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 of these types of vessels have always been at the forefront. Today, our rules have become the safety-conscious 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 III implies that the vessel has been built for continuous fighting of large fires from a safe distance and for the cooling of structures on fire. The class notation requires a larger water pumping capacity and more comprehensive fire fighting equipment compared to the class notation Fire Fighter II.
The notation encompass sufficient quantity of fuel oil for continuous fire fighting operations, with 3-4 fixed water monitors in use for a period of not less than 96 hours. The capacity of each monitor is respectively 3200 m3/h and 2400 m3/h, length of throw is respectively 180 m and 150 m and height of throw is respectively 110 m and 90 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 8 hose connections.
In addition shall the vessel be protected by a permanently installed water-spraying system. 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.