Subject

Maintenance, inspection and test of Fire-Protection

Systems and Appliances on board the Isle of
Man-registered ships Technical
Information
No. TEC-0919
Date 13 August 2012
To whom it may concern

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has informed ClassNK of Industry Circular No.6, "Periodic Inspection,
Testing and Maintemance of Compressed Gas Cylinders, Fire Extinguishers and Fixed Fire-Protection
Systems". As necessary, please refer to the original text of the Guideline which is available on Isle of
Man Government Internet Homepage (http://www.iomshipregistry.com).

This Circular sets out the requirements for inspection, testing and maintenance of compressed gas
cylinders, fire extinguishers and fire protection systems and appliances.

1. General
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(1) All fire protection systems and appliances should at all times be in good order and available
for immediate use while the ship is in service.
(2) If a fire protection system is under repair the Ship Registry shall be contacted stating what
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suitable arrangements have been made to ensure safety is not diminished. If the Ship Registry
is satisfied with the arrangements approval will be given and where necessary an exemption
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shall be issued.

2. Maintenance and testing

(1) Instructions for on-board maintenance and testing of active and passive fire protection
systems and appliances should be easily understood, illustrated wherever possible and, as
appropriate, should include the following for each system or appliance.
(i) Maintenance and repair instructions
(ii) Schedule of periodic maintenance
(iii) List of replaceable parts
(iv) Log for records of inspections and maintenance, listing identified non-conformities and
their targeted completion dates.

3. General testing and inspections

This only applies to items not mentioned in other section.
(1) Weekly
(i) All public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly.

(To be continued)

NOTES:

 ClassNK Technical Information is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to its readers.
 ClassNK, its officers, employees and agents or sub-contractors do not warrant the accuracy of the information contained
herein and are not liable for any loss, damage or expense sustained whatsoever by any person caused by use of or
reliance on this information.
 Back numbers are available on ClassNK Internet Homepage (URL: www.classnk.or.jp).
 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

(2) Monthly
(i) All fireman's outfits, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, hoses and nozzles are in place,
properly arranged and in a ready to use condition
(ii) All fixed fire-extinguishing installations using extinguishing gas are free from leakage.

(3) Quarterly
(i) The international shore connection is in a ready to use condition, and provided with
appropriate securing devices.
(ii) Lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain proper inventory and
equipment is in a ready to use condition.
(iii) All fire doors and fire dampers are tested for local operation.
(iv) All CO2 bottle connections for cable operating system clips should be checked for
tightness on fixed fire-extinguishing installation.
(v) All hydrants are tested for operation.

(4) Annually

4.
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(i) Fire detection systems are tested for proper operation, as appropriate.
(ii) All fire doors and dampers are tested for remote operation.
(iii) All antifreeze systems (where fitted) are tested for proper solutions.
(iv) All fire hoses are hydrostatically tested.

Fire Extinguishers
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Fire Extinguisher includes portable and semi-portable unit of all types.
Refer to Appendix 2 for the inspection guide for portable fire extinguishers.
(1) Inspection
(i) All extinguishers should be inspected monthly to check for proper location, charging
pressure and condition by a competent person.
(ii) Each extinguisher should be marked clearly to indicate the date upon which it has been
inspected.

(2) Testing
(i) All types of portable extinguishers are to be hydraulically tested in accordance with a
recognized standard or the manufacturer's instruction at intervals not exceeding 10 years,
unless the extinguisher is found to be defective during an inspection.
(ii) The hydraulic test period for semi portable fire extinguishers should be conducted as per
the manufacturer's guidelines.
(iii) Hydraulic testing must be carried out by an accredited service agent or test facility.
(iv) At least one portable extinguishers of each type manufactured in the same year and kept
on-board a ship should be discharged at five yearly intervals (as part of a fire drill)
(v) Instructions for recharging extinguishers should be supplied by the manufacturer and be
available for use on-board

(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

(vi) Prior to recharging an extinguisher a thorough inspection and internal examination must
be carried out.
(vii) The test pressure and test date must be marked clearly on each extinguisher.
"Hard-stamping" is only acceptable for CO2 extinguishers and propellant bottles.
(viii)Test certificates or test records must be provided and retained on board for inspection.
(ix) Propellant cartridges for fire extinguishers (e.g. CO2 cartridges) with a capacity not
exceeding 600ml, do not require hydraulic testing. The shelf life is 20 years although it
is recommended they are not refilled after 15 years. The cartridges should be inspected
annually and weight-checked. Any bottles showing signs of wastage, deterioration or
weight loss in excess of 10% should be replaced.
(x) Propellant bottles in excess of 600ml for semi portable fire extinguishers should be
hydraulically tested every 10 years.

