1 Purpose

The purpose of this regulation is to provide additional safety measures in order to address the fire safety objectives of this chapter for ships fitted with vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces. For this purpose, the following functional requirements shall be met:

.1 fire protection systems shall be provided to adequately protect the ship from the fire hazards associated with vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces, and weather deck intended for the carriage of vehicles;

.2 ignition sources shall be separated from vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces; and

.3 vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces shall be adequately ventilated.

2 General requirements

2.1 Application

2.1.1 Application

In addition to complying with the requirements of regulations in parts B, C, D and E, as appropriate, vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces shall comply with the requirements of this regulation.

2.1.2 On all ships, vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion may be carried in cargo spaces other than vehicle, special category or ro-ro spaces, provided that all the following conditions are met:

.1 the vehicles do not use their own propulsion within the cargo spaces;

.2 the cargo spaces are in compliance with the appropriate requirements of regulation 19; and

.3 the vehicles are carried in accordance with the IMDG Code, as defined in regulation VII/1.1.

2.1.3 Passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, shall also comply with regulations 20.4.1.6, 20.4.4 and 20.6.2.3, as adopted by resolution MSC.550(108).

2.2 Basic principles for passenger ships

2.2.1 The basic principle underlying the provisions of this regulation is that the main vertical zoning required by regulation 9.2 may not be practicable in vehicle spaces of passenger ships and, therefore, equivalent protection must be obtained in such spaces on the basis of a horizontal zone concept and by the provision of an efficient fixed fire-extinguishing system. Based on this concept, a horizontal zone for the purpose of this regulation may include special category spaces on more than one deck provided that the total overall clear height for vehicles does not exceed 10 m.

2.2.2 The basic principle underlying the provisions of paragraph 2.2.1 are also applicable to ro-ro spaces.

2.2.3 The requirements of ventilation systems, openings in “A” class divisions and penetrations in “A” class divisions for maintaining the integrity of vertical zones in this chapter shall be applied equally to decks and bulkheads forming the boundaries separating horizontal zones from each other and from the remainder of the ship.

3 Precaution against ignition of flammable vapours in closed vehicle spaces, closed ro-ro spaces and special category spaces

3.1 Ventilation systems

3.1.1 Capacity of ventilation systems

There shall be provided an effective power ventilation system sufficient to give at least the following air changes:

.1 Passenger ships

Special category spaces | 10 air changes per hour

Closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces other than special category spaces for ships carrying more than 36 passengers | 10 air changes per hour

Closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces other than special category spaces for ships carrying not more than 36 passengers | 6 air changes per hour

.2

Cargo ships | 6 air changes per hour

The Administration may require an increased number of air changes when vehicles are being loaded and unloaded.

3.1.2 Performance of ventilation systems

3.1.2.1 In passenger ships, the power ventilation system shall be separate from other ventilation systems. The power ventilation system shall be operated to give at least the number of air changes required in paragraph 3.1.1 at all times when vehicles are in such spaces, except where an air quality control system in accordance with paragraph 3.1.2.4 is provided. Ventilation ducts serving such cargo spaces capable of being effectively sealed shall be separated for each such space. The system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces.

3.1.2.2 In cargo ships, the ventilation fans shall normally be run continuously and give at least the number of air changes required in paragraph 3.1.1 whenever vehicles are on board, except where an air quality control system in accordance with paragraph 3.1.2.4 is provided. Where this is impracticable, they shall be operated for a limited period daily as weather permits and in any case for a reasonable period prior to discharge, after which period the ro-ro or vehicle space shall be proved gas-free. One or more portable combustible gas detecting instruments shall be carried for this purpose. The system shall be entirely separate from other ventilation systems. Ventilation ducts serving ro-ro or vehicle spaces shall be capable of being effectively sealed for each cargo space. The system shall be capable of being controlled from a position outside such spaces.

3.1.2.3 The ventilation system shall be such as to prevent air stratification and the formation of air pockets.

3.1.2.4 For all ships, where an air quality control system is provided based on the guidelines developed by the Organization, the ventilation system may be operated at a decreased number of air changes and/or a decreased amount of ventilation. This relaxation does not apply to spaces to which at least ten air changes per hour is required by paragraph 3.2.2 of this regulation and spaces subject to regulations 19.3.4.1 and 20-1.

