A guide to

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems

for Commercial Vessels

‘Exemptions
on Fixed Fire
Extinguishing
Systems are being
revoked’

Does your vessel hold an exemption from fitting
a Fixed Fire Extinguishing (FFE) System? If so, you
may need to install a FFE system in order to meet the
requirements of the USL Code 2008.
This brochure contains important information on:
• Previous FFE requirements
• Current FFE requirements
• Accepted FFE agents
• Your responsibilities

Version 2, April 2009

 Your Responsibilities
MSV will ascertain if a vessel is required to fit a FFE system under
the requirements of the USL Code 2008 and notify owners
accordingly. If a FFE system is required the owner will be given
12 months from the date of the notification letter to fit an
General Requirements
For FFE Systems
A Fixed Fire Extinguishing System is ‘an arrangement of
components forming a single system that, when manually
or automatically initiated, operates automatically to control,
suppress or extinguish a fire without the need for further
manual intervention.’ A FFE system is made up of the following
elements which are illustrated in Figure 1:
1. Gas tight integrity of a protected space
• Openings which may admit air to, or allow gas to escape
from a protected space must be capable of being closed
from outside the space. The protected space must be as ‘gas
tight’ as possible.
• Any deckhead or bulkhead penetrations within the space
must be made as gas tight as possible using appropriate
glands, sealing compounds, and closing devices.
• Any fans providing forced ventilation to the protected space
must be capable of being stopped from outside the space.
• All ventilation systems located in machinery spaces must be
shut down and all vents and doors closed, prior to discharge
of the agent to prevent the passage of the extinguishing
agent to other compartments.
2. A detection system
• An automatic fire detection system must be installed to
provide early warning of fire in all machinery spaces.
• The detection system shall initiate audible and visual alarms
in the control station and machinery space.
• The detection panel must be located on the bridge/
wheelhouse and must provide isolation, test and reset
functions for the detectors.
3. A discharge station
• The discharge station located outside of the protected
space(s) must be accessible, simple to operate, and located
so that the station is not likely to be cut off by fire.
• Appropriate lighting must be provided for the discharge
station protecting the main machinery spaces.
4. Manual Release
The manual release for the system must meet the following
requirements:
• The discharge of the fire extinguishing agent shall be
activated manually.
approved system. It is strongly recommended that owners of
vessels requiring an FFE system discuss options with a Naval
Architect, Marine Engineering Consultant or a supplier of fire
system equipment.
• Manual activation shall require two separate actions to
start discharge.
• An automatic pre-discharge warning system (audible and
visual alarms) shall be installed within the protected space.
• Electrical circuits within the protected space essential for
the release of the system shall meet requirements of the
USL Code 2008.
• Piping systems essential for the release of the extinguishing
agent shall be heat-resistant material meeting the
requirements of the USL Code 2008.
• All manually-operated devices shall be clearly labelled to
identify the space(s) they protect, have simple and clear
operating instructions, identify the length of time delay
before release of extinguishing agent into a protected
space, detail actions to be taken in the event of a fire
(e.g. close vents, head count, shut down machinery etc.)
• Where Carbon Dioxide is used as the extinguishing agent
two separate controls shall be provided. One control shall
be used for opening the lock off valve in the distribution
piping and a second control shall be used to discharge the
agent from its storage containers. The two controls shall be
located inside a release box clearly identified for the space
protected. If the box containing the controls is locked, a
key to the box should be in a break glass type enclosure
adjacent to the box.
5. Marking and Documentation
The requirements of the USL Code 2008 shall apply for the
marking and documentation of FFE systems. As a minimum, the
FFE system shall be provided with operating instructions and
installation drawings.
6. A Commissioning and Acceptance Process
The requirements of the USL Code 2008 shall apply for the
design, construction and installation of FFE systems. As a
minimum the FFE system shall be provided with an installation
certificate and a commissioning report.
7. An Inspection and Maintenance Regime
The requirements of the USL Code 2008 shall apply for the
Inspection and Maintenance of FFE systems. Servicing of FFE
systems shall be conducted by competent service personnel.
Accepted FFE Agents
The table below lists details of products and systems suitable for use in marine safety applications as shown on the National Marine Safety
Committee (NMSC) - National Register of Compliant Equipment (NRCE) web site, current at the date of publication. The NRCE is a register of
products and systems (appliances) that have been approved as complying with the requirements of the relevant Sections of the Uniform
Shipping Laws (USL) Code/National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV) as specified in the NRCE Policy and Procedures. The appliances
accepted for inclusion on the NRCE have been approved by a recognised product certification body or testing and listing authority. For the
most up to date listing and further information see the NMSC web site at www.nmsc.gov.au.
Other extinguising agents and their systems may also be used but details must be submitted to Marine Safety Victoria for approval prior to
purchase and installation. Refer to Alternative FFE Agents section for more information.

