Life

Saving

Fire
Fighting

Navigation
& Radio

Guidance for Inspection, Maintenance & Drills

Safety Equipment

Radu.Petrescu@DNV.com

Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment

This guide is intended for the ship owners, superintendents & crew in order to
verify the ships compliance in line with the current SOLAS & IMO requirements

This guide includes the latest changes on the maintenance/service

requirements of Fire Fighting Equipment required by MSC.1/Circ.1432 , which
will come into force on 30th.May.2013 & supersedes MSC.1/Circ. 850

As the requirements & regulations are continuously changing , DNV will update
this guide as necessary.
Life Saving Appliances.Page 3
Fire Fighting EquipmentPage 5
Navigation & Radio.Page 11
Training Drills.. Page 12

The personnel & companies doing work on or in relation to Safety Equipment should be so appointed
as per Company Safety Management System but following all applicable international, flag &
manufacturer instructions & guidelines
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Life Saving Appliances : On-board Maintenance Chart

System or Component

Regulation

Survival crafts, rescue boats

and launching
appliances

SOLAS III/20.6.1
SOLAS III/20.7.2
MSC/Circ. 1206

Lifeboat & rescue boat

engines

SOLAS III/20.6.2,
MSC/Circ. 1206

Davit launched lifeboats

Means of embarkation &

disembarkation

Public address(PA) &

general alarm system(GA)

Emergency lights

Immersion suits

Scope**

Record

Info

Visual inspection of the

craft, equipment &
launching appliances

Log
book

On-load release gear check to

be properly & completely reset.
Falls to be replaced every 5
years.

Test run

Log
book

For 3 minutes or as per the

maker instructions

SOLAS III/20.6.3
MSC.152(78)

Moved from stowed position

(Cargo ships only)

Log
book

Empty boat & if weather and

sea conditions so allow

SOLAS III/20.7.1
MSC.152(78)

Turn out from stowed

position

Log
book

Empty boat & if weather and

sea conditions so allow

SOLAS III/20.7.2
MSC.1/Circ.1331
SOLAS II-1/3-9

Visual inspection .
Additional checks should
be made when the ladder
/gangway is rigged

SOLAS III/20.6.4
LSA Code 7.2.1

Testing

Log
book

PA system override of the GA

system to be tested as well.
Entertainment systems shall
auto turn off when GA system is
activated

SOLAS III/19.3.3.9

Testing

Log
book

Passenger ships only

SOLAS III/19.3.3.9

Testing

Log
book

Cargo ships only

Inspection

MSC/Circ.1114 recommends a
3 yearly pressure test

SOLAS III/20.7
MSC/Circ.1047

W M

Every 5 years the

accommodation /should be
operationally tested with the
max. operational load .

Yes

**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

W : Weekly

M: Monthly

Life Saving Appliances : Service Chart

System

Interval

Regulation

Scope^^^

Responsible

Record

1 year

SOLAS III/20/11.1
MSC/Circ. 1206

Thorough
examination and dynamic test of
the winch brake

Properly trained
personnel**

Log book

5 years^

SOLAS III/20/11.1
MSC/Circ. 1206
LSA Code 6.1.2.5.2

Thorough
examination and dynamic
overload* test of the winch brake

Properly trained
personnel**

Log book

1 year

SOLAS III/20/11.2
MSC/Circ. 1206

Thorough
examination and test

Properly trained
personnel**

Log book

5 years^

SOLAS III/20/11.2
MSC/Circ. 1206

Overhaul & overload* test

Properly trained
personnel**

Log book

1 year****

SOLAS III/20/8.1

Periodic service

Approved service
station***

6 years

SOLAS III/20/8.2

Deployment on rotational basis

1 year****

SOLAS III/20/8.1

Periodic service

Approved service
station***

30 months^^

MSC.1/Circ.1328

Periodic service

Approved service
station***

Lifeboat & Liferaft

launching appliances

Lifeboat /Rescue boat

on-load release gear

Marine Evacuation
Systems

Inflatable life-rafts &

lifejackets

*
:1.1 times the total mass of the survival craft(full complement of persons & equipment)
**
: By the manufacturer or a company approved by the manufacturer. Certain flags have specific interpretations & requirements
*** : See Resolution A.761(18) for recommendation the conditions for the approval of servicing station
**** : Where impracticable, the Administration may extend this period to 17 months
^
: And after each overhaul or repair
^^ : Only for new/novel inflatable life-rafts approved in line with MSC.1/Circ.1328
^^^: For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System or
Component
Fixed CO2 fire
extinguishing
system

Water mist,
water spray
and sprinkler
systems

Regulation

MSC.1/Circ. 1318
MSC.1/Circ.1432
SOLAS II-2/7.3.2

MSC.1/Circ.1432

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

1 month

Visual inspection

Crew

X X

1 year

Visual Inspection

Crew

X X

2 years

Service. Cylinders content check. Lines blow

through. Activating heads test

Approved
Supplier

2 years

Service. Cylinder content check. Lines blow

through

Approved
Supplier

5 years

Service. Cylinders content check. Lines blow

through. Activating heads test

Approved
Supplier

5 years

Internal inspection of control valves

Approved
Supplier

X X

10 years

Hydrostatic test of 10% of the cylinders.

