Government of Bermuda

Department of Maritime Administration

2011 - 021

BERMUDA SHIPPING NOTICE

Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems, and

Appliances and Certain Emergency Equipment
Summary
This notice incorporates the guidance contained IMO Circular MSC/ Circ.850 and Resolution A.951(23) and
provides general guidelines applicable to the maintenance and inspection of all fire protection systems
and appliances and specific guidelines applicable to testing and examination of fixed and portable fire
extinguishers, foam systems and self-contained breathing apparatus. This notice supersedes
ROSC.21 which was previously issued.
This Notice was amended on 25th May 2011 to correct the requirements for routine discharge of
portable extinguishers.
________________

For the purposes of this Notice and for the maintenance of fire fighting equipment on a Bermuda ship
a competent person is defined as either;
.1) an accredited service agent; or
.2) a member of the ships crew who has been trained for the work by and who carries out
the work on board under direct supervision of a senior officer, being an experienced
person holding a STCW II/2 or III/2 Certificate of Competency and an Advanced Fire
Fighting certificate, and in accordance with the ships planned maintenance system,
including documented procedures, work instructions and manuals, and using tools,
spares and calibrated equipment readily available on board.
Operational Readiness
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. If fire protection systems are under repair, then suitable
arrangements should be made to ensure safety is not diminished.
Weekly Testing and Inspections
Weekly inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that:
1. all public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly; and
2. breathing apparatus cylinders maintain charged pressure.

th

Issue date; 26 January 2011 (amended 26 May 2011)

The Maritime Administration will accept monthly checks in lieu of weekly checks on spare breathing
apparatus cylinders that are carried for each firemans outfit when:

An assessment of the results of weekly pressure checks on spare cylinders over a

period of at least three months shows no significant loss of pressure, and

The monthly checks thereafter continue to show no measurable pressure drop.

The Administration also recommends that spare cylinders are rotated through the breathing apparatus
sets in use on a regular basis.
Monthly Testing and Inspections
Monthly inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that:
1. all firemans outfits, fire extinguishers, fire hydrants, hose, nozzles and tools are in place,
properly arranged, and are in good condition;
2. all fixed fire-fighting system stop valves (e.g. fire main isolators, sprinkler or high pressure
water mist zone isolators) are in the correct open or closed position and sprinkler systems
have appropriate pressures as indicated by gauges;
3. sprinkler system pressure tanks have correct levels of water as indicated by glass gauges;
4. all sprinkler system pumps and high pressure water mist system pumps operate
automatically;
5. all fire pumps are operated; and
6. all fixed fire-extinguishing installations using extinguishing gas are inspected for leakage.
Quarterly Examinations and Inspections
Quarterly inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that:
1. all automatic alarms for the sprinkler systems or high pressure water mist water systems
are tested using the test valves for each section;
2. the international shore connection is in good condition;
3. lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain proper inventory and
equipment is in proper condition.
4. all fire doors and fire dampers are tested for local operation; and
5. all fixed fire-extinguishing installation cylinders are secure and connections for cable
operating system clips are checked for tightness.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

Annual Testing and Inspections

Annual inspections and tests should be carried out to ensure that:
1. all fire extinguishers are checked for proper location, charging pressure and condition;
2. all fire detection systems are tested for proper operation. The vessel should have
equipment to test detectors which are out of arms reach, and for those detectors which
require activation by smoke or heat or flame or any combination of these;
3. all fire doors and dampers are tested for remote operation;
4. all foam-water and water-spray fixed fire-fighting systems are tested for operation;
5. all accessible components, including control valves, of fixed fire-fighting systems are
visually inspected for proper condition;
6. all fire pumps, including sprinkler system pumps, are flow tested for proper pressures and
flows;
7. all hydrants are tested for operation;
8. all antifreeze systems are tested for proper solutions;
9. sprinkler system connections from the ships fire main are tested for operation;
10. all fire hoses are hydrostatically tested.
Where ships have large installations or large numbers of systems the annual checks can be arranged
as a rotating programme so that each system or piece of equipment is correctly checked annually.
Such arrangements should be included in the ships planned maintenance system and it should be
possible to show at any time that all the annual checks are being done.
Specific Guidelines for Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Extinguishers (including Portable
and Semi-portable Units of all Types)
Annual Maintenance & Inspection.
Extinguishers should be examined annually by a competent person. During these examinations
plastic collars etc. which may conceal the condition of steel underneath should be removed. The
annual maintenance should:
1. provide each extinguisher with a sign indicating it has been examined,
2. provide test certificates and records to be retained on board for inspection.
3. renew charges for portable fire extinguishers if, on checking there is any indication of
deterioration in the contents or loss of pressure.
4. recharge or renew CO2 extinguishers and the gas propellant cylinders for other types if the
gas loss by weight exceeds 10% of the original weight.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