Model ID Brief Description Product Name Supplier Expiry

Date

FM200 Engineered gaseous "total flooding" fire Tyco Fire Tyco Fire & Safety Mar 2009
extinguishing system Suppression System

Fixed Aerosol Fire Suppression System Stat-X Chubb Australia Jan 2014

EXA-M Series fixed aerosol fire suppression systems; self-contained Pyrogen Pyrogen Mar 2014
non-pressurised metal canisters. Technologies
(AUST) P/L

Sapphire Fixed fire extinguishing installation for the Tyco Modular Fire Tyco Fire & Safety Mar 2010
protection of machinery spaces Suppression System

Fixed fire suppression system SBS System Kidde Australia Jan 2014

ECS Series Fixed fire suppression system for machinery spaces FM 200 Suppression Kidde Australia Mar 2012
System

High Pressure water mist fire protection system Fogtec Water Mist Fire Fighting Aug 2013
System Technologies Pty Ltd

FE-227ea Marine FM-200 Fire suppression system FM-200 Fire Fire Protection Aug 2010
Suppression System Technologies P/L

Micro - K NOTE: Listing is withdrawn by the supplier per Tyco Fire Tyco Fire & Safety Mar 2009
Policy Clause 7. Mechanically ignited, pyrotechnic Suppression System
aerosol type automatic fire suppression system

NAF S-III NOTE: Listing is withdrawn by the supplier per Tyco Fire Tyco Fire & Safety Mar 2009
Policy Clause 7. Gaseous fire extinguishing agent Suppression System

Mag 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 NOTE: Listing is withdrawn by the supplier per Policy Pyrogen Pyrogen Mar 2010
Clause 7. fixed aerosol fire suppression system Technologies
(AUST) P/L

MA2-227 Pre-engineered, automatic/manual, total flooding, Fireboy MA series Bob Littler Jul 2009
gaseous fire extinguishing system fire suppression Agencies
system

Models MG & Pre-engineered, manual, FM200 gaseous fire Sea Fire FM200 fire Systems Advantage May 2012
MD extinguishing system suppression system Pty Ltd
Alternative FFE Agents
The table below outlines some of the alternative FFE agents available for use on commercial vessels. Details of these and other alternative
FFE systems must be submitted to MSV for approval prior to purchase and installation. These systems must be installed and certified by an
accredited installer to the relevant Australian Standard or the standard specified in the USL Code 2008.

Extinguishing Agent Type Brief Description

Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Carbon Dioxide is proven as an effective medium for fixed fire extinguishing systems,
but does however pose a danger to life, being classified as an asphyxiating gas. Therefore,
installation of a Carbon Dioxide system requires close scrutiny and monitoring. The storage
of Carbon Dioxide cylinders requires well-ventilated cabinets or lockers at or above the
main deck, external to the wheelhouse and accommodation spaces, with the discharge
being activated manually. A detection system is required. These requirements may become
onerous for owners wishing to fit a Carbon Dioxide system onboard a relatively small vessel.

Foam Foam suppresses fire by separating the fuel from the air, starving the flames of oxygen
and immediately eliminating combustion. Foam extinguishes fire by; blanketing the fuel
surface, smothering the fire and separating flame from the fuel surface, cooling the fuel
to lower flammability, reducing the release of flammable vapours into the air. For maximum
effectiveness it is critical the foam concentrate be mixed with water in the correct
proportions throughout the fire fighting operation.

Water Mist High pressure nozzles are used to convert water droplets to fine water mist. The water
mist creates a large surface area of water which extracts heat rapidly so cools fires
quickly. High levels of vapourised water are created which smother the fire and take
down dust/smoke particles.

