Operational Guide · Registers & Logbooks

# Fire Pumps and Fixed Systems in the Engine Room

The emergency fire pump is designed to work precisely when the main engine room is inaccessible: its maintenance therefore requires a discipline independent from that of the main machinery.

fire pumps fire pump SOLAS Chapter II-2 fixed systems

## Operational Explanation

The main fire pumps and the emergency fire pump form the basic water system for onboard firefighting. The emergency pump is specifically designed to remain operative even when the main engine room is inaccessible (e.g. due to fire in the engine room itself), which requires an independent location and power supply, as well as dedicated maintenance.

Fixed extinguishing systems in the engine room (CO2, foam, water sprinkler) complete the protection, but require specific periodic checks, distinct from routine machinery maintenance.

## Regulatory Reference

SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10 (Fire fighting): requirements on the number and capacity of fire pumps, required pressure at hydrants, and characteristics of the emergency fire pump, which must be located outside the main machinery space with an independent power supply.

## Scope of Application

Every ship subject to SOLAS Chapter II-2, with specific requirements on the minimum number of fire pumps depending on ship type and size.

## Procedure / How to Complete It

1. Periodically test the main fire pumps, verifying pressure and flow at the most unfavourable hydrants.
2. Separately test the emergency fire pump, verifying independent start-up and the ability to operate with the main engine room hypothetically inaccessible.
3. Periodically verify fixed extinguishing systems (CO2, foam, sprinkler) according to manufacturer instructions and Class requirements.
4. Record every test and maintenance activity, with particular attention to anomalies found on the emergency pump.
5. Coordinate fire pump tests with periodic fire drills, to verify actual availability in a realistic operational scenario.

## Practical Example

Example test: emergency fire pump started monthly independently from the main power supply, with pressure verified at the furthest deck hydrant, result recorded in the engine log book.

## Real Cases

In several PSC inspections, the emergency fire pump was found non-functional or with insufficient pressure at the moment of the test requested by the inspector, despite being regularly recorded as 'tested' in the logs — an indication that the recorded test was not genuinely verifying the emergency conditions the pump is designed for (independent power supply, main engine room hypothetically inaccessible).

## Common Mistakes Mistake Library

Mistake | Consequence | How to avoid it
--- | --- | ---
Emergency pump test conducted using the same power supply as the main engine room | The test does not genuinely verify the emergency condition the pump is designed for | Test the emergency pump in its actual independent power supply configuration
Hydrant pressure verified only at the point nearest the pump | Pressure shortfall at the most unfavourable points not detected | Also verify pressure at the furthest/most unfavourable hydrants of the system
Fixed extinguishing systems (CO2, foam) checked less frequently than water pumps | Malfunction of the fixed system discovered only in a real emergency | Include fixed systems in an equally rigorous periodic verification programme

## PSC Observations

PSCOs frequently verify the practical operation of the emergency fire pump during inspection, paying particular attention to its genuine independence from the main power supply.

## Operational Tips

- Always test the emergency pump in its genuinely independent power supply configuration, not with operational shortcuts.
- Verify pressure at the most unfavourable hydrants of the system, not only those nearest the pump.
- Do not neglect fixed extinguishing systems when planning periodic checks.

## Checklist

- Main fire pumps tested with pressure/flow verification
- Emergency fire pump tested in genuinely independent configuration
- Fixed extinguishing systems verified according to manufacturer instructions
- Tests coordinated with periodic fire drills
- Anomalies on the emergency pump recorded and resolved with priority

## FAQ

Why must the emergency fire pump have an independent power supply?
Because it is designed to remain operative even in the event of fire or failure in the main engine room, a scenario in which the main fire pumps might not be available precisely when most needed.
How often should fixed extinguishing systems such as CO2 be tested?
According to manufacturer instructions and the requirements of the applicable Classification Society, typically with periodic integrity and functionality checks, plus more thorough verification at surveys.
Is testing the emergency pump with the main engine room operational sufficient?
It is not fully representative: the more rigorous verification requires testing the pump in its actual independent configuration, to ensure it is genuinely usable in the emergency scenario it was designed for.
🎬 Additional photos, videos and interactive diagrams for this topic will be available in a future version of the platform.

## Related Topics

Fire Drill and Fire Safety Blackout and Failure Management

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