Replacement of the flexible hoses.

Approved
Supplier

X X

1 year

Visual examination. Test min of two automatic

sprinklers. Test a minimum of one section in
each open head .

Crew

X X

5 years

Service. Internal examination of control valves.

Battery check.

Properly trained
personnel*

X X

10 years

Service. Hydrostatic test and internal

examination for gas/water pressure cylinders

Properly trained
personnel*

X X

* :By the manufacturer or a company approved by the manufacturer. Certain flags have specific interpretations & requirements
**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions

C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships

Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System or
Component
Fireman
outfit &
breathing
apparatus

Lifeboats
air support
system

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

1 week

Visual inspection. Check EEBD cylinder

gauges to be in the correct pressure range

Crew

X X

1 month

Visual Inspection. Verify lockers providing

storage for fire-fighting equipment contain
their full inventory and equipment is in
serviceable condition

Crew

X X

5 years

Perform hydrostatic testing of all steel selfcontained breathing apparatus cylinders.

Aluminum and composite cylinders should be
tested to the satisfaction of the Administration

Approved
Supplier

X X

IACS Rec. No.88

5 years

Hydrostatic testing of all compressed air

cylinders

Approved
Supplier

MSC.1/Circ.1432

1 month

Visual examination. Operate all fire pumps to

confirm that they continue to supply adequate
pressure

Crew

X X

3 months

Verify international shore connection(s) is in

serviceable condition

Crew

X X

1 year

Visual examination. Operate all fire pumps to

confirm that they continue to supply adequate
pressure . Pressure test a sample of fire hoses
at the maximum fire main pressure, so that all
fire hoses are tested within five years

Crew

X X

MSC.1/Circ.1432
SOLAS II-2/10

Fire mains,
fire pumps,
hydrants,
hoses and
nozzles

**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System or
Component
Fixed foam
fireextinguishing
systems

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

1 month

Visual inspection. Verify all control and section

valves are in the proper open or closed
position, and all pressure gauges are in the
proper range.

Crew

X X

3 months

Visual Inspection. Verify the proper quantity of

foam concentrate is provided in the foam
system storage tank

Crew

X X

Visual inspection. Confirm the pipework and

nozzles of high expansion foam systems are
clear of any obstructions. Take samples from
all foam concentrates carried on board and
subject them to the periodical control tests in
MSC.1/Circ.1312, for low expansion foam, or
MSC/Circ.670 for high expansion foam.
(Note: Except for non-alcohol resistant foam,
the first test need not be conducted until 3
years after being supplied to the ship.)

Crew

X X

MSC.1/Circ.1432
MSC.1/Circ.1312
MSC/Circ.670

1 year

Approved
Visual inspection. Perform internal inspection
Supplier
of all control valves . Flush all high expansion
foam system piping with fresh water, drain and
purge with air. Test all foam proportions or
other foam mixing devices to confirm that the
mixing ratio tolerance is within +30 to -10% of
the nominal mixing ratio
**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
5 years

Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment

Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

X X

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System or
Component
Fixed dry
chemical
powder
systems

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

1 month

Visual inspection. Verify all control and section

valves are in the proper open or closed
position, and all pressure gauges are in the
proper range

Crew

X X

1 year

Visual inspection. Verify the pressure

regulators are in proper order and within
calibration; and agitate the dry chemical
powder charge with nitrogen in accordance
with system manufacturer's instructions.
(Note: Due to the powder's affinity for
moisture, any nitrogen gas introduced for
agitation must be moisture free.)

Crew

X X

2 years

Visual inspection. Blow dry nitrogen through

the discharge piping to confirm that the pipe
work and nozzles are clear of any
obstructions. Verify the contents of propellant
gas cylinders (including remote operating
stations).Test a sample of dry chemical
powder for moisture content . Subject the
powder containment vessel, safety valve and
discharge hoses to a full working pressure test

Approved
Supplier

X X

10 years

Subject all powder containment vessels to

hydrostatic or non-destructive testing

Approved
Supplier

X X

MSC.1/Circ.1432

**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System or
Component

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

Portable Fire
Extinguishers

Res. A.951(23)

1 year

Periodical inspection & service in accordance

with the manufacturer's instructions

*Crew/Approved X X
Supplier

5 years

At least one extinguisher of each type

manufactured in the same year and kept on
board a ship should be test discharged as part

*Crew/Approved X X
Supplier

of a fire drill.

