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Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles - visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
- flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test emergency fire pump with isolation valves closed;
- test all hydrant valves for proper operation; - pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all fire hoses are tested within five years; - verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set; - examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; and - confirm nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.
fire protection equipment items to check annually
The Isle of Man Ship Registry has issued a new shipping notice earlier this year that sets out the minimum level of maintenance and inspection for fire protection systems and appliances onboard, as required by SOLAS regulation II-2/14.
Overall, all fire protection systems and appliances must be in good order at all times and be readily available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire protection system is undergoing maintenance, testing or repair, then suitable arrangements must be made to ensure safety is not diminished through the provision of alternate fixed or portable fire protection equipment or other measures. The onboard maintenance plan should include provisions for this purpose.
Onboard maintenance and inspections must be carried out in accordance with the ship’s maintenance plan and certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by competent crew members, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems.
The onboard maintenance plan should indicate which parts of the inspections and maintenance are to be completed by trained personnel. Inspections should be carried out by the crew to ensure that the indicated weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, two-year, five-year and ten-year actions are taken for the specified equipment, if required.
Records of the inspection must be carried on board the ship and may be computer-based. In cases where the inspections and maintenance are carried out by trained service technicians other than the ship’s crew, inspection reports must be provided at the completion of the testing.
It is recommended that wherever possible servicing and testing requirements are harmonised to coincide with the vessels annual surveys to minimise disruption to vessel operations. Onboard testing and inspections take place on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
With regard to the annual inspections, the Ship Registry emphasizes that these must be conducted to ensure the specified actions are carried out for the relevant equipment, highlighting the following 13 key items to be checked
102 | ISSUE 113 | SEP 2025 | THE REPORT
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Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems - test all fire detection systems and fire detection systems used to automatically release fire-extinguishing systems for proper operation, as appropriate;
- visually inspect all accessible detectors for evidence of tampering obstruction, etc., so that all detectors are inspected within one year; and
- test emergency power supply switchover.
Fixed gas fire-
extinguishing systems - visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
- externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;
- check the hydrostatic test date of all storage containers;
- functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;
- verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;
- check the connections of all pilot release piping and tubing for tightness;
- examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations;
- test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper operation;
- the boundaries of the protected space should be visually inspected to confirm that no modifications have been made to - the enclosure that have created uncloseable openings that would render the system ineffective; and
- if cylinders are installed inside the protected space, verify the integrity of the double release lines inside the protected space, and check low pressure or circuit integrity monitors on release cabinet, as applicable.
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