§ 27.310 - What are the requirements for fire detection on a new towing vessel?

A fire-detection system must be installed on your vessel to detect engine room fires. You must ensure that—

(a) Detectors, control units, and fire alarms are approved under 46 CFR subpart 161.002, or are listed by an independent testing laboratory;

(b) The system is installed, tested, and maintained per the manufacturer's design manual;

(c) The system is arranged and installed so a fire in the engine room automatically sets off alarms on a control panel at the operating station;

(d) The control panel includes—

(1) A power-available light;

(2) An audible alarm to notify crew at the operating station of fire and visible alarms to identify the zone or zones of origin of the fire;

(3) A means to silence audible alarms while maintaining indication by visible alarm;

(4) A circuit-fault detector test-switch; and

(5) Labels for all switches and indicator lights, indicating their functions.

(e) The system is powered from two sources, switchover from the primary power source to the secondary source being either manual or automatic;

(f) The system is used for no other purpose; and

(g) The system is certified by a Registered Professional Engineer, or by a recognized classification society (under 46 CFR part 8), to meet the criteria listed in paragraphs (a) through (f) of this section.