Registration of Merchant Ships (Fishing Vessels of 24 Meters in Length and Above) Safety Regulation, 1995 (S.I. No. 113 of 1995)

REGISTRATION OF MERCHANT SHIPS (FISHING VESSELS OF 24 METERS IN LENGTH AND ABOVE) SAFETY REGULATIONS, 1995 S.J. No.113 of1995 I. Short Title 2. Interpretation 3. Application of Regulations 4. Exceptions 5. Substitution of requirements 6. Required documents 7. Survey and certification 8. Loadlines and stability 9. Construction of vessels 10. Drydocking of vessels 11. Machinery installations 12. Rt;y ui1c11wms u[ ve~::i.t:h 13. Electrical installations 14. Anchor and mooring equipment 15. Means of escape 16. Fire~fighting appliances and fire protection 17. Life-saving appliances 18. Emergency procedures, musters. o.nd drills 19. FirstAid 20. Radio installations 21. Radio u;;itches 22. Pilot ladders 23. Navigation equipment ?4 C:nlli"inn re:gnl:ltinn<:. 25. Prevention of Pollution Regulations 26. Compliance upon commencement ofReculations 27. Offence and penalty STATUTORY INSTRUMENT No.\ Bo! 1995 REGULATIONS made by the Attorney <ieneral m exercise of the power!!' conferred upon him by section 24 of the Registration. of .Merchant Ships Act1 Chapter 196C of tho Laws of Bnlize, Ra1,isad Edition, l 980-19P0, and al/ other powers thereunto him enabling. (Gazetted 4th November, 1995,) WHEREAS, a growing number of fishing vessels are being registered with tf1e international Merchant Martne Kegtstry of Belize which are not subject to any specific safety regulations and inspections, and it is therefore necessary to cn:surc that fbhiug ve:.s~cls 1J[Bdizcvf24 1ncli;::r:.s in length and above are so constructed, equipped, operated and inspected as to attain the highest level of safety of life and property at sea; NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY PROVIDED AS FOLLOWS: I. These Regulations may be cited as the REGISTRATION OF MERCHANT SHIPS (FISHING VESSELS OF 24 METERS IN LENGTH AND ABOVE) SAFETY REGULATIONS, 1995. Short Title, 2. In these Regul,uiu11:t, unless the e,outcxt otherwise 1111~,,,.~1auu11. requ1Tes, "Aclminis.trntinn'' mP:im th~ Tntf'm::itinnal Merchant Mnrin~ Registry of Belize; "approved" means approved by the Administration; "classed vessel" means a vessel fully classed bya classification society authorized by the Administration; "coastwise service" means navigations not exceeding twenty nautical miles from the nearest lat1d; "existing vessel" means a vessel which is not a new vessel; ''fishing vessel" means a vessel used for catching fish or other living crt:aturt:~ of th~ sea; "length" of a vessel shal l be taken as ninety•six per cent of the total length of a waterline at eighty five percent of the lieast depth measured from the keel line to the top of the working deck beam at the side, or as the length from the foreside of the stem to the axis of the rudder stock if that be greater. In vessels desi,gned with rake ofkeel, the waterline on which the length is measured shall be parallel to the designed waterline; "Master" means the Master of a vessel; "new vessel" means a vessel the keel of which is laid or which is at a similar stage of construction on or after the entry into force of these Regulations; "1el:ognizt:U organization" rm::ans an organization officially authorized by the Administration for performing on its behalf the surveys mentioned in these Regulations; "SOLAS" means the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea, 1974 and the Protocol of 1978 related thereto and may inclncl~. at the: rliscretinn ofthf'; Arlmini"tratinn 11ncl for the application of these Regulations, any amendments to the above or any new convention replacing the above that may subsequent! y come into force: "vessel" means a fishing vessel subject to these Regulations. 3. Subject to regulation 4, these Regulations shall apply to all Belizean flag vessels of twenty~four meters in length and above. 4. ( 1) These Regulations shall not apply to: (a) vessels engaged exclusively in sport or plea~ sure activities; (h) vessels engaged exclusively in proc-!ssing fish v1 any other living rcsou1 c.c1, of the ~Cd, (c) vessels engaged exclusively in research or training; and (d} vessels engaged exclusively in fish transpor~ tation. (2) The Administration may, ori such conditions as it thinks fit, exempt any existing vessels from any of the requirements of these Regulations ifit Is satisfied that such requirements are either impracticable or unreasonable in the case of that vessel. (3) The Adminis:tration may requir~ spe<:ial norm!> for the application of these Regulations to vessels subject thereto that operate exclusively within the jurisdictional waters. of Belize. 5. ¼'here these Regulations require that a particular material, appliance or apparatus, or type thereof, shall be fitte-d nr C';:lrrio"ti, or n rrnrti!"';nl:1r prcwi.::inn is to he made on JI vessel. then other appliance or apparatus may be carried or other provisions may be made in the vessel if the Administra~ tion is satisfied that the altemative is as effective as required under these Regulations. ,\ppU~all"n of Rtgul~tlons, Suk,Utudon or r1iqlUre111en.u. 6. All vessels shall be required to have the following Rcqu.1rei.1 clo~uments on board: d"~uw.enu, Su, vcy aud ,erUfloU,;in, l,01tlllhc1 11111 Jt•blUty, (a) a Belizean tonnage certificate issued by the Admini:~tration or a recognized org11niz11tion stating up~to~date values of gross and net registered tonnages computed according to acceoted rules for admeas1.1rement presently in force in Belize; (b) a valid patent (provisional or full term) regis~ tra.c1on; (c) current receipts for Belizean annual and in~ spection to.xc:.; (d) a valid radio permit or licence for all vessels fitted with a radio station; (e) a valid Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate is­ sued by the Administration or a recognized urga11ization the validity uf whii;h ~hall not exceed five years, subject to an annual survey scheduled between three months before or three months after the anniversary date of the survey for the issuance of the certificate; (This is a combined certificate which covers items of safety construction, equipment and radio); (f) when applicable, a valid International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate; and (g) when applicable, a valid Certificate ofinspec­ tion of Crew Accommodation. 