Class notation for vessels intended for fighting fires on board ships and on offshore and on onshore structures.
Purpose
In recognising the risk of offshore fires and explosion, the North Sea offshore operators called for specific rules for the vessels needed to support their growing oil-exploration activities.
Benefits
The DNV requirements regarding the fire-fighting capability for these types of vessels have always been at the forefront. Today, our rules have become the safetyconscious operator’s first choice, protecting offshore oil exploration and production units, safeguarding the environment and ensuring safety for personnel.
In addition, vessels with this class notation are strongly recommended to harbour/port authorities.
Features
The class notation Fire Fighter I implies that the vessel has been built for early stage fire fighting and for the support of rescue operations onboard or close to structures or ships on fire. The vessel shall be designed with passive and active protection, giving it the capability to withstand higher heat radiation loads from external fires.
In addition the vessel shall be protected by a permanently installed water-spraying system.
The notation encompasses sufficient quantity of fuel oil for continuous fire fighting operations, with 2 fixed water monitors in use for a period of not less than 24 hours.
The capacity of each monitor is 1200 m3/h, length of throw is 120 m and height of throw is 50 m. Further, the vessel shall have one fire hydrant manifold arranged on the port side and one on the starboard side, each with at least 4 hose connections.
The class notation is assigned on the basis of drawing reviews and surveys verifying compliance with the DNV rules.
Process
Approval and surveys are based on plans, specifications, related technical descriptions and data produced by the builder or their sub-suppliers.