What does SOLAS say about the flashpoint of fuel carried on board, and what is the exception?
Short answer
| Fuel | Minimum flashpoint | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Oil fuel used on board | 60°C, closed-cup (SOLAS II-2/4.2.1.1) | all services |
| Limited services | not less than 43°C (II-2/4.2.1.3) | emergency fire pump engine, auxiliary machines outside the main machinery space |
| Tanker cargo | a different regime | the tanker fire-safety rules |
- Rule (SOLAS II-2/4.2.1.1): no oil fuel with a flashpoint of less than 60°C shall be used (closed-cup test).
- Exception (II-2/4.2.1.3): flashpoint below 60°C but not less than 43°C may be permitted for limited services, such as the emergency fire pump engine and auxiliary machines outside the main machinery space.
- Cargo is different: a tanker’s cargo may have a lower flashpoint under the tanker fire-safety rules; the 60°C rule is about fuel the ship uses.
- Fuel-system safety (II-2/4.2.2): no flammable oil in forepeak tanks, steel piping, quick-closing valves, jacketed high-pressure lines with leak detection, screened hot surfaces, drip trays.
- Quality link: MARPOL Annex VI regulation 18 requires the bunker delivery note and a sample; ISO 8217 sets a minimum flashpoint of 60°C.
- As Chief Engineer: only fuel of flashpoint 60°C or more is bunkered and used (BDN checked, tested if in doubt); India: MS Act 2025 s.147.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.