7, The io.suance ::md endorsement of the Fishing Vessel Safety Certificate shall be subject to the successful comple­ tion of a survey carried out by a recognized organization and covering all the provisions of these Regulations. 8. (1) On the initial survey, a maximum permissible operating draught shall be approved by the recognized orga nization and marked on both sides of the vessel, such that, in the aisaociatcd opciating <:onditions, the frcciboard and stnbil ity of the vessel are adequate for the intended service, (2) A complete report shall be prepared describing all openings in the hull that may lead to downflooding, with their means of closing, and the position of openings and their means of closing shall conform to the requirements of the Administration. (3) Every new vessel shall be subject to a stability test upon ib completion of oon5truction, and the elements of its stability shall be determined to the satisfaction of the Admin­ istration. ( 4) The Master of a vessel shall be supplied with such reliable information as is necessary to enable him by rapid and simple processes to obtain accurate guidance as to the stab1ltty or ships under varying cond1t10ns of service. (5) The Administration may require additional stabil­ ity information where any altero.tions are made to a vessel. ( 6) The trim and stability data shall include at least the following conditions: (a) departure to fishing area with provisions, ice, fuel, fishing equipment and other essential items, (b) departure from fishing area with a full catch, (c) arrival in port with full catch and ten per cent of provisions. fuel and other essential items, (d) auival iu µutt with twenty per cent of catch and ten per cent of provisions, fuel and other essential items. StablUty for new ves.els. to the satisfaction of the Administration and such measures shall com.ply, as. far as possible, with the recommendations of the International Maritime Organization. (11) Every existing vessel shall have its stability e!en1ents detennrnect to the satisfaction of the Adminfstra~ tion, (12) ln C'<!.·\1.ain in$tanc<:c th,e Administration ma.y require that n vessel undergo a stabi)ity test to confirm the elernents of its st;i.bi!ity, ( l J) Such stability tests shall be performed before the $econ<l annua{ wrvey, but ather means of determining the initia1 stablfoy of t11e vesse1, suc'n as tfle roning period tests combined with d:ita from similar vessels, may be accepr:tble. (14) The Master shall be supplied with such reliable 'information an \i::. M,;-:,e;;sary to enable him, by rapid and s:imp!~ processes, to obtain Jt~cura.te guidance as to the stabi! ity of the ship under vary1«g conditions of service. ( 15) Information to be submitted to the Master may be in the form of a "stabHily letter" whkh g\-;es specific direc­ tions on th~ \oad carrying ability of the vessel and the format ot this letter shaH be approved by the Admtnistratioo. (16) Stability letters issued by any previous flag administration (lnd pre-exi8ting ttability ittformation may b~ accepted by the Administration at its discretion, as evidence of compliar,ce with the requirements of these Regulations. 9. ( l) Every vessel shall have suthc1ent structural stre-r1gth as to be able to withstand any foreseeable service condition. Cl) \/esse\s 'cui\t al'ld ma t:1\.'!'.1".01n P.rmf"nrm)\y w\'r'n the requirements of n classification society recognized by the Administration shall be regarded as being incomp!lance with these requirements. St11UWty i,f uhtlPJi; ~·N•;•I•. Cuo5(ru,j!()!I O(¥CHdS. Ol)'<l<1cfd11~ 11f ~ts>t,h, \1ou.:-hlnery !njllll1t\OllJ. Re(jl.Zlr,·m..ntj nf >'~H~h {3) All remaining vessels shall adhere to the require~ mcnt.- .of thr> .Administration. IQ. ( l ! At least every rwo and a. ha{fy1;Jars vessels shall be put in drydock or on a slipway and undergo a thorough e,umin4tlon of all und~rwater and overside parts. {2) The drydocking may take p-lace separatdy from the survey for issuing the Fishing Vessel Safety Cenificate, and shalt be subject to verification by the recognized organi~ z0-tion carrying out the survey, and a detailed report of the drydcic-kin1.; "h;1\l be- n!\:1ched to th<:"- ne-·.t p.-rio(i-ir .,:nr• . .,c>y report. l l. (I) Main and auxiliary machinery, steering gear, boilers, fud oil systems, air compressors and air bottle:s pipjng and pumping arrangements and refngera.tion system::; sh.i11 be desigr1ed, constructed and Installed in accordanct w1'tf1 gooil ma1 lne praclivt:s. (2) Such mechanisms shall also be so protected and m'.lint0inr>,l ~n ;i,;. not to ,~onstitutf' ~ r\;,ngf?r tt) p~rs.,Jn<; (3) Classed vessels shall be rl?gardcd as meeting these: requirements and for ail other ships the standards shall conform to th~ requireml!nts of the Administration. 12. The following minimum requirements sbol! apply to .ill vcs5i;;}s, wh-.:tl1c1 dusscd vr rwt: (a) vessels shall have sufficient power for going astem to secure controt of the vessel in all normal circumstances: (h) ther,;;,, shall bt: indic(ltors fitted in the wheel~ hiJu,;c for propdli:r ;,pc.,:d ilnd .tirc-cti,,m in the case of fixed propellers, and for propeller ~pt:cd and pitch position in the case of control~ !able pitch p10p<lkrs; (c) engine tachometers shall be considered equiv~ alent to propeller s:pt.:?ed indicators for ve:S.!.'