MSC.1/Circ.1291
GUIDELINES FOR FLOODING DETECTION SYSTEMS ON PASSENGER SHIPS
(9
December 2008)
1.
The Maritime Safety Committee, at its eighty-fifth session (26 November to 5
December 2008), approved the Guidelines for flooding detection systems on passenger
ships, as set out in the annex, following the recommendations made by the
Sub-Committee on Stability and Load Lines and on Fishing Vessels Safety, at its
fifty-first session. The Guidelines provide guidance for the flooding detection
systems for watertight spaces below the bulkhead deck, required by SOLAS
regulation II-1/22-1 for passenger ships carrying 36 or more persons and
constructed on or after 1 July 2010.
2.
Member Governments are invited to use the annexed Guidelines for flooding
detection systems on passenger ships when applying the relevant provisions of
SOLAS regulation II-1/22-1 and to bring them to the attention of all parties
concerned.
Annex.
GUIDELINES FOR FLOODING DETECTION SYSTEMS ON PASSENGER SHIPS
1.
SOLAS regulation II-1/22-1 requires passenger ships carrying 36 or more persons
constructed on or after 1 July 2010 to be provided with flooding detection
systems for watertight spaces below the bulkhead deck based on guidelines
developed by the Organization.
2.
These guidelines are intended to provide detailed requirements for flooding
detection systems to provide information in the case of flooding in order to
assess the actual flooding situation and support the decision-making process.
3.
Flooding detection system means a system of sensors and alarms that detect and
warn of water ingress into watertight spaces. Continuous flood level monitoring
may be provided, but is not required.
4.
Sensor means a device fitted at the location being monitored that activates a
signal to identify the presence of water at the location.
5.
Alarm means an audible and visual signal which announces a flooding condition
requiring attention.
6.
A flooding detection system should be fitted in all watertight spaces below the
bulkhead deck that:
.1 have a
volume, in cubic metres (m3), that is more than the ship's moulded
displacement per centimetre (cm) immersion at deepest subdivision draught; or
.2 have a volume
more than 30 m3,
7.
Any watertight spaces that are separately equipped with a liquid level
monitoring system (such as fresh water, ballast water, fuel, etc.), with an
indicator panel or other means of monitoring at the navigation bridge (and the
safety centre if located in a separate space from the navigation bridge), are
excluded from these requirements.
8.
The number and location of flooding detection sensors should be sufficient to
ensure that any substantial water ingress into a watertight space requiring a
flooding detection system is detected under reasonable angles of trim and heel.
To accomplish this, flooding detection sensors required in accordance with
paragraph 6 should generally be installed as indicated below:
.1 Vertical
location sensors should be installed as low as practical in the watertight
space.
.2 Longitudinal
location in watertight spaces located forward of the mid-length, sensors
should generally be installed at the forward end of the space; and in
watertight spaces located aft of the mid-length, sensors should generally be
installed at the aft end of the space. For watertight spaces located in the
vicinity of the mid-length, consideration should be given to the appropriate
longitudinal location of the sensor. In addition, any watertight space of more
than Ls/5 in length or with arrangements that would seriously restrict the
longitudinal flow of water should be provided with sensors at both the forward
and aft ends.
.3 Transverse
location sensors should generally be installed at the centreline of the space
(or alternatively at both the port and starboard sides). In addition, any
watertight space that extends the full breadth of the ship or with arrangements
that would seriously restrict the transverse flow of water should be provided
with sensors at both the port and starboard sides.
9.
Where a watertight space extends in height over more than one deck, there
should be at least one flooding detection sensor at each deck level. This
provision is not applicable in cases where a continuous flood level monitoring
system is installed.
10.
For watertight spaces with unusual arrangements or in other cases where these
guidelines would not achieve the intended purpose, the number and location of
flooding detection sensors should be subject to special consideration.
11.
Each flooding detection system should give an audible and visual alarm at the
navigation bridge and the safety centre, if located in a separate space from
the navigation bridge. These alarms should indicate which watertight space is
flooded.
12.
Visual and audible alarms should conform to the Code on Alarms and Indicators,
1995, as may be amended, as applicable to a primary alarm for the preservation
or safety of the ship.
13.
The flooding detection system and equipment should be suitably designed to
withstand supply voltage variation and transients, ambient temperature changes,
vibration, humidity, shock, impact and corrosion normally encountered in ships.
Sensor cabling and