Portable Foam
Applicators

MSC.1/Circ.1432

10 years

All extinguishers together with propellant

cartridges should be hydraulically tested in
accordance with the recognized standard or
the manufacturers instruction

Approved
Supplier

X X

1 month

Verify all portable foam applicators are in

place, properly arranged, and are in proper
condition

Crew

X X

1 year

Verify all portable foam applicators are set to

the correct proportioning ratio for the foam
concentrate . Protein based foam concentrate
portable containers and portable tanks should
be thoroughly checked and, if more than five
years old, the foam concentrate should be
subjected to the periodical foam control tests
required in MSC.1/Circ.1312, or renewed

Crew

X X

MSC.1/Circ.1312

*:Service /inspection should only be undertaken by, or under the supervision of, a person with demonstrable competence
**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

Fire Fighting Equipment: Service & Maintenance Chart

System

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

Ventilation
systems and
fire dampers

MSC.1/Circ.1432

3 months

Test all fire dampers for local operation.

Crew

X X

1 year

Test all fire dampers for remote operation.

Verify galley exhaust ducts and filters.
Test all ventilation controls interconnected
with fire-protection systems

Crew

X X

Low-location
lighting

MSC.1/Circ.1432

1 week

Verify low-location lighting systems are

functional

Crew

X X

5 years

Test the luminance in accordance with the

procedures in resolution A.752(18)

Approved
Supplier

X X

1 week

Verify all fire door control panel indicators, are

functional by operating the indicator switch

Crew

X X

3 months

Test all fire doors located in main vertical zone

bulkheads for local operation

Crew

X X

1 year

Test all remotely controlled fire doors for

proper release.

Crew

X X

1 month

Test a sample of detectors and manual call

points so that all devices have been tested
within five years.

Crew

X X

1 year

Test all fire detection systems and fire

detection systems used to automatically

Crew

X X

Fire Doors

Fixed fire
detection and
alarm systems

Res. A.752(18)

MSC.1/Circ.1432

MSC.1/Circ.1432

release fire-extinguishing systems . Test

emergency power supply
**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

10

Radio & Navigation : Service & Maintenance Chart

System

Regulation

Interval

Scope**

Responsible

C P

Satellite
EPIRBs

SOLAS IV/15.9

*1 year

Service & Test.

Approved
Supplier

X X

*5 years

Service & Test. Certificate Of Compliance to be

issued.

Approved
Shore Based
Facility

X X

Radio Battery

SOLAS IV/13.6.2

*1 year

Inspection & Test

Approved
Supplier

X X

Voyage Data
Recorder

SOLAS V/18.8

1 year

Service & Test

Approved
Supplier

X X

Radio
Installations

SOLAS I/B/7
SOLAS I/B/9

*1 year

Inspection of the radio installations

Approved
Supplier

X X

Approved
Supplier

X X

Approved
Supplier

X X

*5 year
Inspection of the radio installations
AIS

MSC.1/Circ.1252

*1 year

Test

*: to be harmonized with the statutory surveys required by SOLAS I/B/7,9

**:For full scope of service/maintenance refer to applicable regulations, flag & manufacturer instructions
C: Cargo ships P: Passenger ships
Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment
Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

11

Drills
Drills

Regulation

Interval

Info

*Emergency Steering

SOLAS V/26

3 months

Practice emergency steering procedures

*Fire Drill

SOLAS III/19

1 month

**Abandon
Ship Drill

SOLAS III/19

1 month

The drills of the crew shall take place within 24 h of the

ship leaving a port if more than 25% of the crew have not
participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board that
particular ship in the previous month

*Fire Drill

SOLAS III/30

1 week

**Abandon
Ship Drill

SOLAS III/30

1 week

SOLAS III/19

within 24 h after
embarkation

Cargo Ships

Passenger
Ships

An abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place weekly.
The entire crew need NOT be involved in every drill, but
each crew member must participate in a fire & abandon
ship drill each month, as required by SOLAS III/19.
Passengers are encouraged to attend these drills.
On a ship engaged on a voyage where passengers are
scheduled to be on board for more than 24 h, musters of
the passengers shall take place within 24 h after their
embarkation. Passengers shall be instructed in the use of
the lifejackets and the action to take in an emergency.
Whenever new passengers embark, a passenger safety
briefing shall be given immediately before sailing, or
immediately after sailing.

* : refer to the specific instructions defined by SOLAS V/26 & SOLAS III/19
**: refer to SOLAS III/19/3.3 for specific instructions(including the periodical use/lowering of the equipment) for: davit launched
lifeboats, free-fall lifeboats, rescue boats, life rafts & marine evacuation systems.

Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment

Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

12

Disclaimer
The information contained in this guide is provided by DNV for general guidance and
is intended to offer general information regarding international rules and regulations
on a non-binding basis. In preparing this publication DNV has used its best efforts,
based on the available information. DNV however does not warrant and/or assume
any kind of liability regarding the up-to-date nature, accuracy, completeness or fitness
for a specific purpose of the information contained herein. Any claims against DNV
arising out of or in connection with any loss or damage caused by the use or omission
of use of information provided, including but not limited to the use of incorrect or
incomplete information and/or misinterpretation thereof, are excluded . DNV reserves
the right to change and amend the content of this publication as well as this
Disclaimer at any time. In this respect, please take notice of the respective applicable
version.

Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment

Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

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Guidance for Inspection & Maintenance of Safety Equipment

Det Norske Veritas AS. All rights reserved.

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