!l.: under forty-five meters in length~ (d) there shall be means of communicatwn pro­ vided between the navigation bridge and the engine rnmw, (e) remote conrrol of the propulsion machinery sha!I be regarded as equivalent to the above, and on \lessels of forty.five meters in }ength and :.bove tVJ1.) !.lll.'h means. ate to b~ pn.w•di:d, one of which shall be an engine room tele~ graph giving v~sual indication of the ortlt-rs and r~sponscs 'ooth in the engine room and on the navigation brid1:,r.e; (j) ·vessels shall ha've a main Steering gear tapable of guiding the vcz,z,c;l al maximum sp..:cJ a)i\::ad and the main sreering gear and nidder shall a!s.o be capable of operation wirho,1t damage ::it maxirrmm '<f!Ped aste-rn; (g) single screw vessels of forty~five meters itt 1ength and above, un1ess fitted with a c{)m~ plete dual steering system, sh1P b~ provided with an auxiliary steering arrangement capa­ ble of steering the vessel at navigable spel;!d and of being brl)ug'nt spei:Uily inrn a1,;lion in an emergency. Clear instructions shall be posted in a conspicuous place to indicate how the sys.tern is br,rngh~ 1:o effect; (h) an indicator shall be provided on the bridge ro show the exact positlon of the rudder: (i) vessels shall lrnve an efficient bilge pumping plant, capable of draining any warertight com partment which is neither a permanent oil tank nor a water tank. Where the Administration is satisfied that the safety of the vessel is not impaired, the bilge pumping arrangements may be dispensed within panicular compart­ ments; (j) classed vessels shall be regarded as meeting :ill th<:' above requirement~ :ind for :di other ships, the following shall apply: (i) two independently driven power operated bilge pumps shall be provided, capable of giving a speed of not less than 2 mis through the bilge main whose internal didrnt:lt:a ~hall Ui:: noL It:~~ li11rn 5 i.:ui. A bal!ast or general service pump may be accepted as bilge pump provided it is fittf'cl with th~ TI<'!Cf!>:-::iry ('l>nnrr:tion,: to the bilge pumping system, (ii) on vessels underforty~fi ve meters in length, a portable diesel driven pump wi:h flexi­ ble suction line capable of reaching the bottom of every compartment shall be cti..:ceplabh;; a:,: LHlt: uf lht; bi\gi; pu:11p:s, (iii) suctions, non-return valves, distribution hnxes ,1nA C'nntrnl -:pind\es, including ac­ cessibility and passage through bulkheads, shall follow standard marine practice lo the satisfaction of the recognized org:rni­ zation, (iv) there shall be means for s..:nmdrng every i.:urnpa1 l1rn:nl wliit:!1 i:s ~erved by the bilge pumping system and which is not readily accessible at all times durirtg a voyage, (v) an automatic remote bilge alarm ihall bl! fitted ir1 any un.:i.ttended propulsion ma~ chinery space. l 3. ( l) Ete~tr:\cal systems sh ail be so designed, installed, protected and niaintained so as not ta constitute a danger to persons and for these purposes, classed vessels shall be regarded as meeting these requirements. \2) Fot a\\ 'Other sh)ps, there shall be suit:1.ble prec:iu~ tioos. against shock adopted by grounding electrical ma~ chines, equipm,mt and metal she::i.thi. (jf cabl~E:.; by providing protection against short .::ircuits: by preventing ternpen.itur,~ rises in light fittings, cables and motors and in gener:11 by foHowing accepted marine practice. (3) The following minimum requirements .:tpply to nJi vessels, whether c:lassed or not (a) vessels shall have a main source of t\ectrica\ power, a distribution switchboard and a sys~ k,n\ of d~l.;;tti.et.l wirinH; 5uit.i.bly protected to provide power to m;ichioery, heatlng, light­ ing, ventilation, alarm and other circuits re­ quired on board; (bj on vesse\s of forty-five meters in length and aho'ie there shaH be at least two independent generators capable each cf :;upplying the es­ sential propulsion and navigation consumen; (c) vessel;; shall have an emergency S<)Urce of electrical power situated above the uppemiost c.(nV.i.nuous deck and outside the machinery casings in addition to the main source of electrical power. This emergency source of electrical power may be a self-contained, oil­ powered generator or an accumulator battery tJ~~1t1cal \l\$h\\'4\l>n". Aothur •Dd ruuorlog ~,,,.Ir""'"'' and it shall be provided with an ernergen1,;y switchboard installed as near to the emergency generator as possible or, in the c;;ise of the accumulator battery, in adifferentnea.rby space; (d) emergency power shall be prnvidell for at least three hours simultaneously to the follow­ ing: (i) emergency lighting in underdeck fish pro­ cessing areas, alleyways, stair~ways and exits; survival craft stowage, launchings and embark;Hion stations and oversides, (ii) the genera! ,,!arm, (iii) not~under~cornrnand navigation lights, unless they are autonomous (batteries or nd}, :1.nd (iv) the radio station, unless fitted with a separate set of batteries: (e) where hull return is used, special precautions shall be ta.ken to the satisfaction of the Adm in~ bmation; fj) hull return .shaH not be acceptable on new vess.els.. 14. ( 1) Every vessel shall be provided with anchor equip­ ment design~d for quick and safe operation, which sha}1 consist of anchors, anchor chains or wire ropes, stoppers and windlass or other arrang;t:'ments for dropping and hoisting the anchor ,1nd for holding the vessel at anchor in al\ foreseeable ~i::rvii;t! conditions. (2) Ea(:h vessel shall also be provided with adequate mooring in all operating conditions. (3) Anchor and mooring equipment shall conform to the requirements of the Administration or those of a classifi~ cation society recognized by the Administration. 15. (I) Two widely separated rne-ans of escape shall be p(ovided at ea,,,:,h level of the accummodatton and in ":>pa.t:o;;":> (n ,, hich the crew i:- nocmally employed, other than the machin~ ¢ry spaces, and at h~ast one shall be through a door, stairway <>t bdder. (2) Escapes shal! be so arranged as to provide qmck e:<it to thi;:: open deck and thence to the survival \'raft. (3) Two mev.ns of escape shall be pr0vided from ipu!sion machinery ;na..:es, which shall be as separated as possible. ( 4) In Vi:SSe!s under forty-five meters in length, where tht: si-:ze of \he- rr,:'lthin.