MAINTENANCE

Our Maintenance Regime 

Weekly testing and inspections Fixed fire detection and alarm systems.

We verify all fire detection and fire alarm control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch. 

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems.
We verify all fixed fire-extinguishing system control panel indicators are functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch; and verify all control/section valves are in the correct position. 

Fire doors.
We verify all fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional by operating the lamp/indicator switch. 

Public address and general alarm system.
We verify all public-address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly.

Breathing apparatus.
We examine all breathing apparatus and EEBD cylinder gauges to confirm they are in the correct pressure range. 

Low-location lighting.
We verify low-location lighting systems are functional by switching off normal lighting in selected locations. 

Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems.
We verify all control panel indicators and alarms are functional;visually inspect the pump unit and its fittings; and check the pump unit valve positions, if valves are not locked, as applicable.    

Monthly testing and inspections 

Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles.
We verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and are in serviceable condition; operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate pressure; and, verify that the emergency fire pump fuel supply is adequate, and any heating system is in satisfactory condition, if applicable. 

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems.
We verify containers/cylinders fitted with pressure gauges are in the proper range and the installation is free from leakage.  

Fixed CO2 Extinguishing systems.
We conduct a general visual inspection should be made of the overall system condition for obvious signs of damage, and should include verification that: all stop valves are in the closed position; all releasing controls are in the proper position and readily accessible for immediate use; all discharge piping and pneumatic tubing is intact and has not been damaged; all high pressure cylinders are in place and properly secured; and the alarm devices are in place and do not appear damaged. 

In addition, on low pressure systems the inspections should verify that: the pressure gauge is reading in the normal range; the liquid level indicator is reading within the proper level; the manually operated storage tank main service valve is secured in the open position; and the vapor supply line valve is secured in the open position.  

Foam fire-extinguishing systems.
We verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range.  

Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
We verify all control, pump unit and section valves are in the proper open or closed position; verify sprinkler pressure tanks or other means have correct levels of water; test automatic starting arrangements on all system pumps so designed; verify all standby pressure and air/gas pressure gauges are within the proper pressure ranges; and test a selected sample of system section valves for flow and proper initiation of alarms.  

(Note – The valves selected for testing should be chosen to ensure that all valves are tested during the course of a one-year period.) 

Firefighter’s outfits
We verify that the lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain their full inventory and equipment is in serviceable condition. 

Fixed dry chemical powder systems
We verify all control and section valves are in the proper open or closed position, and all pressure gauges are in the proper range. 

Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems
We verify all electrical connections and/or manual operating stations are properly arranged, and are in proper condition; and verify the actuation system/control panel circuits are within manufacturer’s specifications. 

Portable foam applicators
We verify all portable foam applicators are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition.  

 Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
We verify all extinguishers are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper condition. 

Fixed fire detection and alarm systems
We test a sample of detectors and manual call points so that all devices have been tested within five years. For very large systems the sample size should ensure that a selection from each zone is checked each month and which includes a variety of detector types so that a sample set of detectors of each type in each zone is tested monthly with the provision that all are checked over a five-year period.   

Quarterly testing and inspections 

Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
We verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition. 

Foam fire-extinguishing systems
We verify the proper quantity of foam concentrate is provided in the foam system storage tank. 

Ventilation systems and fire dampers
We test all fire dampers for local operation. 

Fire doors
We test all fire doors located in main vertical zone bulkheads for local operation. 

Annual testing and inspections 

Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles
We visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test the emergency fire pump with isolation valves closed; test all hydrant valves for proper operation; pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all fire hoses are tested within five years; verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set; examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; and check that nozzle size/type is correct, maintained and working. 

Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems
We test all fire detection systems and fire detection systems used to automatically release fire-extinguishing systems for proper operation, as appropriate; visually inspect all accessible detectors for evidence of tampering obstruction, etc., so that all detectors are inspected within one year; and test emergency power supply switchover.  

