ClassNK TEC-0977 re Maintenance, Testing and Inspection of fire fighting systems
ClassNK has issued Technical Information TEC-0977 regarding the Maintenance, Testing and Inspection of Fire Fighting Systems and appliances on board the Singapore flag ships as follows:
The Marine and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) had informed ClassNK that Shipping Circular to Shipowners No.19 of 2013, which is in reference to maintenance, testing and inspection of fire protection systems and fire fighting system and appliances on board the Singapore registered ships, was revised. The essential points of the CIRCULAR are shown below.
1.This Shipping Circular requires that Ship owners, ship masters, ship’s officers and crew, and all other parties concerned shall apply the inspection and maintenance requirements mentioned in the following Guidelines, as a basis for the minimum level of inspection and maintenance for the fire protection systems and appliances onboard maintenance plan required by SOLAS II-2/14.2.2.2 and II-2/14.2.2.3.
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(1) Resolution A.951(23) on Improved Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers (2) MSC.1/ Circ.1318 on Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspections of Fixed Carbon Dioxide Fire-Extinguishing Systems (3) MSC.1/ Circ.1432 on Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances |
2.However, these requirements shall not override the manufacturers or Recognised Organizations more stringent maintenance plan, if stipulated.
3.The onboard maintenance plan should also indicate which parts of the inspections and maintenance may be performed by competent crew members, and which parts are to be completed by persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems. Any aspect of the inspection and maintenance of the systems which was assessed by the Company to be beyond the competence of the ship’s personnel should be carried out by a competent maintenance specialist.
4. The ClassNK surveyors will confirm that the maintenance and testing records of fire protection systems and appliances in accordance with the above are on board Singapore flag ships at every periodical survey for Safety Equipment.
More information about the MPA Circular can be found in the Safety4Sea article:
MPA Singapore – Fire protection systems
