted.

(g) Each section of fire hose used after January 1, 1980 must be lined commercial fire hose that conforms to Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. Standard 19 or Federal Specification ZZ-H-451E. Hose that bears the label of Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. as lined fire hose is accepted as conforming to this requirement. Each section of replacement fire hose or any section of new fire hose placed aboard a vessel after January 1, 1977 must also conform to the specification required by this paragraph.

(h) Each fire hydrant must have at least one length of firehose. Each firehose on the hydrant must have a combination solid stream and water spray firehose nozzle that is approved under subpart 162.027 of this chapter.

The couplings on fire hose shall be of brass, copper, or composition material. All hydrants shall be provided with suitable spanners.

The capacity of the pipes and hose leading from the pumps shall in no case be less than that of the discharge opening of the pump: Provided, however, That the pipe and hose shall in no instance be less than 1 1/2 inches in internal diameter.

The inspectors will examine all pumps, hose, and other fire apparatus and will see that the hose is subjected to a pressure of 100 pounds to the square inch at each annual inspection and that the hose couplings are securely fastened.

All pipes used as mains for conducting water from fire pumps on nautical school ships shall be of steel, wrought iron, brass, or copper with wrought iron brass, or composition hose connections.

(a) Portable fire extinguishers or fire-extinguishing systems which conform to the specifications of the Navy or Coast Guard, or their approved equivalent, may be accepted for use on nautical school ships.

(b) Use of non-approved fire detection systems may be acceptable as excess equipment provided that:

(1) Components are listed by an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory as set forth in 29 CFR 1910.7, and are designed, installed, tested, and maintained in accordance with an appropriate industry standard and the manufacturer's specific guidance;

(2) Installation conforms to the requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering), especially the hazardous location electrical installation regulations in 46 CFR 111.105; and

(3) Coast Guard plan review is completed for wiring plans.

Steam-propelled nautical school ships burning oil for fuel shall be fitted with the fire-fighting equipment of the following type and quantity:

(a) In each boiler room and in each of the machinery spaces of a nautical school ship propelled by steam, in which a part of the fuel-oil installation is situated, two or more approved 40-B fire extinguishers must be placed where accessible and ready for immediate use. On a nautical school ship of 1,000 gross tons and under, only one is required.

(b) In boiler and machinery spaces, at least two fire hydrants must have a firehose of a length that allows each part of the boiler and machinery spaces to be reached by water from a combination solid stream and water spray firehose nozzle.

(c) Each firehose under paragraph (b) of this section must have a combination solid stream and water spray firehose nozzle that meets subpart 162.027 of this chapter. Combination nozzles and low-velocity water spray applicators previously approved under subpart 162.027 of this chapter may remain so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(d) On every steam propelled nautical school ship of over 1,000 gross tons having one boiler room there shall be provided one 160-B fire extinguisher. If the nautical school ship has more than one boiler room, an extinguisher of the above type shall be provided in each boiler room. On every steam-propelled nautical school ship of 1,000 gross tons and under, a 120-B fire extinguisher may be used. Extinguishers fitted shall be equipped with suitable hose and nozzles on reels or other practicable means for easy access, and of sufficient length to reach any part of the boiler room and spaces containing oil-fuel pumping units.

(e) All nautical school ships propelled by internal-combustion engines shall be equipped with the following fire extinguishers in the machinery spaces:

(1) One 120-B fire extinguisher.

(2) One 40-B extinguisher for each 1,000 BHP of the main engines, or fraction thereof. The total number of fire extinguishers carried shall not be less than two and not more than six.

(3) When a donkey boiler fitted to burn oil as fuel is located in the machinery space, there shall be a 160-B fire extinguisher installed instead of the 120-B fire extinguisher.

(f) In this section, any reference to a fire extinguisher means approved by the Coast Guard.

(a) When a carbon dioxide (CO2) smothering system is fitted in the boiler room, the quantity of carbon dioxide carried shall be sufficient to give a gas saturation of 25 percent of the gross volume of the largest boiler room from tank top to top of the boilers. Top of the boilers is to be considered as the top of the shell of a Scotch or leg type of boiler, and the top of the casing or drum, whichever is the higher, on water-tube boilers. The quantity of carbon dioxide required may be determined approximately by the following formula:

(b) When a carbon dioxide (CO2) smothering system is fitted in the machinery space of a nautical school ship propelled by internal combustion engines, the quantity of carbon dioxide required may be determined approximately by the following formula:

(c) The whole charge of gas shall be capable of being released simultaneously by operating one valve and control. All cylinders shall be completely discharged in not more than two minutes. The arrangement of the piping shall be such as to give a general and fairly uniform distribution over the entire area protected. An alarm which shall operate automatically with the operation of the system shall be provided to give a warning in the space when the carbon dioxide is about to be released. Provision shall be made to prevent the admission of air into the lower parts of the boiler or engine room while the system is in operation.

