In order to restrict the spread of fire the bulkheads and decks
of a vessel are constructed to a particular standard. Various standards apply depending on the type of vessel and the nature of the space surrounded. Generally the fire resistance of a bulkhead is expressed as A, B or C followed by a number indicating the time that the division will prevent a specified temperature rise.
CLASS “A”— A division constructed of steel or equivalent
material and capable of preventing the passage of smoke or flame for one hour. Class “A” division bulkheads should be insulated with non-combustible materials so that on the side opposite to a fire the average temperature will not rise more than 139oCabove the original temperature, nor more than 180oC at any one point.
Class “A-60” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for at
least 60 minutes.
Class “A-30” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for at
least 30 minutes.
Class “A-15” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for at
least 15 minutes.
Class “A-0” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for at
least 0 minutes.
CLASS “B”—A division capable of preventing the passage of
flame for the first half an hour of the standard test. The insulation should be such that on the side opposite to a fire the average temperature will not rise more 139oC above the original temperature, not more than 225o C at any one point. Class “B-15” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for
at least 15 minutes.
Class “B-0” –must prevent the stated temperature rises for at
least 0 minutes.
A class “B” division must be constructed of approved non-
combustible materials except that combustible materials may be permitted provided they meet certain other requirements.
CLASS “C”--- These divisions are constructed of approved
non-combustible materials. They do not need to meet the requirements for limiting the passage of smoke and flame nor limitations relative to temperature rise. Combustible veneers are permitted provided they meet other requirements.
Fire resistance doors and doorframes fitted to the bulkheads
and decks is to be, as far as is practicable , at least equivalent to the bulkhead or deck in which they are fitted. Watertight doors need not be insulated
DOORS IN FIRE-RESISTANT DIVISIONS—
In “A” class divisions must be constructed of steel and
doors in “B” class divisions must be non-combustible. In boundaries of category A machinery spaces are to be self-closing and reasonably gas-tight Self-closing doors are not to be fittedwith any hold back device, unless it is capable of remoterelease and of the fail safe type. Ventilation is permitted through the lower part or beneath a door that leads between a corridor and a public space or cabin. Watertight doors are not required to be insulated. ***************