Exam Question

A ship's fire main is a high-pressure piping system that runs throughout the vessel, providing a ready supply of seawater to fire hydrants, monitors, and sprinkler systems. It is a critical safety system mandated by SOLAS. The system is designed as a continuously charged wet-pipe or a dry-pipe system that can be charged rapidly, with isolation valves to segregate damaged sections.
A typical layout involves a main ring line running along the main deck, with vertical branches extending to other decks and into the machinery and accommodation spaces. This ensures redundant water supply paths to critical areas.
### (a) Number and Type of Pumps (5 Marks)
The number, type, and capacity of fire pumps are strictly regulated by SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10. For a typical cargo ship of over 2000 GT, the arrangement is as follows: