The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) issued a Safety Bulletin advising owners and operators of automatic water mist sprinkler systems to consult with their original equipment manufacturer to ensure compliance with the applicable IMO revised guidelines.
In recent years there have been several publicised failings of automatic water mist sprinkler systems identified during routine testing. In the worst cases, greater than 50% of the installed automatic nozzles have failed to activate. It is advised that owners/operators of automatic water mist sprinkler systems consult with their original equipment manufacturer.
In Spring 2012, the Bahamas Maritime Authority highlighted a number of failures found during the testing of automatic water mist sprinkler nozzles fitted in vessels under their Flag. In this instance a significant proportion of the Marioff Corporation Hi-Fog 1000-Series automatic sprinkler nozzles had failed to activate at the pilot pressure (minimum operating pressure); other water mist systems may also be susceptible to the root causes described below:
The International Maritime Organisation has since produced Amendments to the Revised Guidelines for the Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems and Appliances (MSC.1/Circ.1516 and MSC.1/Circ.1432), and several manufacturers have published technical guidance.
It is advised that owners/operators of automatic water mist sprinkler
systems consult with their original equipment manufacturer to ensure the operation of these sprinkler systems and to confirm a suitable
maintenance and testing regime exists.
Source: UK MCA