Which firemain loop has better survivability between port and starburst side being on different decks?

The vertical offset loop offers enhanced survivability for firemains when port and starburst sides are on different decks. This design creates a loop that rises and falls vertically, providing a more robust distribution of water supply across multiple levels of a ship. The vertical offset allows for more flexible routing of pipes and can better address varying deck heights and configurations, reducing the risk of damage during a fire or flooding event.

The offset design provides redundancy, as there are multiple pathways for water to travel throughout the system. If one section becomes compromised, other parts of the loop can still function, ensuring that critical areas of the ship remain accessible for firefighting efforts. This characteristic is particularly important on ships, where different decks may be affected by different incidents or structural failures.

The other loop types do not provide the same level of flexibility or redundancy as the vertical offset loop. For example, a horizontal loop operates primarily on a single plane and may be more susceptible to complete failure if any portion of it is damaged. The vertical loop does offer vertical routing, but without the specific offset design, it lacks the additional pathways that enhance survival during critical situations. The starburst loop design, while effective in some contexts, does not inherently provide the same robustness and adaptability as the vertical offset