(a) Where a fire detection and alarm system is installed, the provisions of this subpart, with the exception of §§ 76.27-80 and 76.27-90, apply to all installations contracted for on or after July 22, 2021. Installations contracted for on or after November 19, 1952, and prior to July 22, 2021 must meet the requirements of § 76.27-80. Installations contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, must meet the requirements of § 76.27-90.

(b) The design, manufacture, installation, and operation of fire detection and alarm systems must be in accordance with either:

(1) Sections 76.27-5 through 76.27-35; or

(2) SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7 and FSS Code Chapter 9 (both incorporated by reference, see § 76.01-2) as detailed in § 76.27-70.

(a) Detectors, manual alarm stations, control panels, cabinets, alarms, and other notifying devices must be of approved types.

(b) The fire detection and alarm system must be capable of immediate operation at all times that the vessel is in service.

(c) The fire detection and alarm system must control and monitor input signals for all connected detectors and manual pull stations or call points.

(d) The fire detection and alarm system must provide fire or fault output signals to the pilothouse or fire control station.

(e) The fire detection and alarm system must notify crew and passengers of a fire when appropriate.

(f) The fire detection and alarm system must be so arranged and installed that the presence of a fire in any of the protected spaces will be automatically registered visibly and audibly in the pilothouse or fire control station. The visible notice must indicate the zone in which the alarm originated. On vessels of more than 150 feet (45.72 meters) in length, there must also be an audible alarm in the engine room.

(a) Means to manually acknowledge all alarm and fault signals must be provided at the control panel. The audible alarm on the control panel may be manually silenced. The control panel must clearly distinguish between normal, alarm, acknowledged alarm, fault, and silence conditions.

(b) The activation of any detector or manual pull station must cause an audible and visual fire detection alarm signal at the control panel. If the alarm signal has not been acknowledged within 2 minutes, an audible fire alarm must be automatically sounded throughout the crew accommodations and service spaces, control stations, and manned machinery spaces.

(c) A fire detection and alarm system must automatically reset to a normal operating condition after alarm and fault situations are cleared.

(d) Detectors in certain spaces, such as workshops during hot work and ro-ro spaces during on- and off-loading, may be disabled. The system must be restored automatically to normal surveillance after a predetermined time. Spaces must be manned when any detectors are disabled. Detectors in all other spaces must remain operational.

(e) In fire detection and alarm systems with addressable detectors and manual pull stations, every fault (such as an open circuit, short circuit, or ground fault) must be monitored and must not prevent the continued individual identification of the remaining detectors and manual pull stations.

(f) In fire detection and alarm systems with addressable detectors and manual alarm stations, the initiation of the first fire detector and resulting alarm must not prevent any other detector from responding.

(g) Fire detection and alarm systems without addressable detectors and manual alarm stations must identify the zone that contains the activated detector or station upon activation of a detector or manual pull station.

(h) Fire detection and alarm systems may output signals to other fire safety systems including, but not limited to, paging systems, fire alarm or public address systems, fan stops, fire doors, fire dampers, sprinkler systems, smoke extraction systems, low-location lighting systems, fixed local application fire extinguishing systems, and closed-circuit television systems.

(i) Fire detection and alarm systems may accept signals from other safety systems. For example, a signal initiated from actuation of an automatic sprinkler valve may be sent to a fire detection and alarm system.

(j) The fire detection and alarm system may be connected to a decision management system provided that—

(1) The decision management system is compatible with the fire detection and alarm system;

(2) The decision management system can be disconnected without affecting the performance of the fire detection and alarm system; and

(3) Any malfunction of the interfaced and connected decision management equipment must not render the fire detection and alarm system ineffective.

(a) Detectors must be responsive to heat, smoke, or other products of combustion, flame, or any combination of these factors. Detectors responsive to other indicators of incipient fires may be used if approved.

(b) Detectors must be capable of being triggered or tested and restored to service without the replacement of any component.

(c) Heat detectors must be rated not lower than 130 °F (54 °C) and not higher than 172 °F (78 °C). The operating temperature of heat detectors located in spaces of high normal ambient temperatures may be up to 260 °F (130 °C). The operating temperatures of heat detectors in saunas may be up to 284 °F (140 °C).

(d) Fire detectors fitted in passenger cabins must also emit, or cause to be emitted, an audible alarm within the cabin when activated.

(e) The required sensitivity and other performance criteria of detectors must be as set forth in 46 CFR 161.002.