3.1.3 Indication of ventilation systems

Means shall be provided on the navigation bridge to indicate any loss of the required ventilating capacity.

3.1.4 Closing appliances and ducts

3.1.4.1 Arrangements shall be provided to permit a rapid shutdown and effective closure of the ventilation system from outside of the space in case of fire, taking into account the weather and sea conditions.

3.1.4.2 Ventilation ducts, including dampers, within a common horizontal zone shall be made of steel. In passenger ships, ventilation ducts that pass through other horizontal zones or machinery spaces shall be “A-60” class steel ducts constructed in accordance with Regulations 9.7.2.4.1.1 and 9.7.2.4.1.2.

3.1.5 Permanent openings

In cargo ships, permanent openings in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of the space shall be so situated that a fire in the cargo space does not endanger stowage areas and embarkation stations for survival craft and accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures and deckhouses above the cargo spaces.

3.2 Electrical equipment and wiring

3.2.1 Except as provided in paragraph 3.2.2, electrical equipment and wiring shall be of a type suitable for use in an explosive petrol and air mixture.

3.2.2 In case of other than special category spaces below the bulkhead deck, notwithstanding the provisions in paragraph 3.2.1, above a height of 450 mm from the deck and from each platform for vehicles, if fitted, except platforms with openings of sufficient size permitting penetration of petrol gases downwards, electrical equipment of a type so enclosed and protected as to prevent the escape of sparks shall be permitted as an alternative on condition that the ventilation system is so designed and operated as to provide continuous ventilation of the cargo spaces at the rate of at least ten air changes per hour whenever vehicles are on board.

3.3 Electrical equipment and wiring in exhaust ventilation ducts

Electrical equipment and wiring, if installed in an exhaust ventilation duct, shall be of a type approved for use in explosive petrol and air mixtures and the outlet from any exhaust duct shall be sited in a safe position, having regard to other possible sources of ignition.

3.4 Other ignition sources

Other equipment which may constitute a source of ignition of flammable vapours shall not be permitted.

3.5 Scuppers and discharges

Scuppers shall not be led to machinery or other spaces where sources of ignition may be present.

4 Detection and alarm

Passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 4.1.6 not later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2028.

4.1 Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems

The requirements of paragraphs 4.1.1 through 4.1.4 shall only apply to passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 4.1.6 and the previously applicable requirements of paragraph 4.1. The requirements of paragraph 4.1.5 shall apply to cargo ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Cargo ships constructed before 1 January 2026 shall comply with the previously applicable requirements of paragraph 4.1.

4.1.1 In vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces, there shall be provided an individually identifiable fixed fire detection and fire alarm system. The system shall comply with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

4.1.1.1 The fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall provide smoke and heat detection throughout vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces. The Administration may accept linear heat detectors as the required system for heat detection. The system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire. The location of detectors shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, taking into account the effects of ventilation and other relevant factors. After being installed, the system shall be tested under normal ventilation conditions and shall give an overall response time to the satisfaction of the Administration.

4.1.2 If a fixed water-based deluge system is used for vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces, then a fire detection and fire alarm system identifiable to the same sections of the deluge system shall be arranged.

4.1.3 The fire detection and fire alarm system shall be designed with a system interface which provides logical and unambiguous presentation of the information, to allow a quick and correct understanding and decision-making. In particular, section numbering of the alarm system shall coincide with that of other systems, such as a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system or video monitoring system, if available.

4.1.4 There shall be provided a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system for the area on the weather deck intended for the carriage of vehicles. The fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of the fire anywhere on the area. The type of detectors and their spacing and location shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, taking into account the effects of weather conditions, cargo obstruction and other relevant factors. Different settings may be used for specific operation sequences, such as during loading or unloading and during voyage, in order to reduce the false alarms.

4.1.5 In cargo ships, vehicle spaces, special category spaces and ro-ro spaces shall be provided with a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code. The fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire. The type of detectors and their spacing and location shall be to the satisfaction of the Administration, taking into account the effects of ventilation and other relevant factors. After being installed, the system shall be tested under normal ventilation conditions and shall give an overall response time to the satisfaction of the Administration.

