4. Safety Equipment

4.1 Fire Detection and Protection Equipment

4.1.1 Regulatory Requirements

4.1.1.1 The following regulations and standards apply to the design and construction of both fixed and portable Fire Detection and Protection Equipment aboard tugs:

• For tugs ≤ 15 GT
  • Small Vessel Regulations, Part 5
• For tugs > 15 GT:
  • Fire Detection and Extinguishing Equipment Regulations – Class H ships
• For all sizes of tugs:
  • Ships Electrical Standards, TP 127 – Part I, Section 21 in regards to fire alarms for all tugs

4.1.2 Additional Guidance

4.1.2.1 In addition, it is recommended to adhere to the published Rules of a Classification Society appropriate to the vessel's size, area of operation, and intended service.

4.2 Life Saving Equipment

4.2.1 Regulatory Requirements

4.2.1.1 The following regulations and standards apply to the provision of appropriate lifesaving equipment aboard tugs:

• Tugs ≤ 15 GT:
  • Small Vessel Regulations, Part 5
• Tugs > 15 GT:
  • Life Saving Equipment Regulations, Class IX or Class X ships

4.2.1.2 In addition to the general requirements of the Regulations indicated in 4.2.1.1, particular attention should be paid to the various sub-clauses within the regulations, which dictate specific requirements for life saving equipment to be carried on board tugs:

• Life Saving Equipment Regulations, Sections 20(1)(b)(iii), 20(1)(e)(ii),  22(1)(e),  22(1)(h)(ii),  23(e),  24(d),  25(e),  26(e),  27(c),  27.2(2) and/or 27.2(3)(a)(ii)
• Small Vessel Regulations, Sections 509 and 521

4.2.2 Additional Guidance

4.2.2.1 Although not mandated in the regulations, man-overboard recovery systems should be considered. Reference can be made to;

• IMO Resolution MSC.346(91) Application of SOLAS Regulation III/17-1 to ships to which SOLAS Chapter III does not apply
• IMO MSC.1/Circ.1447 Guidelines for the development of plans and procedures for recovery of persons from the water.

4.3 Navigation and Communications

4.3.1 Regulatory Requirements

4.3.1.1 The following regulations and standards apply to the design and construction of navigation and communication equipment aboard tugs:

• Tugs > 15 GT:
  • Life Saving Equipment Regulations – Class IX or X
• Tugs of all sizes:
  • Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations – In general
  • Collision Regulations – Part D, Part F Rule 46, Annex I & Annex III for sound and light signals
  • Marine Machinery Regulations – Schedule XVI, Section 4 for internal communications
  • Navigation Safety Regulations – In general &  Part 4, Sections 69 to 72 specifically for tugs in regards to gyro-compass, radar and echo-sounder requirements
  • Ship Station (Radio) Regulations – In general
  • Ship Station (Radio) Technical Regulations – In general
  • Ships Electrical Standards – TP 127 – Part I, Section 21 in regards to internal communication

4.3.1.2 The following regulations and standards apply to the operation and maintenance of navigation and communication equipment aboard tugs (applicable to tugs of all sizes):

• Charts and Nautical Publications Regulations – In general
• Collision Regulations – In general
• Marine Personnel Regulations – Part 2 in regards to communication personnel
• Vessel Traffic Services Zones Regulations – In general
• Safety and Distress Radiotelephone Procedures, TP 9878 – In general