scope:

Title.

NFPA 301 shall be known as the Merchant Vessel Code and is referred to herein as "this code" or "the code."

The code addresses construction, arrangement, protection, and space utilization factors that are necessary to minimize danger to life from fire, smoke, fumes, or panic. It also provides for reasonable protection against property damage and avoidance of environmental damage consistent with the normal operation of vessels. Fundamental requirements applicable to all vessels are found in Chapters 1 through 9. These fundamental requirements are modified in Chapters 10 through 18 as applicable for any type of space. The requirements in Chapters 1 through 18 are modified in Chapters 19 through 21 as applicable for any given vessel type. For example, a passenger vessel would follow the requirements of Chapters 1 through 18 and Chapter 21.

The code identifies the minimum criteria for the design of egress facilities so as to permit prompt escape of passengers and crew to safe areas aboard vessels and, where necessary, to survival craft embarkation stations.

The code recognizes that life safety is more than a matter of egress and, accordingly, deals with other considerations that are essential to life safety. It also recognizes the unique operating environment of merchant vessels and the relationships among life safety, property protection, and environmental protection and deals with these criteria accordingly.

Where permanently moored and occupied as buildings, merchant vessels shall be permitted to be treated as buildings and shall be permitted to be subject to the provisions of appropriate building codes and standards as specified by the local authority having jurisdiction (AHJ).