The Isle of Man Ship Registry has recently issued a new Shipping Notice that provides a detailed schedule for the periodic testing and inspection of fire protection systems and appliances onboard vessels, including weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual checks.
Test and ispection aim to enhance onboard safety by ensuring that all fire safety equipment is maintained in optimal working condition. Shipowners and operators are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new requirements and ensure full compliance during routine operations and inspections.
It is worth mentioning that the International Chamber of Shipping and the Vehicle Carrier Safety Forum (VCSF) have recently highlighted that responding to vehicle fires onboard PCCs, PCTCs, Ro-Ro, and Ro-Pax vessels is both dangerous and challenging. In that regard, in April 2025, they issued guidelines aimed at reducing risks to crew, passengers, the environment, and the vessel.
Key considerations for fire incident response timing
1. Both internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs) typically reach their peak heat release rate within 6 to 10 minutes from the onset of fire.
2. If the initial response does not bring the fire under control within 10–15 minutes of the first alarm, activation of Fixed Firefighting Systems (FFS) is recommended.
3. Company policy should clearly state that the Master has the authority to deploy FFS if a pre-defined trigger event occurs.
4. Operators should develop their own early-use FFS triggers tailored to their specific vessels and operations.
A testing & inspection schedule for the fire protection systems and appliances
#1 Portable & semi portable fire extinguishers
- Shipboard inspection: Monthly to check for proper location, charging pressure and condition.
- Periodic inspection and service: Annually by a competent person 5 yearly test discharge
- Hydrostatic pressure test: Portable extinguishers every 10 years. Semi-portable refer to manufacturer’s guidelines.
#2 CO2 High pressure cylinders – fixed installations
- Shipboard inspection: Monthly in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1318 Rev.1 by a competent person. Annual inspection in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1318 Rev.1 by a competent person.
- Periodic inspection and service: Biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at each intermediate, periodical or renewal survey in cargo ships in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1318 Rev.1 by an accredited service agent.
- Hydrostatic pressure test: At the 10-year anniversary, at least 10% of the total number provided must be subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test. Before the 20- year anniversary and every 10- year anniversary thereafter, all cylinders must be subjected to a hydrostatic test in accordance with MSC.1/Circ. 1318 (Rev.1) by an accredited service agent.
#3 Fixed gas fireextinguishing systems (for CO2 see requirements stated above)
- Shipboard inspection: Monthly in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432 by a competent person. Annual inspection in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432 by a competent person.
- Periodic inspection and service: 2 year & 5 year testing and inspection in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432
- Hydrostatic pressure test: At intervals not exceeding 10 years at least 10% of the total number provided must be subjected to an internal inspection and hydrostatic test in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432 by an accredited service agent.
#4 Foam Systems (fixed and portable)
- Shipboard inspection: Fixed systems – Quarterly – verify the proper quantity of foam concentrate in
the storage tank. Yearly – A full test and inspection of the system and verify portable applicators are set correctly by a competent person. - Periodic inspection and service: Annual system inspection and foam test in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1312 for low expansion foam, or MSC/Circ.670 for high expansion foam. Except for alcohol- resistant foam, the first test need not be conducted until 3 years after being supplied to the ship.5 year service
#5 Fixed dry chemical powder systems
- Shipboard inspection: Monthly verify control and section valves are in the correct position and pressure gauges are in the proper range. Annually (by a competent person) – inspect the system and agitate the dry chemicalpowder charge – N2 blowthrough
- Periodic inspection and service: Every 2 years inspected by an accredited service agent + sample of dry powder tested for moisture absorption
- Hydrostatic pressure test: Subject all powder containment vessels to hydrostatic or nondestructive testing carried out by an accredited service agent.
#6 Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems
- Shipboard inspection: Weekly, monthly and annual checks by a competent person in accordance with Section 3.7 and 4.4 and 6.5.
- Periodic inspection and service: 5 yearly inspection by a competent person
- Hydrostatic pressure test: 10 yearly hydrostatic test and internal examination for gas and water pressure cylinders in accordance with MSC.1/Circ.1432
#7 Breathing apparatus
- Shipboard inspection: Check pressure weekly
- Periodic inspection and service: Every year check the air quality of BA air recharging systems to a recognised national standard. Check EEBDs according to the maker’s instructions
- Hydrostatic pressure test: Every 5 years perform hydrostatic testing of all steel self-contained BA cylinders. Aluminium and composite cylinders to be tested as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