4.1.6 For passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code shall be provided in special category spaces, open and closed ro-ro and vehicle spaces. The fixed fire detection system shall be capable of rapidly detecting the onset of fire. The fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall provide smoke and heat detection throughout vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces. In this context, heat detectors shall comply with the spacing and coverage area requirements as applicable for smoke detectors. Heat detectors are only required where there is already a smoke detector.

4.2 Sample extraction smoke detection systems

Except open ro-ro spaces, open vehicle spaces and special category spaces, a sample extraction smoke detection system complying with the requirements of the Fire Safety Systems Code may be used as an alternative of the fixed fire detection and fire alarm system required in paragraph 4.1.

4.3 Special category spaces

4.3.1 An efficient fire patrol system shall be maintained in special category spaces.

4.3.2 Manually operated call points shall be spaced so that no part of the space is more than 20 m from a manually operated call point, and one shall be placed close to each exit from such spaces.

4.4 Video monitoring

The requirements of paragraphs 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Passenger ships with vehicle, special category or ro-ro spaces constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, shall comply with the requirements of paragraphs 4.4.1 and 4.4.2 not later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2028.

4.4.1 For passenger ships, an effective video monitoring system shall be arranged in vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces for continuous monitoring of these spaces. The system shall be provided with immediate playback capability to allow for quick identification of fire location, as far as practicable. Cameras shall be installed to cover the whole space, high enough to see over cargo and vehicles after loading.

4.4.2 The videos recorded by this monitoring system shall be available for replay at a continuously manned control station or at the safety centre for at least seven days for installation on ro-ro passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026 and 24 hours for existing ro-ro passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012. The correspondence between any one video camera and the section of the fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system protecting the space covered by this camera shall be clearly displayed close to the video monitor. Continuous monitoring of the video image by the crew is not required.

5 Structural fire protection and arrangement of openings

This paragraph applies to passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026 shall comply with the previously applicable requirements of paragraph 5.

5.1 Structural fire protection

5.1.1 In passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers, the boundary bulkheads and decks of special category and ro-ro spaces shall be insulated to “A-60” class standard. However, where a category (5), (9) and (10) space, as defined in regulation 9.2.2.3, is on one side of the division, the standard may be reduced to “A-0”. Where fuel oil tanks are below a special category space, the integrity of the deck between such spaces may be reduced to “A-0” standard.

5.1.2 Where a special category space or ro-ro space is subdivided with internal decks, the fire rating of these decks shall be determined based on the capacity and arrangement of the fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system. If the fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system cannot simultaneously cover the applicable area above and below a given deck, this deck shall be of “A-30” standard while any ramps and doors between decks shall be made of steel and of a design being as tight as practical.

5.2 Arrangement of openings in ro-ro spaces and special category spaces

5.2.1 Openings in the side plating, the ends or deckhead of the ro-ro space shall be situated and arranged so that a fire in the ro-ro space does not endanger:

.1 stowage areas for survival craft;

.2 embarkation stations and assembly stations, including access to such stations; and

.3 accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces in superstructures and deckhouses above the ro-ro space.

Openings are not permitted for all decks directly below these objects and within a safety distance of minimum 6.0 m measured horizontally.

5.2.2 This requirement does not apply to openings fitted with closing arrangements, such as ramps and doors. Ramps and doors shall be of steel for all decks directly below accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces, and minimum “A-0” for all decks directly below survival craft, embarkation stations and assembly stations.

5.2.3 Openings are, however, accepted in ro-ro spaces below accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces, when the fire integrity of the ship’s side, including windows and doors, is “A-60” on boundaries in a rectangular area measured 6.0 m horizontally forward and aft of the openings and vertically minimum two deck levels above the deck level with the opening. “A-0” windows protected by a water-based system with an application rate of at least 5.0 L/min per square metre may be accepted as equivalent to “A-60” windows. Ventilation inlets shall be designed to minimize the risk of contamination.

5.2.4 Openings for mechanical ventilation of ro-ro and special category spaces are permitted below accommodation spaces, service spaces and control stations in superstructures, if the opening is protected by a closing device, with a closing arrangement not likely to be cut off in case of a fire in the ro-ro spaces, capable of being closed from a readily accessible position. The closing device shall be made of steel or other fire-resistant material. Such openings are not permitted below survival craft, the emergency generator and air intakes for the engine-room(s).

