Do you know what to check in onboard fire protection systems?
Fire is one of the most serious risks a ship can face at sea. For this reason, all fire-protection systems and appliances onboard must always be in good working order and ready for immediate use while the vessel is in service.
The Republic of Liberia has issued a Marine Notice providing detailed guidance on the proper maintenance and inspection of fire-protection systems, appliances, and emergency equipment onboard ships. The notice also highlights the importance of maintaining proper documentation and ensuring that all systems remain fully operational at all times.
Maintenance instructions onboard
Ships should carry clear and easily understood instructions for the maintenance and testing of both active and passive fire-protection systems. Wherever possible, these instructions should be illustrated to assist crew members in carrying out their duties correctly.
For each fire-protection system or appliance, the instructions should include:
- Maintenance and repair procedures
- A schedule for periodic maintenance
- A list of replaceable parts
- Logs and records of inspections, testing, and maintenance
These records should also document any identified non-conformities together with their target completion dates, ensuring that deficiencies are tracked and corrected in a timely manner.
Inspections during the annual safety equipment survey
As part of the annual statutory survey for Safety Equipment Certification, several inspections and functional tests must be carried out to verify that the ship’s fire-protection systems are fully operational.
Below are the main checks that should be performed.
Fire Mains, Fire Pumps, Hydrants, Hoses and Nozzles
Crew members should verify the following:
- All accessible components are visually inspected for proper condition
- Fire pumps are flow tested to confirm correct pressure and capacity
- Emergency fire pump is tested with isolation valves closed
- Hydrant valves are tested for proper operation
- A sample of fire hoses is pressure tested at maximum fire main pressure so that all hoses are tested within five years
- Fire pump relief valves are properly set
- Filters and strainers are free from debris and contamination
- Nozzles are the correct type and size, properly maintained and operational
Fixed Fire Detection and Fire Alarm Systems
Proper functioning of detection systems is essential for early response to a fire emergency. The following should be checked:
- Fire detection systems are tested to confirm proper operation
- Systems that automatically release fire-extinguishing systems are also tested
- All accessible detectors are visually inspected for obstruction, tampering, or contamination
- Emergency power supply switchover is tested
All detectors should be inspected at least once every year.
Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems
For systems such as CO₂ or other gas-based extinguishing systems, inspections include:
- Visual inspection of all accessible components
- External examination of high-pressure cylinders for corrosion or damage
- Verification of hydrostatic test dates
- Functional testing of audible and visual alarms
- Checking that control and section valves are correctly positioned
- Inspection of pilot release piping connections for tightness
- Examination of flexible hoses according to manufacturer recommendations
- Testing fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems
- Inspection of the protected space boundaries to ensure no modifications compromise system effectiveness
- Verification of double release lines and monitoring systems, where applicable
Foam Fire-Extinguishing Systems
Foam systems must also undergo regular checks, including:
- Visual inspection of accessible components
- Functional testing of fixed system audible alarms
- Flow testing water supply and foam pumps for proper pressure and capacity
- Testing cross-connections with other water supplies
- Ensuring pump relief valves are correctly set
- Checking filters and strainers for contamination
- Confirming correct valve positions
- Clearing discharge piping and nozzles using compressed air or nitrogen
- Taking samples of foam concentrate for periodic laboratory testing
- Testing fuel shut-off controls connected to the system
For most foam concentrates, the first quality test is required three years after supply to the ship.
Water Mist, Water Spray and Sprinkler Systems
Automatic fire suppression systems must be regularly tested and inspected. Checks include:
- Verifying system operation using test valves
- Visual inspection of all accessible components
- External examination of high-pressure cylinders
- Checking hydrostatic test dates
- Functional testing of audible and visual alarms
- Flow testing pumps for correct pressure and capacity
- Testing antifreeze systems
- Checking cross-connections with other water supply sources
- Verifying pump relief valve settings
- Inspecting filters and strainers
- Confirming correct valve positions
- Ensuring piping and nozzles are free from obstructions
- Testing emergency power supply switchover
- Inspecting sprinklers in areas exposed to corrosive environments or physical damage
- Checking for system obstructions or modifications
- Testing sections of open head water mist systems, ensuring all sections are tested within five years
Any sprinklers that are damaged or painted must be replaced immediately.
Maintaining fire-protection systems onboard is not only a regulatory requirement but also a critical safety responsibility. Proper inspection, testing, and documentation ensure that equipment will perform effectively in an emergency.
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