-,.ry sp:-it~t:--s makr;,i lt impracticahle, one of these means of escape may be omitted and in such cases special consideration shall be given to the remaining exit. ( 5) At least one of the escapes frorn eve1) ~pace below the waterline shall be by means of a stairway or ladder and in the machinery spaces such escapes sha11 be made of steel. ( 6) Es.cape routes :,hall be kept free ofobstructions at al! times. 16. (l) All fire-fighting applionces sh:ill be of an o.p~ proved type. (2) Appliances approved by the government of a traditional maritime country subscribing to SOLAS may be accepted by the Administration. fln:.•llji!ht!ni;: 11ppU.nrt5 ,nJ ttr~ prottdfop. (3) Every vessel under forty~frve meters in length shall have at least 0he main fire pump while hrge-t' vessels shall have at least two main fire pumps. (4) ln addition to (3) above, every vessel shall be provided with an emergency fire pump. (5) Fire pumps shall comply with the following requiremems: (a) main fire pumps shall be po\ver-driven; (b) on vessels under forty-five mders in length, fire pumps may be driven by the propulsion machinery, provided that the propeller shaft­ ing <.:an be readily disconnected or a control~ \able pitch propeller may be fitted to that shah; (c) when connected to a fire hos,: fitted i,vith 12 mm or larger nozzle, a main fire putnp sh::i\l be capable- of producing a jet of water having a throw of not less th;;rn 12 meters or it shall maintain a pressure of 0.25 newton/mmt at any hydrant; (ti) emergency fire pumps shal! be located outside the spaces containing the main fire pumps and !heir prime movers; (e) S'.!Ch fire pumps shall be powered indepen­ dently from the ?ropulsion m~v;hinery :ind the main source of electrical power and portable engine-driven pumps sha!i be acceptable for this purpose; (I) when conn.:cted to a fire hose fitted with a 12 mm or larger nozzle, an emergency fire pump shall be capable of pn.--.ducing a jet of water having a throw nf not less than 6 n,Ptf'rs; (g) sanitary, bilge or general service pomps may be used as fire pumps, provided that they are not used for p\lmping oil; (h) every centrifugal pump which is. connected to tl1e foe: wai11 shall lit" fiw:U with a uon~ie,turn valve; (i) rPlif'fv'.'llVf''- -:h~ll h<"prrivido:"d in ('.nnj11nctf,)n with al! fire pumps so plac¼d and adjusted o.s tO prevent excessive pressure in any part of the fire mr\in, (6) All vessels shall be provided with a fire main and hydrants and hoses as follows: (a) the fire maln shall have no connection other than those necessary for fire~fightlng and w::i~hing dnwn; (b) materials readily rendered ineffective by heat sha!\ not be used for fire mains; (c) where the fire main is not self~draining, suit~ able dl."aincocks shall be fitted; (d) where the emergency fire pump dischargt: is connected to the fire main, an isolating valve shall be fitti::d to the main .at OI' .arljnr:Pnt tn thf' exit of the main from the machinery space ; (e) In every vessel offorty~five meters in length and above, the nurnber and position of the hydrants sha!l be such that at least two jets of water not emanating from the same hydrant, Fire U1ah1, k)·linllh, l!<»e~ a11J "l>J:UH. one of which shall be from a single kngth of hose, may tcai.;h any part of the vessel normally accessible to the crew while the vessel is being navigated; but in smaller vessels one jet of water from a single len,eth of hose will suffice: (j) in addition to the above, all ships shall have ;:i. hydrant located near the entrance to the ma~ chiriery spaces, but such hydrant shall be outside the spaces. (~) hydrunb5hall have a minimum diumctcrof:3'1 mm (11/2 in.) :md e:Jch hydrant shall have a shutoff valve; (h) for every hydrant required there sha:! be on fire hose and at least one spare fire hose shall be provided in addition to this requirement ; but vessels shall have at leas.t three tire hoses; (0 fire hoses shall be kept in a conspicuous position m;ar the hydrants to which th~y be­ long and the respective couplings are to be fully compatible and each hydrant shal I have a fire hose pennanently attached unless cou­ plings are of quick c.ormectilin type; (}) fire hoses Sh;t// be made of closely-woven flax cahvas or other suitabl-:: material and they shall have a minimum dinmieter of37mm ( 1 ½ in.) and each length shall be no more than 20 mctcr:s long; (k) each fire hose shall be att~ched t0 a nozzk of at least l 2 mm in diameter; (I) the fire hose located by the hydrant at the entrance to the machinery spaces shall be fitted wlth a dual-purpose jet/spray nozzle wh ik thi::: othc,t fire he,,., ,,., rnd y ba-v, regular jct nozzlts; (m) hydn:mts and hose~stowa,cc hoxes shall be suitably labelled and painted red. ( 7) One fixed fire fighting installation system shall be 9rovided in spaces with oil-fired boiters or fuel-oil units and in unattended spaces containing internal-combnstion propul­ sion machinery with more than 750 kw installed powec (8) Vessels certified for coastwise service may be exempted from the above requirement by the Adniinistrati on. (9) Due regard shall be taken of a vessel's size when fi.ttl.!d, in as5essing the detailed requirements for the above :-.ystem which may be based on either: (a) pressure water~spraying; or (b} a tin;.-.smothcring or fire cxtingui::ihing gas; or ( I 0) Vessels shall be provided with a sufficient num­ ber of approved fire extinguishers, as follows: (a) in accommodation and setvice spaces there shall be at least one portable fire extinguisher at each deck level, with a minimum of three units on v0ss0ls: und('r forty-tiv(' mPtl-'r,: Ul length and fi\ie units on larger vessels; (b) in spaces containing oil-fired boilers of fud tJI I units there shall beat lt:ast two portable fire extinguishers and also :1 receptacle containing at !east 0.1 Sm-1 of sand and a scoop; Fh~d fin<• fl1:11ur1~ IMPA\11-ft<II\. Fire eltlo ~t.dl'hvr>. (c) in :,paces Clrntaining jnterna!