5. Cylinders for SCBA, Medical Oxygen and Compressed Air Cylinders for Survival Craft Air
Systems
SCBA cylinders includes compressed air cylinders for all breathing apparatus, escape sets and
rescue equipment.
(1) Inspection
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(i) SCBA cylinders should be inspected weekly to ensure there are no leakages.
(ii) All cylinders, high pressure fittings and hoses should be externally examined annually
by a competent person.
(iii) Medical oxygen has a limited shelf life of 3 years and should be landed ashore for
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re-charging at the expiry date.
(iv) Breathing apparatus air-recharging systems should be checked annually to ensure the air
quality is to a recognized national standard. (e.g. BS EN 12021, or USCGA grade D or
better.)
(v) SCBA cylinders should be used on a rotation basis in drills and should have their air
charge used or blown-off and re-filled as per the manufacturer's guidelines.

(2) Testing
(i) Medical oxygen pressure regulators should be serviced at least every 5 years.
(ii) The maximum interval between hydraulic tests for solid drawn steel cylinders for SCBA
(as defined above) and for survival craft self-contained air support cylinders is 5 years.
Composite cylinders may require more frequent testing as stipulated by manufacturer's
instructions.
(iii) Medical oxygen cylinders have a maximum interval between hydraulic tests of 5 years.
(iv) Hydraulic testing must be carried out by an accredited service agent or test facility.
(v) Following the hydraulic test, a thorough inspection and internal examination must be
carried out prior to recharging.
(vi) The test pressure and test date must be stamped clearly on each steel cylinder. Composite
cylinders will require a permanent marking or tag.
(vii) Test certificates must be provided and retained on board for inspection.

(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

6. Cylinders for High-Pressure Fixed Gas Fire Extinguishing Systems

(1) Inspection
(i) Annual inspections should be carried out by a competent person and should include
those items recommended by the system manufacturer and as a minimum should include
the following:
(ii) Visual inspection of all gas storage cylinders and their external condition, securing
arrangements, hoses, linkage cables etc..
(iii) Visual inspection of system piping for any signs of damage or corrosion.
(iv) At least 10% of the cylinders should be subject to a weight or liquid level check
(v) Biennial inspections of the gas storage cylinders should be carried out by an accredited
service agent. This inspection should be conducted in conjunction with the service for
the entire system and should include:
(vi) Visual inspection of each cylinder, fittings and securing arrangements.
(vii) Function test of the system controls, alarms and timer relays with the cylinder bank
disconnected and using test cylinders to simulate operation of the system.
(viii)An accurate determination of the contents of all bottles and comparison with original
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readings (e.g. liquid level gauging, test weighing, etc.).
(ix) Blow-through with air to ensure the associated pipelines and nozzles are clear.
(x) Any cylinders showing signs of mechanical damage, excessive corrosion, or loss of
contents exceeding 10% of installed quantity for CO2 or 5% for Halon should be
withdrawn from service and sent ashore for full periodic service and inspection. If more
than 10 years have elapsed since initial pressure test at manufacturer, they will require to
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be hydraulically tested before filling.
(xi) It should be noted that the ambient temperature and type of content check used must be
included in the inspection report. Level check is only accurate at ambient temperatures
below 26 ºC for CO2.

(2) Testing
(i) The hydraulic pressure test period for these high-pressure cylinders:
(ii) First pressure test within 20 years of initial pressure test at manufacture, provided annual
inspections have been carried out with satisfactory results.
(iii) Subsequent pressure tests every 5 years thereafter.

