PSC deficiency code 07106: Fire detection and alarm system
Area 07 Fire safety
This code is about the fixed fire detection and fire alarm system: the panel on the bridge or in the fire control station, the loops, smoke and heat detectors, flame detectors in the engine room and the manual call points. Inspectors want to see that a fire anywhere covered by the system would raise an alarm without delay.
What the inspector looks at
The inspector usually starts at the panel, then tries detectors in the spaces.
- Is the panel free of faults, or are there standing fault or disablement indications the watch has learned to ignore?
- Are any zones or loops isolated, and if so, is there a reason recorded and a plan to restore them?
- Are detector heads clean, unpainted, uncovered and not removed?
- Does a detector or call point actually trigger an alarm when tested with test gas or a heat source?
- Do manual call points have clear access and intact glass or covers?
- Are periodic tests recorded in line with the maintenance plan?
Common findings
- Fire detection panel showing faults, alarm not reset
- Fire detection zone isolated without reason
- Smoke detector covered with plastic bag / painted over
- Detector head missing in cabin or store
- Detector failed to activate when tested
- Manual call point obstructed or damaged
- No records of fire detection system testing
The rule behind it
SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 7 covers detection and alarm. The technical standard for fixed systems is the FSS Code, Chapter 9 (fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems), which also deals with power supply and fault indication. Keeping the system in working order falls under SOLAS II-2 Regulation 14 and the ship's maintenance plan.
Action codes you are likely to see
A single dirty or covered detector is often fixed in front of the inspector and marked 10. Faulty heads, a loop in fault or missing records commonly get 17 or 16. The fire detection system appears among the areas in the IMO port State control procedures where failure can justify detention, so an inoperative panel, a whole machinery space without working detection or several isolated zones can turn into a 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
Clear the panel faults, replace failed detectors with type-approved heads from the same system and restore isolated zones. Test the repaired loops and record each detector tested. Where the panel or loop needs a technician, get a service report from the maker or an approved service company and keep it with the Form B, along with the updated test records. If the fault can't be fixed before sailing, talk to class and the flag about a temporary arrangement such as fire patrols, and keep that written dispensation on board. A related check is often the fixed fire extinguishing installation.