Dry powder extinguishers may suffer from compaction when subject to vibration. At least one
extinguisher should be discharged annually and the retention of contents checked. When the
retention is found to be in excess of 15% of the initial charge further extinguishers should be
discharged to determine if compaction is occurring. If it is found to have happened all affected
extinguishers should be refilled and recharged.
Annually and preferably during a Fire Drill at least one Portable Fire Extinguisher should be
discharged before, during or after the drill in the presence a competent person. The type of fire
extinguisher chosen should ensure that one of each type is discharged every year, and records of this
test should be kept.
Open drenching systems using the extinguishing medium of water, whether they be sprinkler, high
pressure water mist, or water spray, should be suitably tested to the satisfaction of an attending
surveyor during the course of a Safety Survey. This may involve a blow through with air, or a wet test
using fresh water, or sea water, for part of or the entire system.
5-Yearly Maintenance
At least once during every five-year period the charges of all the extinguishers should be renewed
after a thorough inspection and internal examination has be carried out by an accredited service
company.
This five yearly maintenance may be undertaken on a continuous basis i.e. one fifth of the total
number of extinguishers on board each year, provided accurate records are kept and each
extinguisher can be individually identified.
Hydrostatic Testing
All fire extinguishers that are either permanently under pressure or subjected to internal pressure
upon activation should be hydrostatically pressure tested at intervals not exceeding 10 years.
Hydrostatic testing and a thorough inspection and internal examination, prior to recharging, must be
carried out by an accredited service company or test facility.
The test pressure and test date must be marked clearly on each extinguisher. Note: hard-stamping
is only acceptable on steel CO 2 extinguishers and propellant cylinders. Test certificates or test
records must be provided and retained on board for inspection.
Propellant cylinders for fire extinguishers (e.g. CO 2 cartridges) with a capacity up to 600 ml, do not
require hydrostatic testing. Any cylinders showing signs of wastage, deterioration or weight loss in
excess of 10% of the contents should be condemned. Propellant cylinders of over 20 years age are
to be taken out of service and therefore it is recommended that these cylinders are not refilled after
15 years.
Spare Charges, Additional Fire Extinguishers and Refilling of Extinguishers
For fire extinguishers of the same type, capable of being recharged on board, spare charges should
be provided amounting to 100% for the first 10 extinguishers and 50% for the remaining
extinguishers but not more than 60 in total.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

For extinguishers which cannot be recharged by a competent person on board, additional portable
fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in paragraph above
should be provided in lieu of spare charges.
Instructions for recharging the extinguishers should be carried on board. Periodic refilling of the
cylinders should be in accordance with the manufacturers recommendations. Only refills approved
for the extinguisher may be used for recharging.

Specific Guidelines for Maintenance and Inspection of Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems,
including cylinders which provide pressure to a system (such as cylinders containing
Nitrogen).
Annual Inspection
Inspections should be carried out by a competent person. The inspections should include a visual
inspection of all gas storage cylinders and their external condition, securing arrangements, hoses,
linkage cables etc. and a visual inspection of system piping for any signs of damage or corrosion.
Any identified problems should be addressed immediately.
Twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years
At least twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years the cylinders and system should be
subject to an inspection by an accredited service company. This inspection should be conducted in
conjunction with the service for the entire system and include:
1.

a visual inspection of each cylinder and its fitting and securing arrangements.