(3) Testing for High-Pressure Halogenated Hydrocarbon (Halon) systems

(i) The Isle of Man Ship Registry strongly advises owners to consider replacing their
existing Halon systems before the hydrostatic test of the cylinders is due. However,
where problems arise the following may be considered for which special application
must be made on a ship-by ship basis.
(ii) Due to the environmental implications of emptying, testing and re-charging of these
cylinders and the reduced risk of internal corrosion due to the absorption of moisture by
the Nitrogen pressurization gas, the Isle of Man will accept postponement of pressure
testing providing the external condition of the cylinders remains acceptable.

(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

(iii) In order to extend the cylinder test period beyond 20 years, the Isle of Man require a
thorough examination of all cylinders be carried out by an accredited service agent.
Where each cylinder is found to be in a satisfactory condition with no significant signs
of pitting, corrosion, fretting or cracking, this Administration will permit the hydraulic
test of all the cylinders to be postponed for a further 5 years, i.e. 25 years from initial test
date for which a letter will be issued to the vessel upon receipt of the inspection report.

7. Foam Systems, to include all foam types: FP; AFFF; FFFP; ARFFF
(1) Foam sampling - Fixed systems:
(i) An analysis of foam samples must be undertaken after 3 years from date of manufacture
and annually thereafter.
(ii) Samples should be:
(a) As representative as practical, e.g. taken from top, middle and bottom of tanks
where arrangement permits, and placed in an uncontaminated container.
(b) Analyzed by an independent or manufacturer's laboratory and the results of
analyses must be kept on board and readily available for inspection.

(2) Foam sampling - Portable systems

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(i) Check the batch numbers and establish the age of the compound. If within the
manufacturer's recommended shelf life, then the compound does not need to be tested
provided the drums remain sealed with no visible signs of degradation.
(ii) If the drum has been opened or records of manufacture are not available then the ship's
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staff can complete on-board testing on an annual basis per batch, in accordance with
manufacturer's instruction to ensure the foam compound remains effective. The drums
should be replaced when they exceed the manufacturers recommended shelf life.

(3) Inspection and testing of fixed foam installations

(i) Routine planned maintenance in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations
should be supplemented with a thorough inspection of the system and check of its full
functionality once every 2 years by an accredited service agent.
(ii) In addition to the regular shipboard inspections and where practicable, an occasional
system test to produce foam in a drill scenario should be considered subject to any local
restrictions relating to pollution. Where possible, the mixing ratio of the foam should be
verified. Any concentrate used should be replenished as required with the same
manufacturer's foam type to ensure compatibility.
(iii) Care should be taken to ensure that the system is correctly flushed on completion to
prevent blockage of small bore pipework and internal corrosion. In addition great care
should be taken to ensure that system valves are left in the correct operational position to
prevent contamination of the foam tank.

(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

8. Fixed Dry Powder Systems

(1) Annually, the system should be inspected by a competent person and the dry powder charge
should be agitated with nitrogen, using "bubbling" connections where provided.
(2) Due to the powder's affinity for moisture, any nitrogen gas introduced for agitation must be
moisture free.
(3) In addition to the regular shipboard inspections, the systems should be inspected at least once
every 2 years by an accredited service agent.
(4) Inspection
(i) Blow-through with nitrogen to ensure associated pipes and nozzles are clear.
(ii) Operation test of local and remote controls and section valves.
(iii) Contents verification of propellant gas cylinders containing nitrogen (including remote
operating stations).
(iv) Sample of dry powder should be tested for moisture absorption.
(5) Testing
(i) Dry powder tanks should be examined for signs of corrosion when the dry powder has
failed a sample test and is being replaced.
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(ii) A hydraulic test should be carried out by an accredited service agent if an internal
examination reveals signs of corrosion or any other relevant defects.
(iii) The powder containment vessels safety valves and discharge hoses should be subjected
to a full working pressure test every 2 years.
(iv) The replenishment and test regime for these high-pressure nitrogen cylinders is identical
to that for CO2 cylinders for fixed gas fire extinguishing systems.
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9. Automatic Sprinkler and Fixed Pressure Water Spray Systems
(1) These systems should be inspected and tested by a competent person as per the manufactures
instructions, and as a minimum should include the following:
(2) Inspection
The system should be regularly inspected to ensure that all valves are in the correct position
for operation. Levels and pressures should be maintained in pressurized storage tanks and
there should be no obvious leakage. Dry pipe sprinkler systems shall have appropriate
pressures as indicated by gauges.
(3) Testing
(i) Monthly: autostart function of sprinkler system pumps should be tested to ensure they
automatically operate on system pressure loss.
(ii) Quarterly: all automatic alarms and control gear for the sprinkler systems should be
tested using the test valves and procedures for each section.
(iii) Annually: the following should be carried out:
(a) Water spray fixed fire fighting systems should be tested for correct operation
(b) Sprinkler pumps should be flow tested to ensure design pressures and flows
(c) Alarms, pressure switches, and control gear settings should be verified
(d) The sprinkler system connections from the ship's fire main should be tested
(e) All associated relief valves should be tested

