01/11/1974 SOLAS-verdrag
Internationaal verdrag van 1 november 1974 voor de Beveiliging van Mensenlevens op Zee, 1974

In addition to complying with the requirements of regulations in parts B, C, D and E, as appropriate, ships equipped with helidecks shall comply with the requirements of this regulation.

Where helicopters land or conduct winching operations on an occasional or emergency basis on ships without helidecks, fire- fighting equipment fitted in accordance with the requirements in Part C may be used. This equipment shall be made readily available in close proximity to the landing or winching areas during helicopter operations.

Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 2.2 above, ships constructed on or after 1 January 2020, having a helicopter landing area, shall be provided with foam firefighting appliances which comply with the relevant provisions of chapter 17 of the Fire Safety Systems Code.

[Notwithstanding the requirements of paragraph 2.2 or 2.3 above, ro-ro passenger ships without helidecks shall comply with regulation III/28.]

In general, the construction of the helidecks shall be of steel or other equivalent materials. If the helideck forms the deckhead of a deckhouse or superstructure, it shall be insulated to “A-60” class standard.

If the Administration permits aluminium or other low melting point metal construction that is not made equivalent to steel, the following provisions shall be satisfied:

.1

if the platform is cantilevered over the side of the ship, after each fire on the ship or on the platform, the platform shall undergo a structural analysis to determine its suitability for further use; and

.2

if the platform is located above the ship's deckhouse or similar structure, the following conditions shall be satisfied:

.2.1

the deckhouse top and bulkheads under the platform shall have no openings;

.2.2

windows under the platform shall be provided with steel shutters; and

.2.3

after each fire on the platform or in close proximity, the platform shall undergo a structural analysis to determine its suitability for further use.

In close proximity to the helideck, the following fire-fighting appliances shall be provided and stored near the means of access to that helideck:

.1

at least two dry powder extinguishers having a total capacity of not less than 45 kg;

.2

carbon dioxide extinguishers of a total capacity of not less than 18 kg or equivalent;

.3

a suitable foam application system consisting of monitors or foam making branch pipes capable of delivering foam to all parts of the helideck in all weather conditions in which helicopters can operate. The system shall be capable of delivering a discharge rate as required in table 18.1 for at least five minutes;

Table 18.1 – Foam discharge rates
Category	Helicopter overall length	Discharge rate foam solution (l/min.)
H1	up to but not including 15 m	250
H2	from 15 m up to but not including 24 m	500
H3	from 24 m up to but not including 35 m	800

.4

the principal agent shall be suitable for use with salt water and conform to performance standards not inferior to those acceptable to the Organization;

.5

at least two nozzles of an approved dual-purpose type (jet/spray) and hoses sufficient to reach any part of the helideck;

.6

[in lieu of the requirements of paragraphs 5.1.3 through 5.1.5, on ships constructed on or after 1 January 2020 having a helideck, foam firefighting appliances which comply with the provisions of the Fire Safety Systems Code.]

[.7

in addition to the requirements of regulation 10.10, two sets of fire-fighter's outfits; and

[.8

at least the following equipment shall be stored in a manner that provides for immediate use and protection from the elements:

–

adjustable wrench;

–

blanket, fire resistant;

–

cutters, bolt 60 cm;

–

hook, grab or salving;

–

hacksaw, heavy duty complete with 6 spare blades;

–

ladder;

–

lift line 5 mm diameter × 15 m in length;

–

pliers, side cutting;

–

set of assorted screwdrivers; and

–

harness knife complete with sheath.

Each helicopter facility shall have an operations manual, including a description and a checklist of safety precautions, procedures and equipment requirements. This manual may be part of the ship's emergency response procedures.

The procedures and precautions to be followed during refuelling operations shall be in accordance with recognized safe practices and contained in the operations manual.

Fire-fighting personnel consisting of at least two persons trained for rescue and fire-fighting duties and fire-fighting equipment shall be immediately available at all times when helicopter operations are expected.

Fire-fighting personnel shall be present during refuelling operations. However, the fire-fighting personnel shall not be involved with refuelling activities.

On-board refresher training shall be carried out and additional supplies of fire-fighting media shall be provided for training and testing of the equipment.