PSC deficiency code 07109: Fixed fire extinguishing installation
Area 07 Fire safety
This code covers the fixed systems that put out a fire in a space without anyone going in: CO2 or other gas systems for the engine room, pump room and cargo holds, foam systems, local application water mist and pressure water-spraying. When the inspector writes this code, the doubt is whether the system would discharge the right quantity into the right space when someone pulls the release.
What the inspector looks at
Expect a visit to the CO2 room or the system's control station.
- Are cylinder contents verified (weighed or level-measured) and recorded within the service interval?
- Is there a current service report from an approved service company?
- Are release controls, pilot cylinders and the main valves in good order, with operating instructions posted at the release station?
- Does the release alarm (audible and visual) work in the protected space before gas is released?
- Are distribution pipes and nozzles intact, clear and supported, and have lines been blown through when due?
- For water mist and foam: pump, sections, foam concentrate quantity and its test certificate.
Common findings
- CO2 cylinders contents not verified / annual service overdue
- Fixed CO2 system release instructions not posted
- CO2 release alarm in engine room not operational
- Flexible hoses on CO2 cylinders deteriorated
- CO2 room used as store
- Foam concentrate not tested, no certificate
The rule behind it
SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 10 (fire fighting) requires fixed systems in specific spaces. The design and arrangement standards are in the FSS Code: Chapter 5 for fixed gas systems, Chapter 6 for foam and Chapter 7 for pressure water-spraying and water mist. SOLAS II-2 Regulation 14 requires the systems to be maintained and kept ready for use, and IMO has issued maintenance and inspection guidelines for fire protection systems in general and for fixed CO2 systems in particular.
Action codes you are likely to see
Missing instructions or a store cleared out of the CO2 room may be marked 10. An overdue service or unverified contents typically gets 17, since the system's readiness is unknown until it's checked. The fixed fire extinguishing installation is among the areas the IMO port State control procedures list as examples where failure can justify detention, so a system that can't be released, has lost contents or has an inoperative release alarm in a manned space can lead to 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
Bring in an approved service company to verify contents, test the release gear and alarms and issue a service report. Replace leaking or empty cylinders, hoses and any damaged pipework, and blow through the lines if that is part of the finding. Keep the service report, updated records and photos with the Form B. Related: fire detection and alarm system and fire dampers, which have to close for a gas system to work.