Specifications

SMALL VESSEL COMPLIANCE PROGRAM (SVCP) TP 15111E
Detailed Compliance Report and Guidelines Page 9 of 20
QUESTION 27
When the freeboard exceeds 0.5 metres (approximately 20 inches) you will need a re-boarding device. However,
your vessel already meets this requirement if it has transom ladders or swim platform ladders. An outboard engine
may not be used as a re-boarding device.
QUESTION 28
Fire extinguisher brackets are needed to mount a fire extinguisher securely and ensure that it is accessible. You need
to feel confident that in case of fire, an extinguisher is immediately ready for use.
QUESTION 29
Extinguishers for use in accommodation spaces must not contain gas extinguishing agents such as carbon dioxide
(CO
2
), halon or any other gas.
QUESTION 30
A 23 kilogram (kg) fire extinguisher is approximately 50 pounds (lbs).
QUESTIONS 31 & 32
Self explanatory – answer yes or no.
QUESTION 33
Where portable extinguishers are provided for engine compartment firefighting, the vessel shall be equipped with at least 2 portable
carbon dioxide (CO
2
) fire extinguishers containing sufficient quantity of extinguishing agent to flood the engine space.
Check to confirm that the nozzle will fit in the discharge port. The fire extinguisher to be discharged directly into the enclosed engine
space is in addition to the existing required fire extinguishers for the vessel. It shall contain at least 1.2 kilograms (kg) of CO
2
per
cubic meter of gross enclosed engine space volume or contain a sufficient quantity of clean agent to provide the same fire fighting
protection as CO
2
. The fire extinguisher must be capable of being discharged in not more than 60 seconds if it contains CO
2
or in not
more than 10 seconds if it contains a clean agent.
QUESTION 34
The port or provision for the discharge must be clearly labelled to show its purpose so that in the event of an emergency, it can be
easily found and accessed.
QUESTION 35
If fitted, the fixed fire suppression system must be certified for marine use and installed as per the manufacturer‘s instructions.
―Certified for marine use‖ means that it is listed for marine use by a product certification body or classification society, following
accepted fire extinguishing standards such as the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
If a gas other than carbon dioxide (CO
2
) is used as the fire-extinguishing agent, it must provide at least the same fire fighting
protection as CO
2
. The system must be up to the specifications and standards of NFPA 12 (for CO
2
systems), NFPA 2001 (for clean
agent systems), NFPA 2010 (for aerosol systems), and installed/maintained by a certified technician. It must be fitted in accordance
with the construction standards and maintained as per manufacturer recommendations.
SECTION 7: BATTERIES
QUESTION 36
Batteries must be well protected from damage. They must be installed in a dry, well-ventilated area, above the high
bilge water level. Any ignition source should be avoided in the vicinity of the batteries as recommended by the
manufacturer.
Further safety requirements for batteries:
Batteries shall not be tapped for power exceeding the total available voltage.
Batteries must be in approved boxes or trays and securely fastened. Pull on the battery to make sure it is held securely. It shall not
be able to move more than 1 inch (2.5 centimetres) in any direction.
Batteries must be able to withstand inclinations of up to 40° (degrees) without spilling electrolyte and there should be absorbent
cloths or pads around the battery to contain any accidental spillage.
The battery terminals must be correctly labelled.
All wiring, connectors and contacts should be checked. Wire insulation should be intact and contacts should be secure and clean.
Connections must not be of the spring tension type (for example, Gator Clips).
Metallic fuel lines and fuel system components, within 30 centimetres (12 inches) of a battery, must be shielded with di-electric
material.
There must be a means to adequately ventilate dangerous and explosive hydrogen gas. Vented batteries cannot be located in
accommodation spaces.
Battery charging systems must be automatic.