~combustion m<1chinery there shall be one port:1ble fire extinguisher for each 750 kwofengir.i;;.power output or p.:lrt thereof the total number of portable fire extinguishers so supplied in pro­ pul~ion machinery space:, b~tng nut \~ss tlun two; (d) vessds having intcmal combustion propd~ ling machinery sp<1ces not protected by a tixed fire-extinguishing system sh::il! be provided with at least a 45-liter foam exur1guisher or its t'(J t1iv:11..-'nt, -:mL1hlt> fm fightin('. cnl fin•c:, hnt where the size of the machini:.ry spac-:: make.:-; this provision m:1practic.abk, four addition:11 port.1b)e fire extinguishers sh:ill be: ,':HTieti; (e) portable foam fire t;'Xtinguishers sh,1/l haw a cnpacJty ofbc:tween 9 and 14 liters <Jf liquid. for other types of frre exting:uish~rs, tfir: fire­ fighting power and portability shal I be equiv­ alent to the above, to the s::i.t1:::factivn of the Administration; (j) in machinery spaces, port;1bk fire extinguish­ ers shall be of foam type or an ec.u1vaknt suitable for oi! fires; ().:} a spare 1:haxge shall be provided for each portable fire extinguisher capable of being rapiJl;y recharged and :iparc units :,hall be provided for at least one half of the portable fire extinguishers required by these Regula­ tions that are not readily recharged; (h) extinguishers specifically intended for use in a p.:irticular space shall be stowed n-:-ar the o.coes&es to the space·, (i) a!! c:<tinguishers shall be rechurged or si;;:r­ vked every tv,10 years and pressu~e~tested when the strength of the containers fails, but at leaGt every five yenm. (l l) Every vessel of 45 meters in length and above, shall be provided with at least one complete: fireman's outfit complying with the technical requirements of SOLAS, ( 12) The above requirement shall not be applicable to vessels certified for coastwise service. (13) All fire-fighting equipment shall be clearly lah.-111"-,i fr1r its s.p.-~ific, pnry,m:.f' l:'ithl:'r in thf" rnf"r'lrnnin:mt language of lhe crew and in English or by means of self­ explanatory diagrams. ( 14) Fire control plans shall be permanently exhibited on every vessel of forty-five meters In length and above, for the guidance of the crew, ( 15) Such plans shall consist of general arrangement plans showing clearly for each deck the control stations, the varirm~ fire !t,ectinn~ enclnserl hy '1.teel divisions, together with particulars of the fire alarms, detecting system, fire­ extinguishing appliances, means of access to different com­ partments and decks, and the ventilation system, (16) Alternatively, at the discretion of the Adminis­ tration, the aforementioned details may be set out in a booklet, a copy of which shall at all times be available on board in an accessible position. ( 17) Pllln<;: r1nd hooklf:'ti:: ~h:ill hf" k-1:')'lt 11p tn rllltP nncl any alterations being recorded thereon as soon as practicable. (18) Descriptions in such plans and booklets shall be in the national language of the crew and if the language is not English, a translation into English shall be included. Flrnm1n's outfit, Labdlln~ of nrn-tlglltlng eq111pment. Fire ~ootrol plans. Fir~ prote~tlon, ( 19) Instructions concerning the maintenance and oper:i.tlnn nf :lll th, .. C'(tniptnent and in-.talhtir,r,, nn hoard fnr the fighting and containment of fire, shall be kept unJer cover and be readily available in an accessible position. (20) The following minimum fire protection require­ ments shall be applicable: (U) mean:. sfla/1 be prnviUeU fut dosing Uuu1 ways, ventilators and other openings to ma­ chinery and cargo spaces: and for stopping the vt':ntilating fon-:: <.:f'rvine th<"<:.e c:p:H'.es. whkh shall be operable from 0t1tside such spaces; (b) means shall be provided for stopping forced or indUced draft fans, oil transfer pumps, oi) fue} units, purifiers and other oil handling c:quip­ ment, which shall be operable from outside tht:: ~pa1;.cs wh~u; tlu:::y arc h:.u::atcd, (c) flammable or other dangerous gases shall be str.wec\ on the> npe:n deck and he prnp~rly secured and protected from the elements; (d) gas piping shall be of copper or steel and special care shall be taken to avoid the danger of fire or explosion; (eJ ponab!e gasolirit: t::ogi11es, paim, awl other flammable or dangerous liquids shall be stowed in well ventilated rooms separated from other ai:-rr,mmc,<fr,tirm and <.er"icr- 1,p;1c!'.; hy gas~ light bulkheads and having access only from the open deck, and electric equipment in­ stalled in these rooms shall be appropriate for use in a flammable atmosphere; (/) any ek<:-tric heaiers fitted in the accommoda~ tion Gha\l b.e of~ fixed type .:md loc:i.te,➔ ~wl'ly from readi\y ign~ta.bk material~ (JV open flame heat-cm ·;,hall not be pennitted in the accorrunodation, and ga5or kerosene stoves and water heaters., \f fitted, shall be installed i11 wdl ventilated rooms with \ow level air ex­ hausts to tht: UQen alt~ (h) an automatic remote fire a!ann shall be fitted in any un;1ttf'nded proptds:ion m.ac-!YitH"r'Y .C.('!:li:'e 17. ( l) All life-saving appliances shall be of an approved type. (2) Appliances approved by the government of a traditional maritime country subscribing to SOLAS sha!l be acceptabie to the Aclminbt1<1tivn. (3) Each vessel shall have at least two survival craft, which ,~an b~ either lifebo:its, lifer:ifts i'1r n cnmhin:ttion thereof. (4) Vessels shall have survival craft of aggregate capacity to accommodate at least two hundred per cenr of the total number of pe:rsons on board. (-') Survival craft accommodating al ka:;l liu::: tow! number of persons on board sha\i be capable of being la.ut1ched from either side of the vesseL ( 6) On vessels over forty-five meters in length, the survival craft shall include tloat fre.:; Hferafts of aggregate capacity to accommodate at least fifty per cent of the total nurnber of persons on board Ure-,avlng 11oppll1ncc;-. Slln'lt'd 4Ilfl 'P"~lfh,.tfo,.,, Survlnl ~nh t<\llipateltf. Sur"lvtl coft ..... 