46 CFR §28.820
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Each vessel must be equipped with a self-priming, power driven fire pump connected to a fixed piping system. This pump must be capable of delivering an effective stream of water from a hose connected to the highest outlet. The minimum capacity of the power fire pump shall be 50 gallons per minute at a pressure of not less than 60 pounds per square inch at the pump outlet.
- (1)If multiple pumps are installed, they may be used for other purposes provided at least one pump is kept available for use on the fire system at all times.
- (2)In addition, each vessel must be fitted with a portable fire pump having a minimum capacity of that specified in paragraph (a) of this section, capable of producing a stream of water having a throw of at least 12 meters (39.4 feet) from the nozzle, and capable of being connected to National Standard Fire Hose of the size utilized on board the vessel. If a vessel already has on board a portable pump satisfying the bilge system requirements of § 28.255(d), no additional portable pump is required as long as the portable pump is of sufficient size/capacity, and is properly equipped to handle both fire fighting and flood control.
- (b)Each vessel must have a sufficient number of fire hydrants to reach any part of the vessel using a single length of hose.
- (c)Each fire hydrant must have at least one length of fire hose connected to the outlet at all times, a spanner, and a hose rack or other device for stowing the hose at all times.
- (1)All parts of the firemain located on exposed decks shall either be protected against freezing or be fitted with cutout valves and drain valves.
- (2)Firehose shall not be used for any other purpose other than fire extinguishing, drills, and testing.
- (3)Each length of fire hose must be a minimum of 3.83 centimeters (1 1/2”) diameter lined commercial fire hose and be fitted with a nozzle made of corrosion resistant material capable of providing a solid stream and a spray pattern.