The International Code of Safety for High-Speed Craft, 2000 (2000 HSC Code) applies to craft for which the keels are laid, or which are at a similar stage of construction, on or after 1 July 2002. The application of the both HSC Codes is mandatory under chapter X of the SOLAS Convention. This edition incorporates amendments that were adopted in 2004 and 2006.--Publisher's description.

The International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code) was adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC) at its seventy-third session (December 2000) by resolution MSC.98(73) in order to provide international standards for the fire safety systems and equipment required by chapter II-2 of the 1974 SOLAS Convention. The Code is made mandatory under SOLAS by amendments to the Convention adopted by the MSC at the same session (resolution MSC.99(73)) and entered into force on 1 July 2002. The MSC adopted amendments to chapters 4, 5, 6, 7 and 9 of the Code by resolutions MSC.206(81) and MSC.217(82). These new amendments are expected to be accepted on 1 January 2008 and 1 January 2010, as applicable, and enter into force on 1 July 2008 and 1 July 2010, as applicable. The amendments to the aforementioned chapters, as adopted by resolutions MSC.206(81) and MSC.217(82), are contained in pages 351-365 for information purposes only. In order to make this publication as comprehensive as possible for use by equipment and systems manufacturers, shipowners and operators, shipyards, classification societies and Administrations, all related fire safety standards and guidelines adopted by either the Assembly or the MSC and referred to in the FSS Code have been incorporated, as appropriate, in this publication for the guidance and convenience of users.

This publication presents engineering specifications for fire safety equipment and systems required by SOLAS chapter II-2 concerning: (i) international shore connections; (ii) personnel protection; (iii) fire extinguishers; (iv) fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems; (v) fixed foam fire-extinguishing systems; (vi) fixed pressure water-spraying and water-mist fire-extinguishing systems; (vii) automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems; (viii) fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems; (ix) sample extraction smoke detection systems; (x) low-location lighting systems; (xi) fixed emergency fire pumps; (xii) arrangement of means of escape; (xiii) fixed deck foam systems; (xiv) inert gas systems; (xv) fixed hydrocarbon gas detection systems. This edition also includes IMO resolutions and circulars relevant to the Code.

This user guide has been developed to consolidate existing IMO maritime security-related material into a companion guide to SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code so as to assist States in promoting maritime security through development of the requisite legal framework, associated administrative practices, procedures and the necessary material, technical and human resources. The intention is to assist SOLAS Contracting Governments in the implementation, verification, compliance with, and enforcement of, the provisions of SOLAS chapter XI-2 and the ISPS Code.