(a) Audible alarms must generate sound pressure levels as set forth in 46 CFR 161.002 and must:

(1) Be at least 75 dBA as measured at the sleeping position in cabins;

(2) Be at least 10 dBA above ambient noise levels existing during normal operation with the ship under way in moderate weather when measured at a point 5 feet (1.5 meters) above the finished floor and at least 3 feet (1 meter) from the source;

(3) Not exceed 120 dBA; and

(4) The sound pressure level must be measured in the third octave band about the fundamental frequency.

(b) Visual alarms must generate light of an intensity and period as set forth in 46 CFR 161.002.

(c) All audible and visual alarms must be audible and visible throughout the spaces they are intended to alert.

(a) The power supply and emergency power supply for all fire detection and alarm systems must be in accordance with 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering). At the end of the required period for which the fire detection and alarm system must remain operable under emergency power, the system must remain capable of operating all audible and visual fire alarm signals for an additional period of 30 minutes.

(b) All wiring and electrical circuits and equipment must be in accordance with 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering).

(c) All fire detection and alarm systems must monitor power supplies and circuits necessary for the operation of the system during loss of power and fault conditions.

(a) The fire detection system must be divided into separate zones to restrict the area covered by any particular alarm signal.

(b) The fire detection zone must not include spaces in more than one main vertical zone, except on cabin balconies.

(c) The fire detection zone must not include spaces on more than one deck, except—

(1) Adjacent and communicating spaces on different decks at the ends of the vessel having a combined ceiling area of not more than 3,000 sq ft;

(2) Isolated rooms or lockers in such spaces as mast houses or wheelhouse tops, which are easily communicable with the area of the fire detection circuit to which they are connected; and

(3) Systems with addressable detectors and manual alarm stations that can have their status individually determined.

(d) Any fire detection zone with non-addressable detectors and manual pull stations must not contain more than 25 protected rooms or spaces.

(a) Detectors must be located in all spaces except those having little or no fire risk such as void spaces with no stowage of combustibles, private bathrooms, public toilets, fire extinguishing medium storage rooms, deck spaces, and enclosed promenades that are naturally ventilated by permanent openings.

(b) The detectors must be located on the overhead in the space protected at a minimum distance of 18 in (0.5 m) away from bulkheads, except in corridors, lockers, and stairways. Positions near beams and ventilation ducts, or other positions where patterns of air flow could adversely affect performance should be avoided. Where liable to physical damage, the detector must be suitably protected.

(c) Detectors must be located in accordance with spacing requirements as tested and approved.

(d) Detectors in stairways must be located at least at the top level of the stairs and at every second level beneath.

(e) There must be at least one manual alarm station in each zone.

(f) Manual alarm stations must be located in main passageways, stairway enclosures, public spaces, or similar locations where they will be readily available and easily seen in case of need.

(g) A sufficient number of manual alarm stations must be employed to enable a person escaping from any space to find a manual alarm station on his or her normal escape route.

(h) Cables that form part of a fire detection and alarm system must be arranged to avoid galleys and machinery and other high fire risk spaces except where it is necessary to provide for fire detection and alarms in such spaces or to connect to an appropriate power supply.

(i) Clear information about the installation and operation of a fire detection and alarm system must be displayed on or adjacent to its control panels.

(j) The audible alarms must be identified as required by § 78.47-13 of this subchapter.

(k) The entire main vertical zone containing an atrium must be protected throughout with smoke detectors.

When the design, manufacture, installation, and operation of a fire detection and alarm system is to be in accordance with SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Regulation 7 and FSS Code Chapter 9 (both incorporated by reference, see § 76.01-2) as allowed by § 76.27-1(b)(2), the following requirements apply:

(a) The periodic testing of fire detection and alarm systems required in SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7.3.2 must be conducted as part of the annual inspection mandated in subpart 71.25 of this subchapter.

(b) Control stations must be included among the spaces to be protected by a fire detection and alarm system under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7.5.3.

(c) The Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center will determine whether a cargo space in a passenger vessel is inaccessible and whether or not it is reasonable to provide fire detection for the space under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7.6.

(d) The Commanding Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Center will determine whether or not there is risk of fire originating in concealed and inaccessible places that otherwise would require access of a fire patrol under SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7.8.2.

(e) Any detectors operated by factors other than heat, smoke, or other products of combustion, or flame as addressed in FSS Code Chapter 9.2.3.1.1, may be used if they are approved types.

(f) Notwithstanding the provisions of FSS Code Chapter 9.2.3.1.2, the required sensitivity and other performance criteria of smoke detectors must be as set forth in 46 CFR 161.002.

