SOLAS Regulation on International Shore Connection

 International Shore Connection:

• It is a universal hose connection that is to be provided in all ships as per IMO SOLAS Requirements. 

• The purpose of the international shore connection is to get a connection from shore or other ships for shipboard firefighting, in case of total failure of pumps onboard.

• The international shore connection flange is generally kept at a convenient and accessible location on board a ship so that it is readily available and used in case of any emergency.

SOLAS Requirement:

• Ships of 500gross tonnage and upwards shall be provided with at least one international shore connection.

• Facilities shall be available enabling such a connection to be used on either side of the ship.  

IMO Symbol:

Standard Dimensions of International Shore Connection:

        

        Standard dimensions of the International Shore Connection shall be under the following table:

Description	Dimension
Outside Diameter	178 mm
Inside Diameter	64 mm
Bolt Circle Diameter	132 mm
Slots in Flange	4 holes, 19 mm in diameter spaced equidistantly on a bolt circle diameter, slotted to the flange periphery
Flange Thickness	14.5 mm minimum
Bolts and Nuts	4, each 16 mm diameter, 50 mm in length

• International shore connection shall be made of steel or other equivalent material and shall be designed for 1.0 Mpa or 10 Bar services. 

• The flange shall have a flat face on one side and a permanently attached coupling on the other side that will fit the ship's hydrant and hose.

• The connection shall be kept on board the ship together with a gasket of any material suitable for 1.0 Mpa or 10 bar services, together with 4 bolts of 16 mm diameter and 50 mm in length, four 16 mm nuts and eight washers

 

Reference: IMO Publications & Documents - International Code - FSS Code - Fire Safety Systems - Resolution MSC.98(73)