5.2.5 Notwithstanding the above, air intakes serving machinery used for the ship’s main propulsion, power generation and emergency power generation shall be in a position minimizing the risk of being contaminated by a fire in the ro-ro space or special category space.

5.3 Arrangement of weather deck intended for the carriage of vehicles

5.3.1 Appropriate arrangements shall be made so that a fully developed fire on weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles does not endanger:

.1 stowage areas for survival craft;

.2 embarkation stations and assembly stations including access to these; and

.3 accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces in superstructures and deckhouses adjacent to the weather deck.

5.3.2 Appropriate arrangements shall be made providing a safety distance, measured horizontally, from the designated vehicle lanes of more than 6.0 m to accommodation spaces, control stations and normally occupied service spaces in superstructures and deckhouses adjacent to the weather deck.

5.3.3 The safety distance can be reduced to 3.0 m when boundaries, including windows and doors, within 6.0 m are of “A-60” integrity. Alternatively, “A-0” boundaries protected by a water-based system with an application rate of at least 5.0 L/min per square metre may be accepted as equivalent.

5.3.4 Survival craft and embarkation stations, including access to these, shall be protected with a safety distance of more than 12.0 m. Safety distances shall be measured horizontally.

5.3.5 Notwithstanding the above, air intakes serving machinery used for the ship’s main propulsion, power generation and emergency power generation shall be in a position minimizing the risk of being contaminated by a fire on the weather deck intended for carriage of vehicles.

6 Fire extinction

6.1 Fixed fire-extinguishing systems

(The requirements of paragraphs 6.1.1 and 6.1.2 shall apply to ships constructed on or after 1 July 2014. Ships constructed before 1 July 2014 shall comply with the previously applicable requirements of paragraphs 6.1.1 and 6.1.2. The requirements of paragraphs 6.2.1 and 6.2.2 shall apply to ro-ro passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026. Passenger ships with vehicle, special category or ro-ro spaces constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, shall comply with the requirements of paragraph 6.2.3 not later than the first survey on or after 1 January 2028.)

6.1.1 Vehicle spaces and ro-ro spaces, which are not special category spaces and are capable of being sealed from a location outside of the cargo spaces, shall be fitted with one of the following fixed fire-extinguishing systems:

.1 a fixed gas fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code;

.2 a fixed high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code; or

.3 a fixed water-based fire fighting system for ro-ro spaces and special category spaces complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code and paragraphs 6.1.2.1 to 6.1.2.4.

6.1.2 Vehicle spaces and ro-ro spaces not capable of being sealed and special category spaces shall be fitted with a fixed water-based fire-fighting system for ro-ro spaces and special category spaces complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code which shall protect all parts of any deck and vehicle platform in such spaces. Such a water-based fire-fighting system shall have:

.1 a pressure gauge on the valve manifold;

.2 clear marking on each manifold valve indicating the spaces served;

.3 instructions for maintenance and operation located in the valve room; and

.4 a sufficient number of drainage valves to ensure complete drainage of the system.

6.1.3 The Administration may permit the use of any other fixed fire-extinguishing system that has been shown that it is not less effective by a full-scale test in conditions simulating a flowing petrol fire in a vehicle space or a ro-ro space in controlling fires likely to occur in such a space.

6.1.4 The requirement of this paragraph shall apply to ships constructed on or after 1 January 2010. Ships constructed on or after 1 July 2002 and before 1 January 2010 shall comply with the previously applicable requirements of paragraph 6.1.4, as amended by resolution MSC.99(73). When fixed pressure water-spraying systems are fitted, in view of the serious loss of stability which could arise due to large quantities of water accumulating on the deck or decks during the operation of the fixed pressure water-spraying system, the following arrangements shall be provided:

.1 in passenger ships:

.1.1 in the spaces above the bulkhead deck, scuppers shall be fitted so as to ensure that such water is rapidly discharged directly overboard, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization

5) Refer to the Guidelines for drainage systems in closed vehicle and ro-ro spaces and special category spaces, to be developed by the Organization.

