PSC deficiency code 07103: Division - decks,bulkheads and penetrations

Code 07103 covers the fire-resisting divisions that split the ship into fire zones: A class bulkheads and decks around the engine room, galley, stairways and control stations, B class linings and ceilings in the accommodation, and every cable, pipe or duct passing through them. The inspector writing it has seen a hole, a gap or missing insulation and doubts the boundary would hold a fire back for its rated time. Fire doors in the same boundaries have their own code (07105).

What the inspector looks at

The usual places are the engine room boundaries, the control room, the galley and stairway enclosures.

• Cable transits and pipe penetrations sealed with an approved system, complete and undamaged
• Structural insulation on A-60 and other insulated divisions present and fixed
• Holes cut in bulkheads or decks, including old ones from removed equipment
• Accommodation linings and ceiling panels in place, not broken or left open
• The fire control plan, to see which class each boundary is supposed to be

Common findings

• Cable penetration through engine room A-60 bulkhead not sealed
• Multiple cable transit missing packing blocks, compression plate loose
• Pipe penetration sealed with non-approved foam
• Structural fire insulation missing on engine control room deckhead
• Opening cut in bulkhead between engine room and workshop
• Ceiling panels in accommodation corridor missing

The rule behind it

SOLAS chapter II-2, regulation 9 (containment of fire) sets the class of division needed between each pair of spaces and requires penetrations through A and B class divisions to keep their fire integrity. Regulation 3 defines A, B and C class divisions. The number in A-60, A-30, A-15 or A-0 is the time in minutes for which the insulation holds back the temperature rise on the unexposed side in the standard fire test. Fire test procedures for divisions and penetration systems are in the FTP Code.

Action codes you are likely to see

A ceiling panel refitted or a transit packed from stock during the visit is often marked 10. Resealing penetrations and refitting insulation is usually 17, or 16 for a minor gap when approved material must be ordered. Structural fire divisions aren't among the examples in the IMO list of detainable deficiencies, but the officer may treat a serious case, such as a large opening in a machinery space boundary, as a ground for detention (30). See action taken codes.

How to close it

Seal each penetration with the approved system that was used there originally, or another type-approved system for that division class, fitted to the maker's instructions. General-purpose foam or silicone won't restore the rating. Refit structural insulation with approved material and close any cut openings with a repair class accepts. Keep photos, the sealing system's type approval certificate and any class report with the Form B. Related: fire doors, fire dampers, the fire control plan and ISM if the gaps came from unmanaged modifications.