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
We visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition; externally examine all high-pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion or loose mounting hardware. Cylinders that are leaking, corroded, dented or bulging should be hydrostatically retested or replaced; check the hydrostatic test date of all storage containers; functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms; visually inspect system piping to check for damage, loose supports and corrosion. Nozzles should be inspected to ensure they have not been obstructed by the storage of spare parts or a new installation of structure or machinery; verify all control/section valves are in the correct position; check the connections of all pilot release piping and tubing for tightness; examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations;  test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper operation; the boundaries of the protected space should be visually inspected to confirm that no modifications have been made to the enclosure that have created non-closable openings that would render the system ineffective; and  if cylinders are installed inside the protected space, verify the integrity of the double release lines inside the protected space, and check low pressure or circuit integrity monitors on release cabinet, as applicable.  Check that all entrance doors to the protected space close properly and have warning signs, which indicate that the space is protected by a fixed carbon dioxide system and that personnel should evacuate immediately if the alarms sound.  Check all remote releasing controls for clear operating instructions and indication as to the space served  

Foam fire-extinguishing systems
We visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition; functionally test all fixed system audible alarms; flow test all water supply and foam pumps for proper pressure and capacity, and confirm flow at the required pressure in each section (Ensure all piping is thoroughly flushed with fresh water after service.);  test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper operation; examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; verify all control/section valves are in the correct position; blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles of high expansion foam systems are clear of any obstructions, debris and contamination. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable; take samples from all foam concentrates carried on board and subject them to the periodical control tests in MSC.1/Circ.1312, for low expansion foam, or MSC/Circ.670 for high expansion foam.    

(Note: Except for non-alcohol resistant foam, the first test need not be conducted until 3 years after being supplied to the ship and portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate, excluding protein based concentrates, which are less than 10 years old and that remain factory sealed can be accepted without the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312 being carried out provided they remain within the manufacturer’s stated shelf life.)

test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper operation, verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set; 

Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
We verify proper operation of all water mist, water-spray and sprinkler systems using the test valves for each section; visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition; externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or corrosion; check the hydrostatic test date of all high pressure cylinders; functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms; flow test all pumps for proper pressure and capacity;  test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection; test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper operation; verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set; examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and contamination; verify all control/section valves are in the correct position; blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping of dry pipe systems, or otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles are clear of any obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable; test emergency power supply switchover, where applicable; visually inspect all sprinklers focusing in areas where sprinklers are subject to aggressive atmosphere (like saunas, spas, kitchen areas) and subject to physical damage (like luggage handling areas, gyms, play rooms, etc.) so that all sprinklers are inspected within one year; check for any changes that may affect the system such as obstructions by ventilation ducts, pipes, etc.; test a minimum of one section in each open head water mist system by flowing water through the nozzles. The sections tested should be chosen so that all sections are tested within a five-year period; and test a minimum of two automatic sprinklers or automatic water mist nozzles for proper operation.  

Ventilation systems and fire dampers
We test all fire dampers for remote operation; verify galley exhaust ducts and filters are free of grease build-up; and test all ventilation controls interconnected with fire-protection systems for proper operation. 

Fire doors
We test all remotely controlled fire doors for proper release. 

Breathing apparatus
We check breathing apparatus air recharging systems, if fitted, for air quality; check all breathing apparatus face masks and air demand valves are in serviceable condition; and check EEBDs according to maker’s instructions.  

Fixed dry chemical powder systems
We visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition; verify the pressure regulators are in proper order and within calibration; and agitate the dry chemical powder charge with nitrogen in accordance with system manufacturer’s instructions.   

(Note: Due to the powder’s affinity for moisture, any nitrogen gas introduced for agitation must be moisture free.) 

Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems.
We verify condensed or dispersed aerosol generators have not exceeded their mandatory replacement date. Pneumatic or electric actuators should be demonstrated working, as far as practicable. 

Portable foam applicators
We verify all portable foam applicators are set to the correct proportioning ratio for the foam concentrate supplied and the equipment is in proper order; verify all portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate remain factory sealed, and the manufacturer’s recommended service life interval has not been exceeded.   