2.

an accurate determination of the contents and comparison with original readings e.g. liquid
level gauging, test weighing etc; Note: The ambient temperature of the storage space for the
CO 2 cylinders and type of content check must be included in the inspection report.

3.

a blow-through with air (reasonably free of moisture) to ensure pilot lines, pipes and nozzles
are clear; and,

4.

an operational test of local and remote controls and section valves, including alarms and
timer relays using test cylinders with the cylinder bank disconnected.

Any cylinders showing signs of mechanical damage, excessive corrosion, or loss of contents
exceeding 10% of installed quantity of gas should be withdrawn from service and sent ashore for
pressure testing and full periodic service and inspection. If more than 10 years have elapsed since
initial pressure test at manufacture, they will require to be hydrostatically tested before refilling.
For fixed CO2 systems the inspection should pay particular attention to the correct operation of valves
and where there is a possibility of moisture from condensation collecting on ball valves these should
be opened and checked.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

Hydrostatic Testing
The Internal examination and Hydrostatic Pressure test period for these high-pressure cylinders is as
follows:
1. the first hydrostatic test should be undertaken at 10 years if there is no record of annual
inspections and at least three inspections (as described in 3.2 above) having been carried out
with satisfactory result, otherwise the first pressure test should be within 20 years of initial
pressure test at manufacture provided all inspections continue without interruption; and,
2. after the first hydrostatic test subsequent pressure tests should be at every 5 years thereafter.
A record of the hydrostatic pressure test should be legibly marked on the cylinders (normally stamped
on steel cylinders on the semi-hemispherical end).

The Bermuda maritime Administration is prepared to extend the hydrostatic test period beyond 20
years, provided that an accredited service company has carried out a thorough examination of all
cylinders which shall include contents check of all cylinders by weighing. Where storage rooms are
found in good condition and each cylinder is found to be in a satisfactory condition with no significant
signs of pitting, corrosion, fretting, cracking or 10% or more loss of contents by weight, this
Administration may permit the hydrostatic test of all the cylinders to be postponed for a further 5
years, i.e. 25 years from initial test date.

Existing Halon Systems Additional requirements

Halon systems must be inspected and tested annually by an accredited service company. During
inspection a leak test must be completed and any cylinders showing signs of leakage, loss of contents
exceeding 5% from installed quantity, signs of mechanical damage or excessive corrosion must be
withdrawn from service.
Details of any actions taken in regard to HALON cylinders will need to be inserted in the ships Ozone
Depleting Substances record Book carried in accordance with MARPOL Annex VI.
Managers are reminded that, while existing HALON system may continue in service for Bermuda
ships, the possibilities of obtaining refills or service in many countries are now substantially reduced.
Halon is banned in all European countries for example. Therefore any loss of contents, or use of the
system or failure of the system could leave the ship in a position where she would be detained for not
having an effective fixed fire fighting system in a country where the replacement of such systems is
impossible.
Fixed Foam Systems
Foam Analysis
Foam concentrates deteriorate with age and need to be tested at intervals to ensure that the product
remains effective. The first periodical test and analysis of foam concentrates stored on board should
be performed after a period of three (3) years and, after that every year. A surveyor may require a test
and an analysis at other times if there is cause to question the suitability of the foam or condition of
the storage tank. A record of the age of the foam concentrates and of subsequent tests should be
kept on board.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

Small quantities of foam concentrate kept in sealed containers and shown to be within the
manufacturers use by dates need not be tested.
Routine planned maintenance in accordance with manufacturers recommendations by a competent
person should be supplemented with a thorough inspection of the system and check of its full
functionality by an accredited agency twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years.
Fixed Dry Powder Systems
Annual Inspection
The system should be inspected by a competent person and the dry powder charge should be
agitated with Nitrogen, using bubbling connections where provided.
Note: due to the powders affinity for moisture, any Nitrogen gas introduced for agitation must be
moisture free.
Twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years
At least twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years in addition to the regular shipboard
inspections, the systems should be inspected by an accredited service company.
This inspection should include:

a blow-through with air to ensure associated pipes and nozzles are clear;

an operational test of local and remote controls and section valves;

verification of contents of propellant gas cylinders containing Nitrogen,

testing of a sample of dry powder for moisture absorption.

