46 CFR 132.120: Fire pump requirements for vessels
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
This section sets out what a vessel's fire pump must do and how it must be fitted. Each vessel must have one self-priming power-driven fire pump that can deliver a single stream of water at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi). The section also covers the gauge, relief valve, power source, branch lines, piping and operation.
Applies toEach vessel, except as provided by § 132.100(b) of this subpart.
What it says
Except as provided by § 132.100(b) of this subpart, each vessel must have one self-priming power-driven fire pump that can deliver a single stream of water from the highest hydrant at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi).
46 CFR 132.120(a)“each vessel must be equipped with one self-priming power-driven fire pump capable of delivering a single stream of water from the highest hydrant”
Each fire pump must have a pressure gauge on its discharge side.
46 CFR 132.120(b)“Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a pressure gauge.”
Each fire pump must have a relief valve on its discharge side, set at either 172 kPa (25 psi) above the pressure needed to meet paragraph (a) or 862 kPa (125 psi), whichever is greater. The valve is optional if the pump cannot develop pressure above the greater amount.
46 CFR 132.120(c)“The relief valve is optional if the pump is not capable of developing pressure exceeding the greater amount.”
If two propulsion engines are installed, one of them may drive the required pump. If only one propulsion engine is installed, a power source independent of the engine must drive the pump.
46 CFR 132.120(d)“If only one propulsion engine is installed, the pump must be driven by a source of power independent of the engine.”
Each fire pump must provide the water needed to meet paragraph (a) while also meeting any other demands on it, such as a branch line for washing the anchor or the deck.
46 CFR 132.120(f)“Each fire pump must be capable of providing the quantity of water required to comply with paragraph (a) of this section while meeting any other demands placed on it”
No branch line may connect directly to the fire main except for fighting fires or washing the anchor or the deck. Each discharge line for any other purpose must be clearly marked and must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
46 CFR 132.120(g)“No branch line may be directly connected to the fire main except for fighting fires or for washing the anchor or the deck.”
A pump connected to a line for flammable or combustible liquid may not be used as a fire pump in any case.
46 CFR 132.120(j)“In no case may a pump connected to a line for flammable or combustible liquid be used as a fire pump.”
A fire pump must be capable of manual operation at the pump and, if a remote operating station is fitted, operation at that station.
46 CFR 132.120(k)“A fire pump must be capable of both manual operation at the pump and, if a remote operating station is fitted, operation at that station.”
Common questions
What pressure must a vessel's fire pump deliver?
The pump must deliver a single stream of water from the highest hydrant, through the hose and nozzle, at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi).
“through the hose and nozzle at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi [pounds per square inch]).”
Can a fire pump be used for other purposes?
If two fire pumps are installed and one remains available for service on the fire main at any time, the other pump may be used for other purposes.
“If two fire pumps are installed, and if one pump remains available for service on the fire main at any time, the other pump may be used for other purposes.”
Can a propulsion engine drive the fire pump?
If two propulsion engines are installed, one of them may drive the pump. With only one propulsion engine, the pump must have an independent power source.
“If two propulsion engines are installed, the pump required by paragraph (a) of this section may be driven by one of the engines.”
Where must a fire monitor connection lead from?
When a fire monitor is connected to the fire main system, it must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
“When a fire monitor is connected to the fire main system, it must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.”
The text of 46 CFR 132.120
Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR), current as of March 31, 2026 · Read it on eCFR
Fire pumps
(a) Except as provided by § 132.100(b) of this subpart, each vessel must be equipped with one self-priming power-driven fire pump capable of delivering a single stream of water from the highest hydrant, through the hose and nozzle at a Pitot-tube pressure of at least 345 kPa (50 psi [pounds per square inch]).
(b) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a pressure gauge.
(c) Each fire pump must be fitted on the discharge side with a relief valve set to relieve at either 172 kPa (25 psi) in excess of the pressure necessary to maintain the requirements of paragraph (a) of this section or 862 kPa (125 psi), whichever is greater. The relief valve is optional if the pump is not capable of developing pressure exceeding the greater amount.
(d) If two propulsion engines are installed, the pump required by paragraph (a) of this section may be driven by one of the engines. If only one propulsion engine is installed, the pump must be driven by a source of power independent of the engine.
(e) If two fire pumps are installed, and if one pump remains available for service on the fire main at any time, the other pump may be used for other purposes.
(f) Each fire pump must be capable of providing the quantity of water required to comply with paragraph (a) of this section while meeting any other demands placed on it, as by a branch line connected to the fire main for washing the anchor or the deck.
(g) No branch line may be directly connected to the fire main except for fighting fires or for washing the anchor or the deck. Each discharge line for any other purpose must be clearly marked and must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
(h) When a fire monitor is connected to the fire main system, it must lead from a discharge manifold near the fire pump.
(i) The total cross-sectional area of piping leading from a fire pump may not be less than that of the pump-discharge outlet.
(j) In no case may a pump connected to a line for flammable or combustible liquid be used as a fire pump.
(k) A fire pump must be capable of both manual operation at the pump and, if a remote operating station is fitted, operation at that station.
Sections it refers to
The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. Regulation text current as of March 31, 2026. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.