Class 4 (4th Engineer) SSEP 📅 Dec 2025

Exam Question

(a) How is the number of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) bottles required for a ship calculated for (12)

(i) machinery spaces and

(ii) cargo spaces?

(b) What means are provided to prevent the inadvertent release of CO2 in the engine room or other protected spaces? (8)

Reference Answer

### (a) Calculation of CO2 Bottles Required
The quantity of Carbon Dioxide (CO2) required for a ship's fixed fire-extinguishing system is determined by regulations outlined in the SOLAS Convention (Chapter II-2, Regulation 10) and detailed in the FSS (Fire Safety Systems) Code, Chapter 5.
#### (i) Machinery Spaces (of Category A)
The principle for protecting machinery spaces is total flooding, aiming to create an inert atmosphere by reducing the oxygen concentration from ~21% to below 15%, which is insufficient to sustain combustion. The calculation is based on the gross volume of the largest protected machinery space.

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