(Note; portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate, excluding protein based concentrates, which are less than 10 years old and that remain factory sealed can be accepted without the periodical foam control tests required in  MSC.1/Circ.1312 being carried out provided they remain within the manufacturer’s stated shelf life.  protein based foam concentrate portable containers and portable tanks should be thoroughly checked and, if more than five years old, the foam concentrate should be subjected to the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312, or renewed; and, the foam concentrates of any non-sealed portable containers and portable tanks, and portable containers and portable tanks where production data is not documented, should be subjected to the periodical foam control tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312. 

Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers,  perform periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition; check the hydrostatic test date of each cylinder; and  for dry powder extinguishers, invert extinguisher to ensure powder is agitated. 

Galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems, Check galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.  

Two-year testing and inspections 

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems
all high-pressure extinguishing agents’ cylinders and pilot cylinders should be weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means to confirm that the available charge in each is above 95 per cent of the nominal charge.  Cylinders containing less than 95 per cent of the nominal charge should be refilled; and blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or otherwise confirm the pipe work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable. The hydrostatic test date of all storage containers should be checked. High pressure cylinders should be subjected to periodical tests at intervals not exceeding 10 years. At the 10-year inspection, at least 10% of the total number provided should be subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test. If one or more cylinders fail, a total of 50% of the onboard cylinders should be tested. If further cylinders fail, all cylinders should be tested. Flexible hoses should be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and not exceeding every 10 years; 

For fixed CO2 systems the following maintenance should be carried out by service technicians/specialists familiar with the system installed and approved by the manufacturer for service of their installations: where possible, all activating heads should be removed from the cylinder valves and tested for correct functioning by applying full working pressure through the pilot lines. In cases where this is not possible, pilot lines should be disconnected from the cylinder valves and blanked off or connected together and tested with full working pressure from the release station and checked for leakage. In both cases this should be carried out from one or more release stations when installed.  If manual pull cables operate the remote release controls, they should be checked to verify the cables and corner pulleys are in good condition and freely move and do not require an excessive amount of travel to activate the system; all cable components should be cleaned and adjusted as necessary, and the cable connectors should be properly tightened. If the remote release controls are operated by pneumatic pressure, the tubing should be checked for leakage, and the proper charge of the remote releasing station pilot gas cylinders should be verified. All controls and warning devices should function normally, and the time delay, if fitted should prevent the discharge of gas for the required time period; and after completion of the work, the system should be returned to service. All releasing controls should be verified in the proper position and connected to the correct control valves. All pressure switch interlocks should be reset and returned to service. All stop valves should be in the closed position.  

Fixed dry chemical powder systems
We blow dry nitrogen through the discharge piping to confirm that the pipe work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions; operationally test local and remote controls and section valves; verify the contents of propellant gas cylinders (including remote operating stations);  test a sample of dry chemical powder for moisture content; and  subject the powder containment vessel, safety valve and discharge hoses to a full working pressure test. 

Five-year service 

Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. 
We perform internal inspection of all control valves. 

Foam fire-extinguishing systems
We perform internal inspection of all control valves; flush all high expansion foam system piping with fresh water, drain and purge with air; check all nozzles to prove they are clear of debris; and test all foam proportioners or other foam mixing devices to confirm that the mixing ratio tolerance is within +30 to -10% of the nominal mixing ratio defined by the system approval. 

Water mist
We water spray and sprinkler systems, flush all Ro-Ro deck deluge system piping with water, drain and purge with air; perform internal inspection of all control/section valves; and check condition of any batteries, or renew in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations. 

Breathing apparatus
We Perform hydrostatic testing of all steel self-contained breathing apparatus cylinders.  For Antigua and Barbuda ships Aluminium cylinders should be tested at the same intervals as steel cylinders. Composite cylinders carried in Antigua and Barbuda ships should be tested at the manufacturer’s recommended intervals.   

Low-location lighting
We test the luminance of all systems in accordance with the procedures in resolution A.752(18).  

Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers
We visually examine at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the same year.