Isle of Man Rolls Out New Fire Safety Testing Schedule for Ships

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Mfame Editor
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  • Comprehensive Fire Protection Check Schedule Issued by Isle of Man Registry.
  • New Vessel Fire Safety Rules Cover Monthly to Decade-Long Inspections.
  • Isle of Man Sets Strict Inspection Timelines for Onboard Fire Systems.

The Isle of Man Ship Registry has just put out a new Shipping Notice that lays out a thorough schedule for the regular testing and inspection of fire protection systems and equipment on board. This initiative is all about boosting safety by making sure that all fire safety gear is in tip-top shape. The requirements include checks that need to be done weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. Shipowners and operators are encouraged to fully comply with these guidelines during their daily operations and inspections, reports Safety4Sea.

Growing Concerns About Vehicle Fires at Sea

The International Chamber of Shipping and the Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) have highlighted the increasing dangers of vehicle fires on PCCs, PCTCs, Ro-Ro, and Ro-Pax vessels. In April 2025, both organisations released detailed guidelines aimed at reducing these risks and safeguarding crew, passengers, cargo, and the vessels themselves.

Portable & Semi-Portable Fire Extinguishers

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Monthly — ensure correct location, pressure, and general condition.
  2. Annual Service: Conducted by a competent person.
  3. 5-Year Discharge Test: Required.
  4. Hydrostatic Test: Every 10 years for portable extinguishers. Semi-portable units should follow manufacturer guidance.

CO₂ High Pressure Cylinders (Fixed Installations)

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Monthly and annually per MSC.1/Circ.1318 Rev.1 by a competent person.
  2. Biennial Inspection: Every 2 years ± 3 months for passenger ships; during periodic or renewal surveys for cargo ships by an accredited service agent.
  3. Hydrostatic Test: At 10 years: Test at least 10% of the total cylinders. At 20 years and every 10 years thereafter: Test all cylinders.

Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems (Excluding CO₂)

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Monthly and annual inspections as per MSC.1/Circ.1432.
  2. Periodic Service: 2-year and 5-year tests per MSC.1/Circ.1432.
  3. Hydrostatic Test: Every 10 years, test at least 10% of cylinders.

Foam Systems (Fixed and Portable)

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Quarterly — check foam levels. Annually — full system check and portable applicator setup.
  2. Annual Foam Test: Per MSC.1/Circ.1312 (low expansion) or MSC/Circ.670 (high expansion). Alcohol-resistant foam may defer testing for 3 years post-installation.
  3. 5-Year Service: Required.

Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Systems

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Monthly — check control valves and pressure. Annually — inspect and agitate powder; N₂ blowthrough by a competent person.
  2. Biennial Service: Accredited agent to inspect and test powder sample for moisture.
  3. Hydrostatic Test: All powder vessels must undergo hydrostatic or nondestructive testing.

Water Mist, Water Spray, and Sprinkler Systems

  1. Routine Checks: Weekly, monthly, and annual inspections as per Sections 3.7, 4.4, and 6.5 by a competent person.
  2. 5-Year Inspection: Required.
  3. Hydrostatic Test: 10-year interval for gas and water pressure cylinders as per MSC.1/Circ.1432.

Breathing Apparatus (BA)

  1. Shipboard Inspection: Weekly pressure checks.
  2. Annual Checks: Test the air quality of recharging systems to national standards. Inspect EEBDs per manufacturer guidelines.
  3. Hydrostatic Test: Steel BA cylinders every 5 years. Aluminium and composite cylinders follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

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Source: Safety4Sea