Section 17(2) in The Merchant Shipping (Fire Appliances) Rules, 1969
(2)The Central Government may exempt any ship other than a tanker from the requirements of sub-rule (1), if it is satisfied that--(i)the holds therein are provided with steel hatch covers and effective means of closing all ventilators and other openings leading to such holds;(ii)the ship is constructed for and employed solely in the carriage of ore, coal or grain; orNO to require compliance therewith would be unreasonable having regard to the short duration of the voyages on which the ship is engaged.
