Do you know when fire protection systems onboard should be inspected?

All fire protection systems and appliances should at all times be in good order and available for immediate use while a ship is in service. A helpful recent Marine Notice by the Palau Ship Registry highlights and gives guidance about the requirements of their inspection regime.

Fire protection systems need to be inspected weekly, monthly, quarterly and annually, as follows to ensure proper functioning.

Weekly inspections should be carried out to ensure that:

•  All public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly;
• Verify water mist, water spray, and sprinkler systems control panel indicators and alarms are functionals, visually inspecting pump unit and Breathing apparatus cylinders do not present leakages; and
• All fireman’s outfits and EEBDs are appropriately supplied, arranged, and in proper condition;
• All fire detection, fire alarm, and fixed-extinguishing system control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch and verifying that all control/section valves are in the correct position;
• All fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional by operating the lamp/indicator switch;
• Verify low-location lighting   systems are functional by   switching off normal lighting   in selected locations; its fitting, and checking the pump unit valve positions.

Monthly examinations

Ships’ officers are responsible for performing monthly examinations of firefighting system equipment and recording the examinations in the ship’s official logbook.

Monthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that:

• All fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition;
• Dry pipe sprinkler systems have appropriate pressures as indicated by gauges;
• Sprinkler system pressure thanks have corrected levels of water as indicated by glass gauges;
• All sprinkler system pumps automatically operate on reduction of pressure in the systems;
• All fire pumps are operational;
• Emergency fire pump fuel supply is adequate and heating system in satisfactory condition.

Quarterly Examinations and Inspections

Ships’ officers are responsible for performing quarterly test and examinations of the following firefighting system equipment and recording the test and examinations in the ship’s official logbook.

Quarterly inspections should be carried out to ensure that:

• All automatic alarms for the sprinkler systems are tested using the test valves for each section;
• The international shore connection is in proper condition;
• Lockers and fire stations providing storage for fire- fighting equipment contain proper inventory and equipment is in proper condition;
• All fire doors and fire dampers are tested for local operation; and
• All CO2 bottle connections for cable operating system clips should be checked for tightness on fixed fire-extinguishing installations.

Annual Testing and Inspections

As part of the annual statutory survey for Safety Equipment Certification, the following inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses, and nozzles:

• Are visually inspected ensuring their condition;
• Flow test fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity;
• Test hydrants valves for proper operation;
• Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;
• Examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations;
• Test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire protection systems for proper operation.
• Pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure;
• Verify all fire pump relief valves;
• Examine and clean all filters/strainers;

Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems are visually inspected for proper condition:

• Externally examine all high-pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion;
• Test all fixed system audible and visual alarms.

Foam fire extinguishing system:

• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper operation;
• Test all fixed system audible alarms;
• Flow test all water supply and foam pumps for proper pressure and capacity;
• Verify all pump relief valves are properly set, as applicable;
• Examine and clean all filters/strainers;
• Take samples from all foam concentrates carried on board and subject them to the periodical control test for both low and high expansion foam;
• Test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection system for proper operation.

Water mist, water spray, and sprinkler systems:

• Verify proper operation of all water mist, water-spray and sprinkler systems using the test valves for each section;
• Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;
• Externally examine all high-pressure cylinders;
• Check the hydrostatic test date of all high pressure cylinders;
• Test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;
• Test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection;
• Verify all pump relief valves;
• Examine and clean all filters and strainers;
• Test emergency power supply switchover;
• Test automatic sprinklers and automatic water mist nozzles in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines;
• At least once every five years, the control valves of fixed fire-fighting systems should be internally inspected.