scope:

The scope of this document is limited to the review of ABS requirements considered during the technical plan review of active fire-fighting systems onboard ABS-classed vessels. Passive fire protection arrangements, such as structural fire protection, as well as fire detection systems, are outside the scope of this document. Fire-fighting systems of offshore facilities and installations are also outside the scope of this document.

The review of fire-fighting systems for the International Maritime Organization's (IMO's) International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) requirements is also not within the scope of this document. However, in many cases, the ABS Rules for fire-fighting systems either incorporate or directly reference IMO SOLAS fire-fighting system requirements. Accordingly, within the discussions of the ABS requirements for various fire-fighting systems, related "interpretations" of the associated SOLAS requirements, as developed by the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS), are identified. These IACS interpretations are called Unified Interpretations (UI). As an IACS member, The Bureau (ABS) is obligated to apply these UIs as appropriate interpretations of the SOLAS requirements, unless directed otherwise by the Flag Administration. Interpretations provided in the UIs should be considered when conducting technical plan reviews.

Note: Development of appropriate Unified Interpretations and revision of existing UIs is an ongoing effort within the IACS Working Parties. Therefore, attention is directed to the latest edition of the IACS UI.

In addition to the IACS UIs, IMO MSC Circular 847, "Interpretations of Vague Expressions and other Vague Wording in SOLAS Consolidated Edition 1997 Chapter II-2," also provides guidance regarding SOLAS fire-fighting system requirements. Many of the MSC Circular 847 interpretations are based upon the IACS UI interpretations, while others provide revised or additional interpretations of the SOLAS requirements. A number of the MSC Circular 847 interpretations have been included in the SOLAS 2000 consolidated edition. Consequently, these requirements were also incorporated into the ABS Rules. However, since the MSC Circular 847 interpretations identify useful information and guidance relative to certain Rule requirements, "selected" IMO MSC Circular 847 interpretations have also been identified.

Note: Regarding classification requirements, MSC Circular 847 interpretations which are not included within SOLAS have not necessarily been officially adopted by the Bureau and should only be applied as directed by the ABS Technical Consistency Department. Further, MSC Circular 847 interpretations may not be mandatory for any particular Flag Administration, except for those incorporated within SOLAS. Member Governments are only invited to use the annexed interpretations as guidance, and therefore, specific instructions from the ABS Regulatory Affairs Department should be obtained regarding the application of these interpretations on behalf of any particular Administration.