(To be continued)

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(f) 5 yearly, in addition to the annual tests indicated above, the pressure tank and all
check and control valves should be internally inspected. Also checks to be carried
out to confirm that distribution pipework is free from corrosion and blockage.
(4) In the case of sprinkler systems protecting passenger accommodation, an Isle of Man Ship
Registry Surveyor will inspect and test the system using the criteria stated above during
Passenger Ship Safety Certificate Renewal surveys.

10. Hydraulic pressure testing

(1) The test pressure applied for al cylinders and extinguishers should be 1.5 x maximum working
pressure, which should be held for at least one minute.
(2) The test pressure should be clearly stamped on each compressed gas cylinder and clearly
marked on each extinguisher.
(3) Where cylinders are sent ashore for re-charging, the pressure test requirements for the Local
Authority may override, but should not be less stringent, than the above requirements.

11. Rejection

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(1) Extinguishers or cylinders failing any inspection or test shall be rendered unserviceable and
disposed of accordingly.
(2) Any entry in the records must be made to show when any extinguisher or cylinder has been
irejected and for what reason.

12. Records
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(1) Records of inspection, maintenance and testing of all extinguishers and cylinders must be
maintained and readily available on board for inspection.
(2) These records should clearly identify each individual extinguisher or cylinder and its
inspection status.

13. Competent Person

For the purpose of this Industry Circular only, a competent person is defined as:
(1) A member of the ship's crew who has the necessary training and who carried out the work
onboard under direct supervision of a senior officer holding an advanced fire fighting
certificate (experienced person holding a Merchant Shipping STCW II/2 or III/2 certificate of
competency and an Advanced Fire Fighting certificate). All work should be carried out as part
of a planned maintenance system with all necessary procedures, work instructions, manuals,
tools, spares and calibrated test equipment readily available. Or
(2) An accredited service agent.

(To be continued)

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Minimum requirements for spare charges required to be carried on-board

For Ships constructed before 01 July 2002
50% for each type of fire extinguisher required to be provided.
If they cannot be recharged on-board* an additional portable fire extinguisher of the same
type, or its equivalent, shall be provided.
Portable Fire
For ships constructed on or after 01 July 2002
Extinguishers
100% for the first 10 then 50% of the remaining extinguishers. Not more than 60 total spare
charges are required. If they cannot be recharged on-board* an additional portable fire
extinguisher of the same quantity, type and capacity shall be provided.
* For example portable CO2 extinguishers
Portable Foam
1 spare tank of 20 litres foam concentrate.
Applicator Unit
Semi Portable
Foam, Dry powder
Nil
and CO2
Extinguishers
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Ship constructed before 01 July 2002
Every breathing apparatus shall be provided with fully charged spare cylinders having a
spare storage capacity of at least 2,400 litres of free air except that-
i) if the ship is carrying five sets or more the total spare free air shall not be required to
exceed 9,600 litres; or
ii) if the ship is equipped with means for re-charging the air cylinders on-board this spare
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air may be reduced to1,200 litres per cylinder and total storage of free air need not
exceed 4,800 litres.
Ship constructed on or after 01 July 2002
Two spare charges shall be provided for each required breathing apparatus.
Passenger ships carrying not more than 36 passengers and cargo ships that are equipped
with suitably located means for cully recharging the air cylinders free from contamination
SCBA Air bottles need carry only one spare charge for each required apparatus. In passenger ships carrying
more than 36 passengers, at least two spare charges for each breathing apparatus shall be
provided.
Passenger ships carrying > 36 passengers constructed on or after 01July 2010 shall be
fitted with a suitably located means for fully recharging breathing apparatus cylinders, free
from contamination.
The means for recharging shall be either –
i) breathing air compressors supplied from the main and emergency switchboard, or
independently driven, with a minimum capacity of 60 litres / min per required breathing
apparatus, not to exceed 420 litres / min; or
ii) self-contained high-pressure storage systems of suitable pressure to recharge the
breathing apparatus used on board, with a capacity of at least 1,200 litres per required
breathing apparatus, not to exceed 50,000 litres of free air.
Ships constructed before 01 July 2002
No spares required.
EEBD
Ships constructed after 01 July 2002
Accommodation & Machinery spaces : 50% max 4

