MCA Firefighting Equipment: Guidelines for Ships & Vessels

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) is an agency of the UK government. MCA guidelines govern the proper use of water supply systems, portable extinguishers, and fixed, fire-extinguishing systems on ships and vessels.

Water Supply Systems

• According to the MCA, ships should be provided with fire pumps, fire mains, hoses and hydrants. Furthermore, mains must be made of non-flammable materials, hydrants must be placed so hoses may be easily attached to them,and pipes and hydrants must be placed so as to avoid freezing.

Portable Extinguishers

• The MCA requires all ships to have portable fire extinguishers of the appropriate types. Ships must be equipped with water- or foam-based extinguishers, carbon dioxide extinguishers and powder-based extinguishers. All extinguishers must be serviced once a year.

Fixed Systems

• All ships must have a fixed, fire-extinguishing system of one of the following types: a gas fire-extinguishing system, a high-expansion foam fire-extinguishing system or a pressure, water-spraying fire-extinguishing system. All fixed fire-extinguishing systems must meet the Fire Systems Safety Code.