PSC deficiency code 04102: Emergency fire pump and its pipes
Area 04 Emergency systems
The emergency fire pump is the one that has to supply the fire main when a fire or flooding has taken out the main fire pumps. It sits outside the main machinery space with its own drive and suction. Inspectors often ask for it to be started.
What the inspector looks at
- Can the crew start the pump without the engineer who normally does it, following the posted instructions?
- Does a diesel-driven pump start from its battery or hydraulic starter, and is there a working manual starting means where required?
- Does the pump prime and take suction from the sea chest at the ship's current draught?
- Is there adequate pressure at the hydrants, including the highest one on deck, with the isolating valve to the engine room closed?
- Are the sea suction valve, the isolating valve and the space itself (ventilation, lighting, access) in good condition?
Common findings
- Emergency fire pump failed to start
- Emergency fire pump unable to take suction / lost prime
- Insufficient pressure at hydrants from emergency fire pump
- Starting battery of emergency fire pump diesel flat
- Crew not familiar with starting procedure of emergency fire pump
- Sea suction valve seized
The rule behind it
SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10 requires a fixed emergency fire pump on cargo ships (and on certain passenger ships) where a fire in one compartment could put all the main fire pumps out of action. The FSS Code, Chapter 12 (fixed emergency fire pumps) sets the capacity, pressure, starting and suction requirements. SOLAS II-2 Regulation 14 covers maintenance and readiness, and crew familiarity with starting the pump is part of drills under SOLAS Chapter III.
Action codes you are likely to see
A problem fixed while the inspector waits, like an air lock, may get 10. A pump that starts but delivers low pressure is often 17. A pump that won't start or can't take suction leaves the ship without a fire water supply in the scenario it exists for, and that can be coded 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
Find and fix the cause: starting system, fuel, priming unit, impeller wear, suction strainer or a leaking isolating valve. Then repeat the full test with the inspector or the RO present if the item was a detention ground, measuring pressure at the highest hydrant with the isolating valve shut. Record the test and the repair in the planned maintenance system and the engine log, and keep any maker's or service report with the Form B. Post clear starting instructions at the pump and record a familiarisation for the deck crew. The main fire pumps and fire main are tested in the same way.