Fixed High Pressure Water Mist (Hi-Fog) Systems

Annual Inspection
The cylinders, system and components should be inspected by a competent person annually.
Twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years
At least twice every 5 years with intervals of no more than 3 years the cylinders and the system
should be subject to an inspection by an accredited service company. This inspection should be
conducted in conjunction with the service for the entire system and include:
1. a visual inspection of each cylinder, fitting and securing arrangements.
2. an accurate determination of the contents and comparison with original readings;
3. a blow-through with air or a live test to ensure pilot lines, pipes and nozzles are clear; and.
4. an operational test of local and remote controls and section valves.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

Any cylinders showing signs of mechanical damage, excessive corrosion, or loss of contents should
be withdrawn from service and sent ashore for pressure testing and full periodic service and
inspection.
Hydrostatic Testing
The Hydrostatic Pressure test period for these high-pressure cylinders is as follows:
1. the first hydrostatic test should be undertaken at 10 years from the first pressure test date at
manufacture; and
2. subsequent pressure tests every should be every 5 years thereafter.
A record of the hydrostatic pressure test should be legibly marked on the cylinders.

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus and medical oxygen cylinders

Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus cylinders includes all compressed air cylinders used for breathing
apparatus, escape sets (including EEBDs), rescue equipment, and those for survival craft and
cylinders for Medical oxygen.
Annual Examination
All cylinders, high pressure fittings and hoses should be externally examined annually by a competent
person as part of the annual statutory survey for the Cargo Ship Safety Equipment, Passenger Ship
Safety or MODU Code Certificate.
Compressed air cylinders for breathing apparatus should be used on a rotation basis in drills and
should have their air charge fully used or blown off and re-filled on an annual basis.
Compressors installed for recharging breathing apparatus cylinders should be checked annually for
air quality.
Medical oxygen cylinders should be landed ashore every three years for re-charging irrespective of
their remaining contents.
Hydrostatic Testing of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Air Cylinders.
The maximum interval between hydrostatic testing of solid drawn SCBA steel cylinders is five years.
The hydrostatic test date must be permanently marked on the cylinders.
Hydrostatic testing of cylinders of the fibre re-enforced / ultra lightweight type should be carried out
every three years. They should be taken out of service at the termination of a 15 year period based on
the original manufacturers test date.
Hydrostatic testing must be carried out by an accredited service agent or test facility. Following the
hydrostatic test, a thorough inspection and internal examination must be carried out prior to
recharging.

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)

The test pressure and test date must be stamped clearly on each steel cylinder on the semi-spherical
end which has the discharge connection. Composite cylinders will require a permanent marking or tag
attached to the cylinder.
Hydrostatic testing of EEBD cylinders is not required by the Bermuda administration however the
contents should be renewed periodically according manufacturers instructions and the unit finally
taken out of service according the maximum service life as recommended by the manufacturer.
Spare Charges and Recharging of Breathing Apparatus Air Cylinders
Two spare cylinders each of 1,200 litres capacity suitable for use with the breathing apparatus should
be provided for each breathing apparatus set however in the case of cargo ships with suitable
compressors capable of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders a single spare cylinder may be
carried for each set.
Ships with ten or less EEBDs shall carry at least one spare unit. Those with between 11 and 20
EEBDs shall carry two spare units, and those ships which carry more than 20 EEBDs shall carry 10%
spare units of the total number of EEBDs.
____________________

th

Issue date: 26 January 2011 (amended 25 May 2011)