(a) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the owner or managing operator must be prepared to conduct tests and have the vessel ready for inspection of its fire protection equipment, including the following:
(1) Inspection of each portable fire extinguisher, semi-portable fire extinguisher, and fixed gas fire extinguishing system to check for excessive corrosion and general condition;
(2) Inspection of piping, controls, and valves, and the inspection and testing of alarms and ventilation shutdowns, for each fixed gas fire extinguishing system and detection system to determine that the system is in operating condition;
(3) Operation of the fire main system and checking of the pressure at the most remote and highest outlets;
(4) Testing of each firehose to a test pressure equivalent to its maximum service pressure;
(5) Checking of each cylinder containing compressed gas to ensure it has been tested and marked in accordance with 46 CFR 147.60;
(6) Testing or renewal of flexible connections and discharge hoses on semi-portable extinguishers and fixed gas extinguishing systems in accordance with 46 CFR 147.65; and
(7) Inspection and testing of all smoke and fire detection systems, including sensors and alarms.
(b) The owner, managing operator, or a qualified servicing facility as applicable must conduct the following inspections and tests:
(1) Portable and semi-portable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10 (incorporated by reference, see §175.600 of this chapter) as amended here:
(i) Certification or licensing by a state or local jurisdiction as a fire extinguisher servicing agency will be accepted by the Coast Guard as meeting the personnel certification requirements of NFPA 10 for annual maintenance and recharging of extinguishers.
(ii) Monthly inspections required by NFPA 10 may be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
(iii) Non-rechargeable or non-refillable extinguishers must be inspected and maintained in accordance with NFPA 10; however, the annual maintenance need not be conducted by a certified person and can be conducted by the owner, operator, person-in-charge, or a designated member of the crew.
(iv) The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility must perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests. A tag issued by a qualified servicing organization, and attached to each extinguisher, may be accepted as evidence that the necessary maintenance procedures have been conducted.
(2) For fixed-gas fire extinguishing systems, the inspections and tests required by Table 176.810(b) of this section, in addition to the tests required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65. The owner or managing operator must provide satisfactory evidence of the required servicing to the marine inspector. If any of the equipment or records have not been properly maintained, a qualified servicing facility may be required to perform the required inspections, maintenance procedures, and hydrostatic pressure tests.
Table 176.810(b)—Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems
| Type system | Test |
|---|---|
| Carbon dioxide | Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of weight of charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and nozzles to be sure they are clean. |
| Halon | Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of weight of charge. If the system has a pressure gauge, also recharge if pressure loss (adjusted for temperature) exceeds 10 percent. Test time delays, alarms and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses and nozzles to be sure they are clean. |
| Dry Chemical (cartridge operated) | Examine pressure cartridge and replace if end is punctured or if determined to have leaked or to be in unsuitable condition. Inspect hose and nozzle to see if they are clear. Insert charged cartridge. Ensure extinguisher contains full charge. |
| Dry Chemical (stored pressure) | See that pressure gauge is in operating range. If not, or if the seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine that extinguisher is fully charged with dry chemical. Recharge if pressure is low or if dry chemical is needed. |
| Foam (stored pressure) | See that pressure gauge, if so equipped, is in the operating range. If not, or if the seal is broken, weigh or otherwise determine that extinguisher is fully charged with foam. Recharge if pressure is low or if foam is needed. Replace premixed agent every 3 years. |
| Clean Agents (Halon replacements) | Same as Halon. |
(c) The owner, managing operator, or master must destroy, in the presence of the marine inspector, each firehose found to be defective and incapable of repair.
(d) At each initial and subsequent inspection for certification, the marine inspector may require that a fire drill be held under simulated emergency conditions to be specified by the inspector.
[USCG-2012-0196, 81 FR 48298, July 22, 2016]
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