(To be continued)

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Appendix 1 Inspection and testing guide

System or Shipboard Periodic Inspection Hydraulic Pressure Marking and
Appliance Inspection and Service Test Documentation
Annually by a
competent person
Portable 10 Years Pressure Test date to
In accordance with (see Note 1)
Portable & Semi Semi Portable be clearly marked
SMS procedures 5 Yearly discharge
Portable Fire refer to (see Note 3)
and manufacturer’s (see Note 2)
Extinguishers manufacture’s Inspection and PT
instruction Portable
guidelines certificates on board
extinguishers also
refer to Appendix 2
Annually by Pressure Test date to
In accordance with Steel – 5 years
SCBA and Medical a competent person be hard-stamped on
SMS procedures Composites – see
O2 (see Note 1) cylinder.
and manufacturer’s manufacturer’s
cylinders NB- O2 shelf life of PT certificates on
instruction instruction

Air Cylinders for

Survival Craft
(TEMPSC)
i In accordance with
SMS procedures
and manufacturer’s
instruction
d 3 years

Annually by a
competent person
(see Note 1)
5 years
board
Pressure Test date to
be hard-stamped on
cylinder.
PT certificates on
board
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Annual inspection Pressure Test date to
Every 2 years by an
CO2 High Pressure and function checks Within 20 years be hard-stamped on
accredited service
Cylinders – Fixed by a competent and every 5 years cylinder.
agent + level check
installations person (see Notes 1 thereafter Inspection & PT
(see Note 4)
& 4) certificates on board
Pressure Test date to
Halon High Annual inspection Every 2 years by an External
be hard-stamped on
Pressure Cylinders and function checks accredited service examination at 20
cylinder.
- in accordance with agent + level check years to extend 25
Inspection & PT
Fixed Installations SMS procedures (see Note 4) years (see Note 5)
certificates on board
Up to 15 years Up to 15 years
Cylinders for Pressure Test date to
Periodically check (Refer to Industry (Refer to Industry
Refrigerant Gas, be hard-stamped on
condition Circular Number Circular Number
Nitrogen cylinder
20)) 20)
Fixed systems- an
Foam sample after 3
accredited service
years then annually
Foam agent to carry out a
thereafter Foam sample
Systems full inspection of －
(see Note 6) certificates on board
(fixed and portable) the system and
For portable foam
functionality every
(see Note 7)
2 years

(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

Every 2 years by an N2 propellant

accredited service cylinders – 20
Powder charge Last sample date
agent + sample of years then 5 years
Fixed Dry Powder agitated annually marked clearly.
dry powder tested thereafter
Systems (N2 blow-through) Powder sample
for moisture Safety valves and
& system inspected certificates on board
absorption hoses 2 years
(see Note 6)
Annually by a
Automatic Regular inspections competent person
Sprinkler in accordance with (see Note 1) All inspection
And Fixed Pressure SMS procedures 5 yearly internal － certificates to remain
Water Spray and manufacturer’s inspection of on board
Systems instructions pressure tank, check
and control valves
Notes:
1. The competent person may be :

