Exam Question
(a) What are the different classes of sub division for fire protection in ships? (8)
(b) What are the conditions to be met by different classes of subdivision? (8)
Class 4 (4th Engineer)
SC&S
📅 Sep 2024
Reference Answer
### (a) Classes of Fire Subdivision in Ships
As per SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), structural fire protection is achieved by dividing the ship into zones using thermal and structural divisions. These divisions are classified based on their ability to resist fire, prevent the passage of smoke and flame, and limit the transmission of heat. The primary classes of fire subdivisions are:
* **"A" Class Divisions**: These form the main structural fire barriers, such as machinery space boundaries, stairway enclosures, and main vertical zone bulkheads. They offer the highest level of fire resistance.
* **"B" Class Divisions**: These are used for subdivision within main vertical or horizontal zones, such as cabin bulkheads and corridor linings. They offer a lower level of fire resistance than 'A' class.
As per SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea), structural fire protection is achieved by dividing the ship into zones using thermal and structural divisions. These divisions are classified based on their ability to resist fire, prevent the passage of smoke and flame, and limit the transmission of heat. The primary classes of fire subdivisions are:
* **"A" Class Divisions**: These form the main structural fire barriers, such as machinery space boundaries, stairway enclosures, and main vertical zone bulkheads. They offer the highest level of fire resistance.
* **"B" Class Divisions**: These are used for subdivision within main vertical or horizontal zones, such as cabin bulkheads and corridor linings. They offer a lower level of fire resistance than 'A' class.
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