(d)(1) A lockout valve must be provided on any carbon dioxide extinguishing system protecting a space over 6,000 cubic feet in volume and installed or altered after July 9, 2013. “Altered” means modified or refurbished beyond the maintenance required by the manufacturer's design, installation, operation and maintenance manual.

(2) The lockout valve must be a manually operated valve located in the discharge manifold prior to the stop valve or selector valves. When in the closed position, the lockout valve must provide complete isolation of the system from the protected space or spaces, making it impossible for carbon dioxide to discharge in the event of equipment failure during maintenance.

(3) The lockout valve design or locking mechanism must make it obvious whether the valve is open or closed.

(4) A valve is considered a lockout valve if it has a hasp or other means of attachment to which, or through which, a lock can be affixed, or it has a locking mechanism built into it.

(5) The master or person-in-charge must ensure that the valve is locked open at all times, except while maintenance is being performed on the extinguishing system, when the valve must be locked in the closed position.

(6) Lockout valves added to existing systems must be approved by the Commandant as part of the installed system.

(e) Each carbon dioxide extinguishing system installed or altered after [July 9, 2013, must have an approved odorizing unit to produce the scent of wintergreen, the detection of which will serve as an indication that carbon dioxide gas is present in a protected area and any other area into which the carbon dioxide may migrate. “Altered” means modified or refurbished beyond the maintenance required by the manufacturer's design, installation, operation and maintenance manual.

(a) When a foam-type system is fitted, its capacity shall be such as to rapidly discharge over the entire area of the bilge (tank top) of the largest boiler room a volume of foam 6 inches deep in not more than 3 minutes. The arrangement of piping shall be such as to give a uniform distribution over the entire area protected.

(b) The foam-type system may be of a type approved by the Navy or Coast Guard. All containers and valves by which the system is operated shall be easily accessible and so placed that control valves and containers will not readily be cut off from use by an outbreak of fire.

Each nautical-school ship must be equipped with the following devices:

(a) Two pressure-demand, open circuit, self-contained breathing apparatus, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and having at a minimum a 30-minute air supply, a full face piece, and a spare charge for each. A self-contained compressed-air breathing apparatus previously approved under part 160, subpart 160.011, of this chapter may continue in use as required equipment if it was part of the vessel's equipment on November 23, 1992, and as long as it is maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) One flame safety lamp approved by the Coast Guard or Navy.

All nautical school ships shall be provided with such number of good and efficient portable fire extinguishers approved by the Coast Guard as follows:

(a) Nautical school ships less than 150 feet in length shall have at least two 2-A fire extinguishers on each passenger deck.

(b) Nautical school ships 150 feet and over in length shall be provided with at least one 2-A fire extinguisher for every 150 linear feet of corridor length or fraction thereof in the spaces occupied by passengers and crew.

(c) In all public spaces fire extinguishers shall be located not more than 150 feet apart.

(a) Fire extinguishers shall be located in such places as in the judgment of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection, will be most convenient and serviceable in case of emergency and so arranged that they may be easily removed from their fastenings.

(b) Every fire extinguisher provided shall be examined at each annual inspection to determine that it is still in good condition. Soda-and-acid and foam fire extinguishers shall be tested by discharging the contents, cleaning thoroughly, and then refilling. Carbon dioxide fire extinguishers shall be checked by weighing to determine contents and if found to be more than 10 percent under required contents of carbon dioxide shall be recharged. Pump tank fire extinguishers shall be tested by pumping and discharging the contents, cleaning thoroughly, and then refilling or recharging. Cartridge-operated type fire extinguishers shall be checked by examining the extinguishing agents to determine if it is still in good condition and by examining the pressure cartridge. If the cartridge end is punctured, or if the cartridge is otherwise determined to have leaked or to be in an unsuitable condition, the pressure cartridge shall be rejected and a new one inserted. Stored pressure type extinguishers shall be checked by determining that the pressure gauge is in the operating range, and the full charge of extinguishing agent is in the chamber. The hoses and nozzles of all fire extinguishers shall be inspected to see that they are clear and in good condition.

(c) In addition to the required extinguishers in this part, each vessel must carry no less than 10 percent spare extinguishers or charges for each size and variety of fire extinguisher, with a minimum of one for each size and variety of extinguisher.

Vessels contracted for before August 22, 2016, must meet the following requirements:

(a) Previously installed portable and semi-portable fire extinguishers with extinguishing capacities smaller than what is required in this part need not be replaced and may be continued in service so long as they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection.

(b) All new equipment and installations must meet the applicable requirements in this part for new vessels.

In compartments where emergency lighting and wireless units are located, two fire extinguishers approved by the Coast Guard, of either carbon dioxide or dry chemical type, shall be permanently located at the most accessible points. In addition, two fire extinguishers of the above types, or foam type, shall be permanently located so as to be readily accessible to the emergency fuel tanks containing gasoline, benzene or naphtha.

(a) All nautical school ships shall be provided with fire axes, as follows:

(b) All fire axes shall be located so as to be readily found in time of need, shall not be used for general purposes, and shall be kept in good condition.