111t~ ....... ~~. A l',.l!,bllHy 1>f llt~b-,110 ,.,.,;1. llftnfli (7) On vessels of fonywfive meters ln length and above, are::.cue boat shall b,;;.rc:-~u-ircd in addition to the above, unless the vessel is provided with a motor lifeboat. (8) Vessels c.arr.vine- more than one hundred persons on board shall have at lea.s,t one motor life~bo;:it on each side-. (9) Lifeboat, !iforafts, r.::scue boats and launching gear shall be an approved design and constnictiort accordmg to the technical requirements of SOLAS and lifeboats sha!! have a minimum length of4.9mt!ters (16 fed). l l 0) Survival craft ~quipment shall c,1mp!y with the applicable SOLAS requirements, expect that !ifo~boats of vessels certified for coastwfae service may be exempted by the Administration from some ofthest: requirements. ( 11) Equipment and provisions in lifeboats and non­ int1ated Jiferafts sMJ} be inspected every twelvc- months and renewed as required. (12) Inflatable \iferafts, their oquipmt:nt and provi sions, shall be serviced at regular lnttrvals not exceeding twelve months at an approved service station, .:ind, in cases where it appears proper and reasonable. the Administration may extend this period to seventeenth months. (13) All items of )ife~saving equipment sh4ll be readily available tor use in an emergency. ( 14) All boats and rans shq.ll be stowed so that they can be put in th~ wo.tcr quickly artd sa.foly even if the vens)l is list~d 15' either way with a JO' trim and they should be stowed clear of the vessel's propeller where practicab!t. (15) All lifer.ifts shall be stow~d in tloat-frei;; posi­ tions and where they are secured l\J prevent movement in inclement weather, their latches shall be fitted with a hydro~ static release to allow the rnfls to rise to tho surface if carried do'l'-'11 by n :iinkiug :.hip. (16) Detailed instructions for operation of and survival m Iiferafts shall he conspicuously displayed in the crew accom~ modation area and on the bri<lg~. ( 17) Lifeboats and r1011~inflatab!e !iferafts shalJ be of a highly v,s1bie co)or preferab\y orange, and have the name of the parent ship. port af registry, principal dim<e:nsior,s and carrying capacity clearly marked, ( 18) Containers for inflatable liferafts s!rnl! be:! nurked with the name of the manufacturer, serial number and max~ imum capacity. !'>hkhl)lYI "II YlnLl <:.H,[l. ( l 9) Each lifeboat shait be anach.!d to a set of d;i,..\ts thv111. llf an approved type. Da\litS shall also be provided for non­ mtlata.ble hferafts and rescue boats that cannot be readily launched and recovered without mech.:i.nlca! assistance. (20) Gravity daviu sfiall be so designed th.:it there is a positive turning-out moment during the whole of the davit traxel ftom the inbcard s.tQ.1H<td ?OS~t\c1;1. t(} the (\1J..\.l'\.Q.t-'><i })tisition under the conditions oflist and trim specified above and for this purpose the turning-our load of the boat shall be taken as the weight of the boat with the addition of the equ\pment but excluding th,e \2,.unching crew. (21) Where luffing-type davits are installed, the op­ erating gear shall be such as to enable the lifeboats tc b-e luu~cd out quiddy <tttd in full couuol undr:a 1.hc <t\Juvt: specified conditions of list and trim, fu!ly eqtllpped and m.i.nned by the launching crew only, from the inboard to the cmtboarrl. pnt;ition (22,l Mechanically-controlled single arm da.vm shall be acceptable for rescue boats :and hferafts only, and th,c ~:mharbH"II !n1•J rnrvh·~t ~ra(L tuming~out gear shall enable the crnft to be turned out quickly ;i.nd u:ndc•r f11l1 r:omrol from inbo:lf'rl t0 c,11tbc,ard ps'c:.itirm under the ,1bove sp¢cified conditions of list and trim. (2]) 1n addition to tile above, there shall be means to hold the arm at the inbo:ud and outboard position, \ 24) Davits, fa1's, Q\ocks and as.sric\ated k~wering gear shall bt:: of tiuft1<.:it::m srrcngtl1 so thar a boat w/1h its fu!! equipm~nt and manned by a launching crew of not !es::; than tvvo p,;;r:.ons or lifer:1ft with its full equipment and cornple~ m,.•nt c:m ht' hirttf'd rmt :in,~ tht'J'I <;;1fl:'ly ]c,,,.,·t>-rt>rl to thl;' \V'.1J>"r from th.:: ,;:mbarkation d~ck 1,vhcn the ship ha~ th..:- conditions of lbt and trim as specifo.~,i above. l 25) Winches shaH h:ivc al lest an efficient hand~geo.r for th.;:' rtic0very of the lrfoboJts or rescue boats .wd where davits art: recov~red by power, ;m automatic stop shall be instalk"<l io or<lcr w preva;:n< lfle gear bt:ing □ verrnt":rnt:U wht'n the davits met:t the stops. ( ') /\ \ Roin foll::,. '>h :1 l I h:1.ve :i. pr0nf k,il.d of?. 5 1.imes tlw working load 0n the drum and falls shall be reversed every thirty months aod replaci:::d ev·ery five years. \27) Provision sha\\ be made for acc-::ptab!e means of rdeac'>irtg th.: !if<:;;boats, rt.'s:cue boats or !i ferafrs from the fa!ls. (2t) Suitable ;lftangemencs shat! be mJde for<:mbark~ ing into the survival craft ·which shctll indude·. (tJ) :at least OM \add"!r on e:H;h .:id.e ofthl! vs:ss.el, unless th~ distance from the point of t;".mbarka~ tion to the waterborne survi,1al craft 1s so sm::il! that the ladd<!r 1s unnecc.-;sary; (h) means of illuminating the slowagc positi(HIS of the sur\')va\ craft und their hrnnching app1i• ances during preparation for launching, and also for itfominMine the-v.1.1ter into whie,h thf' survival craft ;:.re launched until the process of launching is complete, the power for which is to be supplied from the emergency source; (c) arrangements for warning all p·ersons on board that the vessel is about to be abandoned. (29) All vessels shall carry life~jackets of an approved type for all personnel on board and life-jackets shall be so pbced M rn be- re:1dily at".c"""ihll" .'lnd thi-ir po"itirir1 <sh:lll hf'­ c!early indicated. (30) On vessels not engaged in coast wise service and when operating outside tropical waters, an immersion suite of an appropriate size, complying ¼1th the SOLAS require­ ments, shall be provided for every person assigned to crew the rcsi;ue boat (3 l) The minimum lifebuoy requirements shall be: (a) eight lifebuoys in vessels of seventy-five meters in length and above; (h) 1:,ix lifebuoys in vessels of forty~five meters ih length and above but less than seventy-five meters; arid (c) four life-buoys in vessels of less than forty­ five meters in length. (32) At least half of the number of lifebuoys required above shall have self-igniting light5, which shall be stowed near the lifebuoys to which they belong, with the necessary means of attachment. lm1J1tnlon HH!