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

Detection:

• A fixed fire detection and alarm system (per SOLAS Ch. II-2 and the FSS Code) is installed throughout the accommodation, with smoke detectors (and heat detectors where appropriate) in the cabins, corridors, stairways, and public spaces.
• The detectors are connected to a control panel on the bridge (and a repeater in the crew accommodation), which identifies the zone of the fire and raises audible and visual alarms.
• The system is powered from the main and emergency supplies, and is tested and maintained.
• Manual call points are provided at the exits and in the corridors.

Firefighting:

• A fire main and hydrant system with fire hoses and nozzles, supplied by the fire pumps, is provided throughout the accommodation (on each deck, at the required spacing).
• Portable fire extinguishers (water, foam, CO2, dry powder) are provided in the corridors, public spaces, and near the exits.
• A fixed automatic sprinkler system (water sprinklers) is installed in the accommodation (required for passenger ships), which operates automatically on a fire, discharging water to control/extinguish the fire.
• Fire blankets and, in some areas, a water-mist system may be provided.
• The crew are trained and drilled in the use of the firefighting equipment.

Prevention of spread:

• 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 (e.g. A-60, A-30, B-15).
• Fire doors (self-closing) are fitted in the fire divisions, and the doors are kept closed (or close automatically) to maintain the fire-resisting integrity.
• The ventilation system is arranged so that the fire cannot spread through the ducts (fire dampers, and the ventilation is isolated on a fire).
• Non-combustible materials are used for the structure and furnishings, and the surface materials meet the fire-resistance standards.
• The escape routes are protected and clearly marked.

Containment and locating the fire:

• 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/isolated to starve the fire of air and prevent smoke spread.
• The fire is contained within the fire-resisting divisions, preventing it from spreading to other zones, while the detection system and the crew locate and extinguish it.
• The sprinkler system operates in the affected area, controlling the fire until the fire party arrives.
• 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.