Contacts
Please direct any queries about the assessment for your vessel to the marine surveyor for your region:

Region Surveyor Mobile Number

East Gippsland, Mornington Peninsula Mick Uberti 0438 527 250

Surf Coast – Warrnambool, Williamstown, Bellarine Peninsula Peter Jenatsch 0407 054 950

Inland Victoria, Yarra River Graham Evans 0400 614 505

Lakes Entrance Peter Jenatsch 0407 054 950

(Where Certificates of Survey expire during January to April)

Lakes Entrance Mick Uberti 0438 527 250

(Where Certificates of Survey expire during May to August)

Lakes Entrance Graham Evans 0400 614 505

(Where Certificates of Survey expire during September
to December)

Paynesville, Metung, South Gippsland, Western Port Bay Mal Faldon 0400 520 633

Shipwreck Coast (Port Fairy – border), Geelong, Portarlington Lester Stone 0409 804 496
 Previous Requirements Current Requirements
Under the Uniform Shipping Laws (USL) Code, some classes of
commercial vessels of 12.5 m or more in length and operating
in the State of Victoria, were required to have a Fixed Fire
Extinguishing (FFE) system fitted to aid in extinguishing
engine room fires.
Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) has granted exemptions from
this requirement for some commercial vessels based on
the prohibition placed on using halon by the Environment
Protection Authority in 1996. The exemptions were intended as
a temporary solution until a nationally approved alternative to
halon became available.
The exemptions were subject to vessels:
a) Fitting a smoke detector in the engine room
that is audible from the main control station; and
b) Carriage of two additional fire extinguishers
suitable for oil fires, with a minimum capacity
of 4.5 kg dry chemical powder or equivalent.
Given the wide variety of extinguishing agents available
today, Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) will be revoking the
current exemptions. Vessels will be required to comply with
the new USL Code 2008.
All vessels currently holding an exemption will need to be
assesed. It is expected that most vessels will be required to fit
a FFE system that meets the USL Code 2008 requirements. If
a FFE system needs to be fitted, the owner will be given a set
transition time-frame in which they can fit the system. Details
of the USL Code 2008 can be found on The National Maritime
Safety Committee (NMSC) website www.nmsc.gov.au in the
‘National Standards’ section.

Figure 1. Typical Components of a Fixed Fire Extinguishing System

(details may vary depending upon agent chosen)

1 7
6 4

AFT STEERING
COMPARTMENT 8

FUEL TANK
ENGINE
2

Gas nozzle
Visual fire alarm
Audible fire alarm
Extinguishing agent pre-release alarm (visible and audible)
1 Fire flap 2 Ventilation fan(s) engine room

3 Remote shut down for engine room ventilation fan(s) 4 Remote fuel shut off

6 Cupboard containing manual release and lock off

5 Gas tight bulkhead
valve for distribution piping

8 Heat and smoke detectors fitted in engine room and

7 Fire detection panel
wired to bridge with two separate power supply’s
 About Marine Safety Victoria
Marine Safety Victoria (MSV) plays an important role as the State’s marine safety agency by coordinating waterway management, developing
and implementing vessel standards and operator competencies, protecting the marine environment and by funding the improvement and
development of associated infrastructure.

Marine Safety Victoria’s purpose is to maintain a safe and clean marine environment through leadership and working in partnership with the
shipping industry, boating community and marine manufacturing industry. Marine Safety Victoria also contributes to the establishment and
improvement of waterway infrastructure.

‘Exemptions
on Fixed Fire
Extinguishing
Systems are being
revoked’

Further Information
Marine Safety Victoria - 1800 223 022
www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au

National Marine Safety Committee - 02 9247 2124

www.nmsc.gov.au
DOT4110/09

All information is current at the time of printing (April 2009) and is provided as a guide only. For full details refer to the National Standard for Commercial Vessels (NSCV). For a free copy of the Victorian Commercial Vessel
Safety Handbook call 1800 223 022 or visit www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au. Published by Marine Safety Victoria, Level 11, 121 Exhibition Street, June 2008. Also published on www.marinesafety.vic.gov.au. Authorised by
the Victorian Government, 121 Exhibition Street, Melbourne.