SC299

Watertight testing after fire testing ofpenetrations in watertight divisions in(July(cont)2023)
passenger ships
SC299

Interpretation of SOLAS Chapter II-1, regulation 13.2.3 and the related explanatory
notes contained in resolution MSC.429(98)/Rev.2
SOLAS Regulation II-1/13.2.3 reads as follows:
Regulation 13 - Openings in watertight bulkheads below the bulkhead deck in passenger
ships
2.3 Lead or other heat-sensitive materials shall not be used in systems which penetratewatertight bulkheads, where deterioration of such systems in the event of fire would impair
the watertight integrity of the bulkheads.
The Explanatory Notes to SOLAS Regulation II-1/13.2.3 (as contained in resolution
MSC.429(98)/Rev.2) read as follows:3
Materials used in systems which penetrate watertight bulkheads should be of sufficientstrength after exposure to heat or be considered as part of an open piping system. Closing
devices using intumescent material (swelling when exposed to heat) for open piping systems
should not be considered equivalent to the fitting of a valve, since the fire might be locatedtoo far from the device to create a watertight seal.
4Approval of pipe penetrations fitted to ensure the watertight integrity of a bulkhead or
deck where heat-sensitive materials are used should include a prototype test ofwatertightness after having undergone the standard fire test appropriate for the location inwhich the penetrations are to be installed*.
4.1 The fire tested pipe penetration should then be tested to a test pressure of not less than
1.5 times the design pressure as defined in regulation 2.18. The pressure should be applied
to the same side of the division as the fire test.
4.2 The fire tested pipe penetration should be tested for a period of at least 30 minutes
under hydraulic pressure equal to the test pressure, but minimum 1.0 bar. There should be noleakage during this test.
4.3 The fire tested pipe penetration should continue to be tested for a further 30 minuteswith the test pressure. The quantity of water leakage is not to exceed a total of 1 litre.

Note:
1. This Unified Interpretation is to be uniformly implemented by IACS Members on ships
contracted for construction on or after 1 July 2024.
2. The “contracted for construction” date means the date on which the contract to build thevessel is signed between the prospective owner and the shipbuilder. For further details
regarding the date of “contract for construction”, refer to IACS Procedural Requirement(PR) No. 29.
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SC299SC299(cont)

4.4 The prototype test should be considered valid only for the pipe typology (e.g.
thermoplastic and multilayer), pressure classes, the maximum/minimum dimensions tested,
and the type and fire rating of the division tested.
* Refer to the requirements for A-class division set out in part 3 of annex 1 to the 2010 FTP
Code5
The pressure test need not be carried out on the hot penetration arrangement. Ample
time may be given to prepare for the pressure test, i.e. dismantling the fire testing equipment
and rigging the pressure test equipment.
5.1 The pressure test should be carried out with the pipe section used in the fire test still inplace.
5.2 Any pipe insulation fitted for the purpose of the fire test may be removed before thepressure test.
5.3 Prototype testing need not be carried out if the pipe penetration is made of steel or
equivalent material having a thickness of 3 mm or greater and a length of not less than
900 mm (preferably 450 mm on each side of the division), and there are no openings. Such
penetrations shall be suitably insulated by extension of the insulation at the same level of thedivision. See also regulation II-2/9.3.1 with respect to piping. However, the penetration muststill comply with the watertight integrity requirement in regulation 2.17.
Interpretation
1Any penetration used for the passage of heat-sensitive piping systems through awatertight bulkhead or deck on a passenger ship under SOLAS regulation II-1/13.2.3 shall betested with the heat-sensitive piping and shall be type approved for watertight integrity as per
paragraphs 4 and 5 of the explanatory notes to regulation II-1/13.2.3 contained in the annexof resolution MSC.429(98)/ Rev.2, as applicable, after the fire test.
2SOLAS regulation II-1/13.2.3 shall be applicable to heat-sensitive piping systems andshall not be applied to cable penetrations in watertight bulkheads and decks.

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