What size diameter is commonly used for firefighting equipment on smaller vessels?

The commonly used size diameter for firefighting equipment on smaller vessels is often 1.5 inches. This diameter strikes a balance between sufficient water flow for effective firefighting and ease of handling by personnel onboard.

Firefighting hoses that are too small, such as those with a diameter of 3/4 inch, may not deliver adequate water volume needed to suppress a fire effectively, especially in critical scenarios. On the other hand, larger diameters like 2 inches or 3 inches may be unnecessarily cumbersome for smaller vessels, making them harder to deploy and manage in tight quarters. Therefore, the 1.5-inch diameter has become a standard that meets both operational efficiency and practical handling needs, ensuring the crew can respond effectively during an emergency.

This size is also more compatible with various fire pumps and can accommodate the flow rates commonly required for small vessel firefighting operations, thereby maximizing firefighting effectiveness while maintaining the vessel's agility and crew safety.