IMO Signs Explained!

This time we are featuring the Fire Pump sign in the "IMO signs explained” article series:

Fire pump	Emergency Fire Pump

Fire pumps are a vital equipment onboard a ship which will assume an essential role in the event of fire.

Normally, marine fire pumps are centrifugal pumps with very high flow capabilities that can easily handle water and foam. In general, SOLAS Chapter I-2, part A regulation 4 requires the use of alternative fire pump arrangements so assure that there will be enough water available even if one fire pump fails or becomes inoperable. Thus, at least one main fire pump and an emergency fire pump will be fitted depending on the size and type of vessel.

The main fire pump is usually installed in the lower deck of the engine room. Main fire pumps are powered by the ships main electrical supply and their central function is to supply water to the water-based fire-fighting systems onboard namely to the hose connections in the engine room, main deck and accommodation decks.

The emergency fire pump must be driven either using a diesel engine or electrically supplied from the emergency generator. This must be installed in a different space from the engine room where the main fire pump is fitted so that it can effectively be used as a backup.

The graphic content for the fire pump and emergency fire pump signs is specified by IMO Res. A654, IMO Res. A.952(23), ISO 17631 and more recently by IMO Res. A.1116(30) where they have been included in the SIS (shipboard fire control plan signs) category without any graphical changes.

Using the Everlux S1033 and S1034 item codes to identify the locations of the main fire and emergency fire pumps onboard will help you comply with the requirements and will allow your crew to quickly identify them if needed – even during an extreme emergency involving fire and smoke!