Fire protection for the accommodation spaces of passenger vessels incorporates means of detection, fighting and containment to reduce the spread of any fire.

(Refer to the detailed answer for 679e579110fccdd99a8a6908.)

• Detection: a fixed fire detection and alarm system (per SOLAS Ch. II-2 and the FSS Code) with smoke detectors (and heat detectors where appropriate) in the cabins, corridors, stairways and public spaces, connected to a control panel on the bridge (and a repeater), which identifies the zone and raises audible and visual alarms; manual call points are provided.
• Firefighting: a fire main and hydrant system with fire hoses and nozzles, portable fire extinguishers (water, foam, CO2, dry powder), a fixed automatic sprinkler system in the accommodation, and fire blankets; the crew are trained and drilled in their use.

• The accommodation is divided into fire zones by A-class and B-class fire-resisting bulkheads and decks, which prevent the spread of fire and smoke for a specified period.
• Fire doors (self-closing) are fitted in the fire divisions and kept closed to maintain the fire-resisting integrity; the ventilation is arranged with fire dampers and is isolated on a fire.
• Non-combustible materials are used for the structure and furnishings.
• The fire detection system identifies the zone of the fire, so the crew know where the fire is located.
• The firefighting is coordinated with the containment: the fire party proceeds to the zone using the fire main/extinguishers/sprinklers, while the boundary party cools the adjacent surfaces and the fire doors are closed to contain the fire within the zone; the ventilation to the affected zone is closed to starve the fire of air and prevent smoke spread.
• The containment (the fire-resisting divisions and closed doors) limits the fire to the zone of origin, so the firefighting can be concentrated there, and the detection system pinpoints the location, enabling a rapid and effective response.