(g) Notwithstanding the provisions of FSS Code Chapter 9.2.3.1.3, the required sensitivity and other performance criteria of heat detectors must be as set forth in 46 CFR 161.002.

(h) As addressed in FSS Code Chapter 9.2.4.1.3, when a fire detection and alarm system does not include means for identifying each detector individually, no section of detectors and manually operated call points may include more than 25 enclosed spaces.

(i) Notwithstanding the spacing set forth in FSS Code Chapter 9, Table 9.1, fire detectors must be placed in accordance with spacing requirements as tested and approved.

(j) Footnotes to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7.9 and FSS Code Chapter 9.2.51 refer to the Code on Alarms and Indicators, 2009, as adopted by IMO Resolution A.1021(26) (incorporated by reference, see § 76.01-2). The provisions of the Code on Alarms and Indicators are recommended but not required under the option in § 76.27-1(b)(2).

Installations contracted for on or after November 19, 1952 and prior to July 22, 2021, must meet the following requirements:

(a) Location and spacing of detectors. (1) The detectors must be located close to the overhead in the space protected. Where prone to physical damage, the detector(s) must be suitably protected.

(2) Unless specifically approved otherwise, every point on the overhead of a protected space must be within 10 feet (3.05 meters) of a detector. Where beams or girders extend below the ceiling, or where the ceiling is installed at more than one level, the detectors must be so located as to be most effective.

(b) Operation and installation. (1) The system must be so arranged and installed that the presence of a fire in any of the protected spaces will be automatically registered visibly and audibly in the pilothouse or fire control station. The visible notice must indicate the zone in which the alarm originated. On vessels of more than 150 feet (45.72 meters) in length, there must also be an audible alarm in the engine room.

(2) The detectors, the fire detection cabinet, and alarms must be of an approved type.

(3) In general, the detectors must be rated not lower than 135 °F and not higher than 165 °F. However, in spaces where a high ambient temperature may be expected, detectors must be rated not lower than 175 °F and not higher than 225 °F.

(4) The fire detection system must be used for no other purpose, except that it may be integrated with the manual alarm system.

(5) All wiring and electrical circuits and equipment must meet the applicable requirements of 46 CFR chapter I, subchapter J (Electrical Engineering) of this chapter.

(6) A framed chart or diagram must be installed in the wheelhouse or control station adjacent to the detecting cabinet indicating the location of the various detecting zones and giving instructions for the operation, maintenance, and testing of the system. This chart, or a separate card or booklet to be kept near the chart, must have tabulated spaces for the date and signature of the licensed officer of the vessel who must witness or conduct the periodic tests.

(7) The audible alarms must be identified as required by § 78.47-13 of this subchapter.

(c) Zoning. (1) The fire detection system must be divided into separate zones to restrict the area covered by any particular alarm signal.

(2) All spaces in a fire detection zone must be accessible from one to another without leaving the deck involved. All doors in watertight subdivision bulkheads and main vertical zone bulkheads must be assumed closed for the purpose of this requirement.

(3) The fire detection zone must not include spaces on more than one deck, except:

(i) Adjacent and communicating spaces on different decks at the ends of the vessel having a combined ceiling area of not more than 3,000 sq ft;

(ii) Isolated rooms or lockers in such spaces as mast houses, wheelhouse top, etc., which are easily communicable with the area of the fire detection circuit to which they are connected; and

(iii) Systems with indicators for individual spaces.

(4) The fire detection zone must not contain more than 50 protected rooms or spaces.

(d) Repair of existing systems. (1) If the status of the approval for the system is other than “Former—Do not use”, the system may be repaired by the following means:

(i) Repair in kind using the same components as installed and listed on the approved drawings;

(ii) Repair using equivalent components from the authorized component list for the type approval for that system;

(iii) Repair using equivalent components from the authorized component list for the type approval for another fire detection system, provided that the replacement devices are compatible with the installed system; and

(iv) Repair using devices that are currently type approved, provided that the replacement devices are compatible with the installed system.

(2) Any changes to the system that will result in the fire detection system not complying with the approved drawings require the drawings to be revised and submitted to the Marine Safety Center for review.

(a) Installations contracted for prior to November 19, 1952, must meet the following requirements:

(1) Existing arrangements, materials, and equipment previously approved will be considered satisfactory so long as they meet the minimum requirements of this paragraph, and they are maintained in good condition to the satisfaction of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection. Minor repairs and alterations may be made to the same standards as the original installation.

(2) The details of the systems must be in general agreement with §§ 76.27-5 through 76.27-15 insofar as is reasonable and practicable.

(b) [Reserved]