~. DbtreH slgnah. Lint thrt1\¥lng 1J1pU1nce, P,;,rhl;);, ~"dJ" equlpuieot. (33) In vessels of fonyMfive meters in length and above, at lt>:tst hvo of the lifebuoy.: pmvided with Sk'lf­ igniting lights shall also be provided with an efficient self­ activating smoke signaJ and shafl, where practicable be capable of quick release from the wheelhouse. (34) At least one lifeb.uoy on each side of the vessel shall be fitted. with a buoyant line of at least 27.5 meters in length, and. ::;uch lifebuoy shall not have sdf-igniting lights. (35) All lifebuoys shall be so placed os to be readily ,1c£:f'<:<:ihl0 rn tht': pt'r,:nns rm hn:ird :i.nd sh:~ 11 fl 1 u,,j ys b1;- 1~:~pa 'ble of being rapidly cast loose and shall not be permanentfy secured in any way, (36) Every vessel shall be provided with approved means of making effective distress signals by day .and night, including at least twelve parachute signals capable of giving a lni.ght I t:U light al a high a!dtude and they .shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be clearly indicated. (37) All pyrotechnic distress signals shall be replaced vrithin the period required by the manufacturer. (38) All ships shall have an approved line-throwing appliance with two Hnes and two projectiles capable of throwing a line over a minimum distance of230 meters (250 yards) and the rockets and cartridges shall be replaced as required by the rmnufacturec (39) A port.:ible r.adic, ~pparatus c,1' .an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), each of an ap~ proved type and according to the tech11ical requirements of SOLAS, shall be carried and be located so as to be readily accessible and its position shall be dearly indicated. (40) All life-saving equipment shall be clearly la• belled as required for its specific purpose either in the predominant language of the crew and in English or by means of self-explanatory diagrams. ( 41) All life-jackets and lifebuoys shall be fitted with retro-reflective tapes. 18. (1) Un vessels Of forty-five meters in length and above, there shall be permanently posted a muster list conw taining instructions on the duties assigned to members of the orew in the event of an emergency and the signals for summoning the crew to their survival craft and fire actions. The signal shall be a succession of seven or more short blows followed by one long blow of the whistle or siren, (2) A muster of the crew for abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place at intervals not exceeding one month, provided that these musters shall take place within 24 hours of leaving port whenever 25 per cent of the crew has been replaced since the last mtlster. (3) When holding musters, the life-saving fire-fight­ ing and other s.afety equi.pment shall be e1<.imi.ned t() ensure that they are complete and in satisfactory working order. (4) The dates on which musters are held shall be recorded in the deck log book and if no muster is held within the prescribed mterval or a partial muster only is held, an entry shall be made stating the circumstances and extent of the muster held. (5) A report of the examination of the life-saving equipment shall be entered it'i the log book, together with a record of boats used, (6) In ships fitted with lifeboats, different boats shall be swung out at successive drills and the lifeboats and rescue Labelling of Uf\\•UVlng equipment. Retro­ renectlve ttpe. Ett;l"rge119 pni~edure>, n:nuters ind drUh, Ibtll<;, lnstaJJatlo1u. boats shall, where practicable, be lowered into the water at lf'il.St cmC'.f': ~v~ty fm1r months at whieh time !~hN•.k-: >,hall he carried out for the reliability of all apparatus and systems and the watertight integrity of the boat, as well as the operation of the releasing devices. (7) The muster shall be :;o arranged as to ensure that the crew thoroughly understand and are drilled in the duties lh~y have Lu 1-1etfuuu im:luding instructiu11~ iu tht! hamlliug and operation of liforafts where these are carried. 1 q ( 1) Pvt•ry -:hir .:;h::dl h<"prr:ivicle-d with <mit:.ihlf' fir,,.t :iid equipment, taking into a.ccount the length and intended service of the ship. (2) For vessels forty~five meters in length and above, a stretcher shall be included in the equipment capable of enfolding the patient and being transferred from interior ::ipa-..:e::i m;,;;c::i1Sib!c tu the- lilCW tu lhi; upcn tlei.:k ui fl um ll11:~hip to the shore or a boat (J) I n.i;:tnictions int.he form of :1 mediC'o.l guide shr.Jl bf;' available on board. 20. (1) All vessels of seventy-five meters in length and above shall be fitted with a Radiotelegraph Station according to SOLAS. (2) An ll...:/!vtARSAT Stacion cumbined with a Radio­ telephone Station shall be considered equivalent to the Radio­ telegraph Station. (3) All vessels less than seventy-five meters in length not fitted with a Radiotelegraph Station, shall have a Radio­ telephone Station according to SOLAS. ( 4) Notwithstanding the above provisions, vessels of any size certified for coastwise service which remain, while­ at sea, within Very High Frequency (VHF) coverage of coast stations, may be authorized by the Administration to have only a VHF Radiotelephone Station. (5) Any shipboard Radiotelegraph or Radiotelephone Station, whether fitted on compulsory oron a voluntary basis, shall comply with the technical requirements of SOLAS. (6) fNMARSAT Stations and other long-distance communications ~quipment s.hall comply with apprQvf"d International Maritime Organization guidelines as well as with the regulations of the International Telecommunica­ tions Union. (7) All vessels, except those fitted only with a VHF Radiotelephone, shall carry on board, the Manual for Use by the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Satellite St:r vh.:1:::s uf lhe International Telecommunications Union, ?.1 (1) VP<:<:f'l.