What Are SOLAS Requirements for Fire Hoses on Board Ships?

# What is SOLAS Requirements for Fire Hoses Onboard?

Introduction: Why Fire Hose Regulations Matter at Sea

If you’ve worked on ships, you’ll know how fast a small fire at sea can become a major emergency. Ships are packed with machinery, fuel, cargo, and sometimes even dangerous goods. That’s why international maritime safety rules, especially the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), put a big focus on fire protection. One vital tool in our firefighting arsenal is the humble fire hose—but do you know the exact SOLAS requirements for fire hoses on board?

Whether you’re a deck cadet doing your first drills, a chief engineer concerned about equipment checks, or an officer preparing for your next PSC or flag state inspection, understanding these rules is essential. In this post, I’ll break down everything you need to know about SOLAS fire hose requirements in plain, seafarer-friendly language. Let’s dive in!

What Is the SOLAS Convention—and Who Must Follow It?

SOLAS is the world’s leading treaty governing maritime safety, enforced by the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Any vessel on international voyages—whether cargo, passenger, or tanker—must comply with these regulations. That includes clear rules on firefighting equipment like fire hoses.

If your ship is subject to SOLAS, these fire hose requirements are NOT optional. They’re frequently checked during flag state inspections, Port State Control (PSC) boardings, and class surveys. So, missing or incorrect fire hose installations are a common cause for detention and deficiencies.

Where Are SOLAS Fire Hose Requirements Specified?

The requirements you need to know are mainly found in:

• SOLAS Chapter II-2 (Construction—Fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction)
• FSS Code—Fire Safety Systems Code (specifically in Chapter 3 and Chapter 4)

For the most up-to-date rules and clarifications, you can always refer to IMO’s official documentation.

How Many Fire Hoses Are Required on Board?

Ever wondered how many fire hoses your ship needs? According to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10 and the FSS Code, the number of fire hoses depends on the type and size of ship.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Passenger Ships: At least one fire hose for each hydrant required by the regulations. For example, if your ship has 12 hydrants, you’ll need at least 12 fire hoses.
• Cargo Ships (Under 1,000 GT): Minimum of 3 fire hoses.
• Cargo Ships (1,000 GT and above): Minimum of 5 fire hoses.
• Tankers: At least one jet-type fire hose and nozzle (plus spanner) for each fire hydrant in the accommodation and machinery spaces.

Some vessels carry extra hoses as spares, which is wise in case of damage or during maintenance—but those additional hoses don’t count towards SOLAS minimums.

What Are the Technical Requirements for Fire Hoses?

It’s not just about quantity; SOLAS and the FSS Code lay out technical standards for fire hoses to ensure they’re reliable in an emergency. Here are the key details seafarers should know:

• Minimum Length: Usually at least 10 meters (in machinery spaces, often 15 meters, but never more than 20 meters in general areas and 15 meters for machinery spaces).
• Diameter: Standard hose diameter is around 19 mm (outside) and 50 mm (inside), but it can be between 38 mm and 64 mm, depending on the ship.
• Couplings: Hoses must have standardised, compatible couplings so they swap easily between hydrants.
• Material: Hoses should be lined with rubber or other non-absorbent material to resist mildew and rot. They need to be flexible, durable, and able to withstand high pressure.
• Nozzle: Each hose should be equipped with an approved jet/spray nozzle capable of adjusting from a strong jet to a fine spray.

Important: All fire hoses and nozzles must be approved by your ship’s classification society or flag authority.

Where Should Fire Hoses Be Located Onboard?

Fire hoses should be stored in ready-to-use condition at or next to every required fire hydrant. SOLAS and the FSS Code state:

• Hoses must be in easily accessible, clearly marked cabinets or brackets.
• Every accommodation and service space, as well as all cargo spaces, holds, and engine rooms, should have hydrants with hoses within easy reach.
• Hoses should never be blocked by cargo, stores, or other equipment.

On my last ship, a fire drill revealed that one of our hoses was behind a stack of paint drums—needless to say, that was a learning moment for everyone.

When Should Fire Hoses Be Inspected and Maintained?

Think your fire hoses are just “fit-and-forget”? Think again! As every senior officer will tell you, hoses must be:

• Inspected at least monthly as part of the ship’s safety equipment checks
• Tested for leaks, flexibility, and pressure resistance (most chief officers include this in weekly and monthly drills)
• After use, rinsed with fresh water, dried, and carefully stowed to prevent mildew and deterioration
• Replaced immediately if found damaged, per your company’s safety management policy

And yes, checks are often sampled by PSC or flag inspections, so being ship-shape isn’t just good practice, it’s your ticket to a smooth inspection.

How Do Fire Hose and Hydrant Locations Ensure Total Ship Coverage?

It’s not enough to just have hoses and hydrants scattered about. SOLAS stresses that every part of the ship—not just accommodation or open decks—must be reachable by at least one effective length of hose from a single hydrant. This means you should be able to:

• Access any compartment, passageway, and open deck area with a connected fire hose from the nearest hydrant
• Rapidly move hoses, if necessary, to tackle the fire at its source

Ships often do a fire plan “walkdown” to verify every nook and cranny can be covered within the maximum allowed hose length.

What Else Does SOLAS Say About Nozzles and Spanners?

Each hose station must be equipped with a “dual purpose” nozzle—meaning you can set it to jet or spray mode. And don’t forget the spanner (the tool for coupling and uncoupling hoses). At least one spanner is needed for every hydrant, so you’re not hunting around in a real emergency.

Why Are These Regulations So Strict?

Fire at sea is a seafarer’s worst nightmare. There’s no fire brigade to call and zero room for error. That’s why SOLAS rules—which come from years of hard-learned lessons—ensure:

• All areas are protected
• Equipment is compatible, reliable, and easy to use
• Everyone on board is trained and ready to fight fire instantly

As someone who has seen a real shipboard fire drill in action, I can tell you—when seconds count, well-placed, accessible, and approved fire hoses are literally lifesavers.

Conclusion: Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

To sum it up, SOLAS fire hose requirements are detailed and non-negotiable. Make sure your ship’s hoses:

• Meet the minimum number for your vessel type and size
• Are of the right length, material, and pressure rating
• Are tested, ready to use, and easy to access
• Cover every part of the ship—no blind spots

Don’t wait for an inspection (or worse, a real emergency) to check your fire hoses. If in doubt, refer to the official SOLAS documentation or ask your Safety Officer or Chief Mate.

Want to ace your next safety drill, keep your ship out of trouble during surveys, and most importantly, be prepared to face fire at sea? Make SOLAS fire hose compliance a priority—it could save your ship and your life.

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