;

.1.2.1 in ro-ro passenger ships, discharge valves for scuppers, fitted with positive means of closing operable from a position above the bulkhead deck in accordance with the requirements of the International Convention on Load Lines in force, shall be kept open while the ships are at sea;

.1.2.2 any operation of valves referred to in paragraph 6.1.4.1.2.1 shall be recorded in the log-book;

.1.3 in the spaces below the bulkhead deck, the Administration may require pumping and drainage facilities to be provided additional to the requirements of regulation II-1/35-1. In such case, the drainage system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the water-spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization

5) Refer to the Guidelines for drainage systems in closed vehicle and ro-ro spaces and special category spaces, to be developed by the Organization.

. The drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls. Bilge wells shall be of sufficient holding capacity and shall be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 m in each watertight compartment;

.2 in cargo ships, the drainage and pumping arrangements shall be such as to prevent the build-up of free surfaces. In such case, the drainage system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the water-spraying system pumps and the required number of fire hose nozzles, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization

5) Refer to the Guidelines for drainage systems in closed vehicle and ro-ro spaces and special category spaces, to be developed by the Organization.

. The drainage system valves shall be operable from outside the protected space at a position in the vicinity of the extinguishing system controls. Bilge wells shall be of sufficient holding capacity and shall be arranged at the side shell of the ship at a distance from each other of not more than 40 m in each watertight compartment. If this is not possible, the adverse effect upon stability of the added weight and free surface of water shall be taken into account to the extent deemed necessary by the Administration in its approval of the stability information

6) Refer to the Recommendation on fixed fire-extinguishing systems for special category spaces, adopted by the Organization by resolution A.123(V).

. Such information shall be included in the stability information supplied to the master as required by regulation II-1/5-1.

6.1.5 On all ships, for closed vehicles and ro-ro spaces and special category spaces, where fixed pressure water-spraying systems are fitted, means shall be provided to prevent the blockage of drainage arrangements, taking into account the guidelines developed by the Organization. Ships constructed before 1 January 2010 shall comply with the requirements of this paragraph by the first survey after 1 January 2010.

6.2 Fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system on weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles

6.2.1 In passenger ships, a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system based on monitor(s) shall be installed in order to cover weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles. The monitor(s) shall comply with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

6.2.2 In passenger ships, drainage shall be provided where a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system is installed to cover weather decks intended for carriage of vehicles. The system shall be sized to remove no less than 125% of the combined capacity of both the monitor(s) and the required number of fire hose nozzles.

6.2.3 For passenger ships constructed before 1 January 2026, including those constructed before 1 July 2012, a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system based on monitor(s) shall be installed in order to protect areas on weather decks intended for the carriage of vehicles. Monitors shall be located in positions which ensure unobstructed protection of vehicles in the area on the weather deck intended for carriage for vehicles, as far as practicable. Operation of monitors shall be ensured by safe access ways or remote control not to be impaired by a fire in the area protected by that monitor. Capacity of each monitor shall be at least 1,250 L/min. The Administration may permit lower flow rates when the required rate is not practical given the size and arrangement of the ship. The Administration may also permit alternative arrangements for ships that have already installed a fixed water-based fire-extinguishing system based on monitor(s) prior to 1 January 2026.

6.3 Portable fire-extinguishers

6.3.1 Portable fire-extinguishers shall be provided at each deck level in each hold or compartment where vehicles are carried, spaced not more than 20 m apart on both sides of the space. At least one portable fire-extinguisher shall be located at each access to such a cargo space.

6.3.2 In addition to the provision of paragraph 6.3.1, the following fire-extinguishing appliances shall be provided in vehicle, ro-ro and special category spaces intended for the carriage of motor vehicles with fuel in their tanks for their own propulsion:

.1 at least three water-fog applicators; and

.2 one portable foam applicator unit complying with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code, provided that at least two such units are available in the ship for use in such spaces.

7 Decision-making

(The requirements of paragraph 7 shall apply to passenger ships constructed on or after 1 January 2026.)

In passenger ships, vehicle, special category and ro-ro spaces, where fixed pressure water-spraying systems are fitted, shall be provided with suitable signage and marking on deckhead and bulkhead and on the vertical boundaries allowing easy identification of the sections of the fixed fire-extinguishing system. Suitable signage and markings shall be adapted to typical patterns of crew movement taking into consideration obstruction by cargo or fixed installations. Section number signs shall be of photoluminescent material. The section numbering indicated inside the space shall be same as section valve identification and section identification at the safety centre or continuously manned control station.