<: h;ivinu;" R:icl.i(ltf'lf'gr.,ph Station shnll carry at least one licensed radio officer. (2) While at sea, the radio officer shall maintain a continuous listening watch on the radiotelegraph distress frequency by means of headphones, or a loudspeaker, or with a radiotelegraph auto alarm and, on those vessels having a Radiotelephone Station, while at sea. the requirement of paragraph (3) of this regulation shall apply. (3) Vessels having a Radiotelephone Station shall have at least one crew member with a Kestncted l<.adiotele­ phone Operator Licence or Permit. While at sea, a continuous listening watch on the radiotelephone distress frequency shall ht" maintnined in the plnce- frnm which the vessel is usually navigated, by means of a radiotelephone distress frequency watch receiver using a loudspeaker, a filtered loudspeaker or a radiotelephone auto alarm. Rnllil w11.tche,. PIiot l•d1llm. Nav1gitlon ri1ulpment. Gyro-compuJ. l)(,ptll. 111undlng tqlllproetlt, (4) Vessels having only a VHF Radiotelephone Sta­ tion ,;:hall m::iint~in ~ r,0ntinuoc,,;: listPninr; w;,tch on ch:Hin€"l 16 or the altemati ve distress and emergency call channel in the area of operation. (5) Every vessel shall keep a radio log-book. 22. (I) All vessels shalJ carry a pilot ladder which shall be t:ffil.:ienL fuc the puq.Jo~c of e1ia!Jliug pilutt. tl.J ern!Ja1k. aml disembark safely. (?:) The larlrler .-.h.all hf'. kt>pt t~lr:m and in .gnnd nrd,:,r and may be used by officials and other persons while a ship is arriving at or leaving a port. 23. (1) Every vessel shall be provided with an approved standard magnetic compass outside the bridge with means for taking bearings or azimuths over an arc of the horizon of360" ur as nc,ir to th.tt a.s pos:sibJc, Unlc:s.:s a reflected or projected image of this compass is visible from the steering position, a second approved magnetic compass shall be provided within the wheelhouse for steering purposes. (2) A gyro-compass shall be fitted on vessels of seventy-five meters in length and above and also on vessels operating at latitudes where the magnetic compasses become unstable. (3) Evc1y vc:>i.cl :-;hall Le pr0viJcJ with a h,md-kml properly marked and graduated up to a forty~five meters (25 fathoms). Vessels of forty.five meters in length and above Rahall .1l<sn h~ r,rovicle>d with an ariproved ec:hn-;.mmding device. Radar. (4) Vessels of forty-five meters in length and above shall be fitted with approved radar equipment. ( 5) Every vessel shall be provided with nautical iusll umcnts, 1Jharl!) aml uavigatiunal publil:alium> suitaLlc: fu1 the voyage it is to undertake and the Administration shall decide in cases of doubt what additional publications and instruments shall he prm,it'l~d on h0:1rrl (6) All vessels shall carry on board a copy of the International code of Signals in force, (7) Vessels of forty-five meters in length and above shall also carry an efficient daylight signalling lamp which .shall not be .$Oldy dcpcndc:nt upon the: ship's main source: of electrical power. (8) Vessels of forty.five meters in length and above shall carry a full cornplem.ent of flags and pennants to enable communications to be sent using the International code of Signals. l'ubllctUoH .... 1 Signalling Equipment, (9) Every vessel shall carry a bridge log-book for ae~ord books. entering the daily routine of navigation and ship's operation. Vessels with propuhsion mac.hinery of more than 750 kw of installed power shall also carry an engine room log-book for entering the daily routine of engine and auxiliary machinery operation. 24. The navigation lights and shapes and also the means for making acoustic signals of every vessel shall comply with the requirements of the International Regulations for Pre­ venting Collisions at Sea, I 972 and all vessels shall carry a copy of the regulations on board. 25. Every vessel shall comply with the applicable require­ ments of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, 1971 ::mcl the Protocol of 197R mlatine thereto (MARPOL 73/78). All vessels over400 !,'l"Oss register tons shall have an International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate. ColUslu reg11latlo1u. Pren11Uon of Pollutln Reg11Jatlo•1. Compllauce upon eo murencement 11fR~ll,ldltlo1u, u11encc •nu penalty. 26. Upon the commencement of these regulations, (a) vessels already registered in Belize shall have a grace period of six months to obtain the Fishing Vessel Safety Ce1tificate under regu~ \ation 6; (b) vessdssha!l comply with all safety equipment and Radio items within six months from the entry into force of these Regulations; (c) th,e remaining requirements, including safety construction, shall be compiled with at the second annual survey but no later than thirty months from the entry into force of these re-gubtions and the .Fis:hint Vessel Saf~ry Certificate shall reflect the status of such requirements, 27, (I) W'here the owner or Masrer ot any vessel contra~ venes any of the provisions of these Regulations, he shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on summary convic­ tion to a fine not exceeding two hundred and fifty dollars for ever:y such offer1ce or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to bath such fine and imprisonment; and in addition, where an offence has been committed on three or more subsequent 01.,casions, the vessel in yucstivn may Le liable to deregistration from IMMARBE. (2) In lieu of proceeding criminally as provided in subsection (I) above, the Administration may, if it firtds that the provisions of these Regulations have been violated, punish the offending vessel with a fine not exceeding ten thousand dollars. MADE by the Attorney General this 10th day of August, 1995. (DEAN 0. BARROW) Attorntfy General