1 ApplicationThese Guidelines apply to all ships, however it does not contain an
exhaustive list of maintenance items and should be used as a recommendation only.
2 Operational readinessAll fire protection systems and appliances should at all times be in
good order and available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire
protection system is under repair, then suitable arrangements should be made to ensure
safety is not diminished.
3 Maintenance and
testingInstructions for on-board maintenance, not necessarily by the ship's
crew, 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:
- maintenance and repair
instructions;
- schedule of periodic maintenance;
- list of
replaceable parts; and
- log for records of inspections and maintenance,
listing identified non-conformities and their targeted completion dates.
4 Weekly testing and inspectionsWeekly inspections should be carried out to ensure that:
- all public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly;
and
- breathing apparatus cylinders do not present leakages.
5 Monthly testing and inspectionsMonthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that:
- all fireman's outfits, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are
in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition;
- all fixed
fire-fighting system stop valves are in the proper open or closed position, dry pipe
sprinkler systems have appropriate pressures as indicated by gauges;
- sprinkler system pressure tanks have correct levels of water as indicated
by glass gauges;
- all sprinkler system pumps automatically operate on
reduction of pressure in the systems;
- all the pumps are operated; and
- all fixed fire-extinguishing installation using extinguishing gas are free
from leakage
6 Quarterly testing and inspectionsQuarterly 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 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.
7 Annual testing
and inspectionsAnnual inspections should be carried out to ensure that:
- all fire extinguishers are checked for proper Location, charging pressure, and
condition;
- fire detection systems are tested for proper operation, as
appropriate;
- all fire doors and dampers are tested for remote operation;
- all foam-water and water-spray fixed fire-fighting systems are tested for
operation;
- all accessible components of fixed fire-fighting systems are
visually inspected for proper condition;
- all fire pumps, including
sprinkler system pumps, are flow tested for proper pressures and flows;
- all
hydrants are tested for operation;
- all antifreeze systems are tested for
proper solutions;
- sprinkler system connections from the ship's fire main
are tested for operation;
- all fire hoses are hydrostatically tested;
- breathing apparatus air recharging systems checked for air quality;
- control valves of fixed fire-fighting systems should be inspected; and
- air should be blown through the piping of extinguishing gas systems.
8 Five-year serviceAt least once every five years, the following inspections and tests
should be carried out:
- hydrostatic testing for all SCBA's cylinders;
and
- control valves of fixed fire-fighting systems should be internally
inspected.