46 CFR §28.320
Verified against eCFR.gov as of June 20, 2026View official text on eCFR.gov ↗
- (a)Requirements for vessels 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length. A vessel 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length must be fitted with a fixed gas fire extinguishing system in the following enclosed spaces:
- (b)System types and alternatives.
- (1)A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system may be installed only in a normally unoccupied machinery space, paint locker, or space containing flammable liquid stores that has a gross volume of not more than 33.98 cubic meters (1200 cubic feet).
- (2)A fixed gas fire extinguishing system that is capable of automatic discharge upon heat detection may be installed only in a normally unoccupied space with a gross volume of not more than 169.92 cubic meters (6000 cubic feet).
- (3)A space with a gross volume exceeding 169.92 cubic meters (6000 cubic feet) must be fitted with a manually actuated and alarmed fixed gas fire extinguishing system.
- (c)General requirements.
- (1)A fixed gas fire extinguishing system aboard a vessel must be approved by the Commandant and be custom engineered, unless the system meets the requirements for a pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system in paragraph (d) of this section.
- (2)System components must be listed and labeled by an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory for the system being installed.
- (3)System design and installation must be in accordance with the Manufacturer's Marine Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual approved for the system by the Commandant.
- (4)A fixed gas fire extinguishing system may protect more than one space. The quantity of extinguishing agent must be at least sufficient for the largest space protected by the system.
- (d)Pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing systems.
- (1)A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system must:
- (2)A vessel on which a pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system is installed must have the following equipment at the operating station:
- (i)A visual alarm to indicate the discharge of the extinguishing agent;
- (ii)An audible alarm to sound upon discharge of the extinguishing agent; and
- (iii)A means to reset devices used to automatically shut down ventilation systems and engines as required by paragraph (d)(1)(iii) of this section.