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a) A member of the ship's crew who has the necessary training and who carries out the work
on-board under direct supervision of a senior officer holding an advanced fire fighting
certificate (experienced person holding a Merchant Shipping STCW II/2 or III/2 certificate of
competency and an Advanced Fire Fighting certificate). All work should be carried out as part
i
of a planned maintenance system with all necessary procedures, work instruction, manuals,
tools, spares and calibrated test equipment readily available; or
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b) an accredited service agent.
2. At least one portable extinguishers of each type manufactured in the same rear and kept on board a
ship should be test discharged at five yearly intervals (as part of a fire drill) .
3. Pressure test dates must be clearly marked. Hard-stamping is only permitted on CO2 extinguisher
cylinders and propellant bottles.
4. Annually at least 10% of the cylinders should be subject to a weight or liquid level check. Biennial
inspections should be carried out by an accredited service agent in conjunction with the service for
the entire system.
5. This relaxation from the 20 years test period is permitted on a ship by ship basis for which
application must be made to the Isle of Man Ship Registry. Any extension is granted subject to
thorough examination (including NDT) by an accredited service agent, the details of which will be
provided upon application.
6. Sample analyses must be carried out by an accredited service agent ashore.
7. Portable foam sampling; if the foam is within the manufacturer's recommended shelf life the
compound does not need to be tested provided the drums remain sealed with no visible signs of
degradation. If the drum has been opened or records are not available on-board testing should be
carried out on an annual basis per batch in accordance with the manufacturer's instruction.

(To be continued)

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Appendix 2 Portable fire extinguisher inspection guide

Monthly Inspection
Check for proper location, charging pressure and condition, which shall
External examination include an inspection for corrosion, dents or damage which may affect the
safe operation of the extinguisher.
Annual Inspection
Safety clip and indicating devices Check to see if the extinguisher may have been operated.
Where fitted, check to see that the pressure is within limits.
Pressure indicating device Check that dust covers on pressure indicating devices and relief valves are
in place.
Weight the extinguisher and check the mass compared to the fully charged
Weight
extinguisher.
Hoses and nozzle Check that hoses and nozzles are clear and undamaged.
Operating instructions Check that they are in place and legible.
Inspection at recharge

Water and foam charges

Powder charges
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Gas cartridge
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Remove the charge to a clean container if to be reused and check if it is
still suitable for further use. Check any charge container.
Examine the powder for reuse. Ensure that it is free flowing and that there
is no evidence of caking lumps or foreign bodies.
Examine for damage and corrosion.
Inspection at five and ten year intervals
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Inspection after discharge test
Prove clear passage by blowing through vent holed and vent devices in the
Air passages and operating cap. Check hose, nozzle strainer, discharge tube and breather valve, as
mechanism applicable. Check the operating and discharge control. Clean and lubricate
as required.
Operating mechanism Check that the safety pin is removable and that the lever is undamaged.
Examine for damage and corrosion. Weigh the cartridge to ascertain that it
Gas cartridge
is within prescribed limits.
O-ring washers and hose diaphragms Check O-rings and replace hose diaphragms if fitted.
Inspect the interior. Check for corrosion and lining deterioration.
Water and foam bodies
Check separate containers for leakage or damage.
Examine the body and check internally for corrosion and lining
Powder body
deterioration.
Inspection after recharge
Water and foam Replace the charge in accordance with the manufacturer’s instruction.
Reassemble the extinguisher in accordance with the manufacturer’s
Reassemble
instructions.
Maintenance label Fill in entry on maintenance label, including full weight.
Mounting of extinguishers Check the mounting bracket or stand.
Report Complete a report on the state of maintenance of the extinguisher.
Note - For ease of reference this inspection guide has been reproduced from IMO resolution A.951(23)
(To be continued)

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 ClassNK Technical Information No. TEC-0919

For any questions about the above, please contact:

NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)

Survey Department, Administration Center, Head Office
Address: 4-7 Kioi-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8567, Japan
Tel.: +81-3-5226-2027
Fax: +81-3-5226-2029
E-mail: svd@classnk.or.jp

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