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MCA Firefighting Equipment Guidelines

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.

  1. 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.

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