The international shore connection is a universal hose connection that is to be provided on all ships as per the IMO SOLAS requirement. The purpose of the International Shore Coupling is to keep a standby hose attachment to get a connection from shore or from other ships for shipboard firefighting, in case there is a total failure of pumps onboard.
Related Reading: 7 Common Problems Found In Pumps On Board Ships
While using International Shore Connection, the sea water is supplied at a pre-decided pressure and is connected to the ship’s fire main. This international shore connection flange is generally kept at a convenient and accessible location (Bridge or in Fire locker) of a ship so that in case of an emergency it is readily available and used.
Related Reading: 16 Fire Fighting Appliances And Preventive Measures Present Onboard Ships
The international shore coupling SOLAS requirement under Chapter II-2, regulation 19 says; ships above 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards must have at least one international shore connection.
The international shore connection flange has a standard size and is same for all the countries and ships to ensure that if the ship faces an emergency out of the home port, firefighting assistance from any port is always available.
The Dimensions of International Shore Coupling are:
Description | Dimension |
Outside Diameter (OD) | 178mm |
Inside Diameter (ID) | 64mm |
Bolt Circle Diameter (PCD) | 132mm |
Slots in Flange | 4 holes 19mm in diameter spaced equidistantly on a bolt circle of above diameter, slotted to flange periphery. |
Flange Thickness | 14.5mm minimum |
Bolts & Nuts | 4, each of 16mm diameter, 50mm in length |
Related Reading: A Brief Overview of Fire Control Plan On Ship
Basic Requirements for International Shore Connection
All ships, jetties and offshore platforms, likely to require an emergency source of fire water or to provide the same, should have at least one international shore fire connection.
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The connection should be made up of steel or other suitable material and shall be designed for 1.0 N/mm2 services. The flange should have a flat surface on one side and another side should be permanently connected or attached to a coupling which can be easily fitted to ships hydrant and hose connection.
The connection should be kept onboard with a ready gasket of material which can handle a pressure of 1.0 N/mm2 together with four 16mm bolts, 50 mm in length and eight washers so that the connection can be readily used in case of an emergency situation.
Related Reading: Fighting fire in ship’s cargo hold in port
If the ISC is fixed on vessel’s fire main, the shore connection should be accessible from either side of the ship and be clearly marked.
Image for Representation purpose only – Credits: US Navy/wikipedia.org
A notice should be posted near ship’s fire main close to the accommodation in English and local language of the ship’s flag, indicating the connection’s location and the maximum working pressure of the piping system which the port must acknowledge and supply.
Related Reading: How to avoid fire in ship’s accommodation area?
The velocity of water supplied by the port or another ship to the affected ship shall not exceed 5 m/s in the fire water distribution network.
The fitting and joints must be suitable for a working pressure of at least 10.5 bar.
Important Points to consider related to ISC:
- The International shore connection flange should be included in the Preventive Maintenance (PM) plan and not in the Condition Monitoring (CM) plan of the ship
Related Reading: 10 Things that Should Be Included In Ship’s Planned Maintenance System
- Ensure the gasket is always available with the International Shore Connection flange
- It is advisable to prepare more than one gasket and keep it with ISC as chances of gasket damage are always present when doing work in the emergency situation
- When making a duty list for the firefighting drill, assign one person to bring the International shore connection to open deck area from where the shore connection is to be taken. A habit kept during the drill will inevitably reduce the turnaround time during the real emergency
Related Read: The importance of fire drills on ship
- If the international shore coupling is permanently installed on the ship’s fire main, ensure to check its tightness before using the connection with water
Image Credit/Reference: Marine Auxillary Machinery By H.D Mc George
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Respected sir,
I am following the site Marine Insight.This is a very good site for mariners.It provides us a great information about Ships,Ports and other issues about shipping.I like it very much.
Thanks to you.
how many international shore connection should be on board of anchor handling supply boat
LOA:60m
GT: 1678 T
IS ALL OF THEM FOR MAIN FIRE ONLY OR THERE ONE FOR FUEL OIL & OTHER FOR SEWAGE
Dear Sherif,
As Per SOLAS, You will need 1 ISC for ships 1000GT and above. ISC is dedicated to fire line and cannot be used for any other purpose.
Where can the international sludge connection be purchased.
wht about connection if we are taking fresh water from port
I need information regarding the specific type of international hose connections to be installed in Jetty / Pier Area
please best rate of international shore coupling outer dia 178 mm inner dia 64 mm pl reply
what is the material of ISC?
Where can I get an international sludge connection?
Dear Colin,
You can customise it with the following dimension from any workshop :
Outside diameter215 mm
Inner diameterAccording to pipe outside diameter
Bolt circle diameter183 mm
Slots in flange6 holes 22 mm in diameter equidistantly placed on a bolt circle of the above diameter, slotted to the flange periphery.
The slot width to be 22 mm
Flange thickness20 mm
Bolts and nuts:
6 now quantity, each of 20 mm in diameter and of suitable length
What is the best action & recommendation if the ISC between Ship & Shore is incompatible (did not match) ?
Require immediate response from the expert.
Good Morning,
I am researching information to enhance current emergency responder procedures for Land Based Fire Fighters responding to assist a vessel at mooring.
Can you please provide information as per the international standards for the following:
International Shore Connection;
1. Do the standards require a vessel to only provide an ISC (coupling)
or
2. Are vessels required to have a ISC & provision for the ISC to be connected into the vessels fire service system to allow land based (or other vessels) the ability to provide a water supply directly into the fire fighting system via their ISC?
Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Regards
Dave
Previous experience
What should be points covered for proper maintenance of International Shore connection