BERMUDA MERCHANT SHIPPING

NOTICE
Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection Systems, Appliances and
Certain Emergency equipment 2022-21

Application
Ship Owners, Managers, Masters and Officers of Bermuda Registered ships

Summary
This Notice reproduces in part the guidance contained IMO Circular MSC1./Circ.1432
which was amended by IMO Circular MSC1./Circ.1516 for the maintenance and
inspection of all fire protection systems and appliances and specific guidelines
applicable to testing and examination of fixed extinguishing systems (with the
exception of fixed CO2 systems), foam systems and self-contained breathing
apparatus on board Bermuda flagged ships. It also provides general guidelines on
interpretation of these IMO Circulars.

Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on the guidelines
developed by the Organisation (MSC.1/Circular. 1432) and in a manner having due
regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

References
SOLAS 74/88 as amended - Regulation II-2 14.2.2.1
IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1432
IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1516

This Notice supersedes the requirements in Shipping Notice 2020 – 021 issued on
21st February 2022.

This Notice was issued on 10th October 2022.

1. Introduction

(1) The above MSC.1/Circular 1432, as amended by MSC.1/Circular 1516 contains the
revised guidelines developed by the IMO Sub-Committee on Fire Protection
taking into account the latest advancements in fire-protection systems and
appliances installed on ships. The Bermuda Administration will apply these
revised guidelines when inspecting the firefighting systems and appliances on

Page 1 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 Bermuda flagged vessels. This Shipping Notice brings to the attention of ship
owners, ship masters, ship’s officers and crew the above revised guidelines and
the Bermuda Administration's interpretation on their application to Bermuda
ships.

(2) For the purposes of this Notice and for the maintenance of firefighting
equipment on a Bermuda ship a “competent person” is defined as either:

a. An accredited service agent / manufacturer - an accredited service agent is

one who is approved for a specified service by ABS, BV, DNV, LR, ClassNK,
RINA or the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA).

b. A member of the ship’s crew who has been trained for the work by and who
carries out the work on board under direct supervision of a senior officer,
being an experienced person holding a STCW II/2 or III/2 Certificate of
Competency and an Advanced Fire Fighting Certificate, and in accordance
with the ship’s planned maintenance system, including documented
procedures, work instructions and manuals, and using tools, spares and
calibrated equipment readily available on board.

(3) Where MSC.1/Circular 1432 specifies “annual or 2 yearly” inspection or servicing

of equipment a variation of ± 3 months may be considered acceptable. Where
a 5 or 10 yearly interval is specified a variation of ± 3 months may be accepted.
(This general principle may be applied unless the manufacturer’s instructions
contradict it where upon the manufacturers recommendations apply).

(4) For tankers only, where MSC.1/Circular 1432 specifies 2 yearly inspections that
cannot practicably be completed while loaded with cargo, these may be
conducted at a maximum interval of 3 years to allow this work to be completed
during the docking period. In such instances the company is to conduct a risk
assessment and identify and implement additional mitigating factors if
identified as required, in accordance with section 3.5 of MSC.1/Circ. 1432.

(5) For the purposes of this Notice the following definitions are used, unless
expressly provided otherwise:

a. Automatic Sprinkler Systems – Means sprinkler and water spraying systems

required by SOLAS Regulations II-2/10.4, II/2 10.5 and II/2 10.6, or the HSC Code.
Note that this Shipping Notice does not apply to ‘dry pipe’ water based fixed
local application fire extinguishing systems meeting the requirements of
SOLAS Regulation II-2/10.5.6

b. Sprinkler – Means sprinkler heads, water mist nozzles or water spray nozzles,
as applicable to the system in question.

2. Application

(1) These Guidelines apply to all ships and provide the minimum recommended
level of maintenance and inspections for fire protection systems and
appliances. This information may be used as a basis for the ship’s on-board
maintenance plan required by SOLAS regulation II-2/14.

(2) These Guidelines do not address maintenance and inspection of fixed carbon
dioxide systems or portable fire extinguishers. Refer to the comprehensive
instructions provided in the Guidelines for the maintenance and inspections of

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REF: BSN 2022-021
 fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems (MSC.1/Circ.1318) as adopted by
Bermuda Shipping Notice 2018-027 for Fixed Carbon Dioxide Systems, and in
the Guidelines for Marine Portable Fire Extinguishers (resolution A.951(23)) for
portable fire extinguishers, as adopted by Bermuda Shipping Notice 2018-028.

3. Operational Readiness

(1) All fire protection systems and appliances should always be in good order and
readily available for immediate use while the ship is in service. If a fire
protection system is undergoing maintenance, testing or repair, then suitable
arrangements should be made to ensure safety is not diminished through the
provision of alternate fixed or portable fire protection equipment or other
measures. The on-board maintenance plan should include provisions for this
purpose.

4. Maintenance and Testing

(1) On-board maintenance and inspections should be carried out in accordance

with the ship's maintenance plan, which should include the minimum
elements listed in sections 4 to 10 of these Guidelines.

(2) Certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed by

competent crew members who have completed an advanced fire-fighting
training course, while others should be performed by persons specially trained
in the maintenance of such systems. The on-board maintenance plan should
indicate which parts of the recommended inspections and maintenance are to
be completed by trained personnel.

(3) Inspections should be carried out by the crew to ensure that the indicated
weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, two-year, five-year and ten-year actions are
taken for the specified equipment, if provided. Records of the inspections
should be carried on-board the ship, or may be computer-based. In cases
where the inspections and maintenance are carried out by trained service
technicians other than the ship's crew, inspection reports should be provided
at the completion of the testing.

(4) In addition to the on-board maintenance and inspections stated in these

Guidelines, manufacturer's maintenance and inspection guidelines should be
followed. The quality of water in automatic sprinkler systems is of particular
importance and should be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s
guidelines. Records of water quality should be maintained on board in
accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

(5) Where particular arrangements create practical difficulties, alternative testing

and maintenance procedures should be to the satisfaction of the Bermuda
Shipping and Maritime Authority.

(6) Compliance with the requirements of 8(6)(r) and 8(6)(s) may also be achieved
through use of a shore based testing regime. Such proposals are to be
submitted to the Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority for approval. In all
cases the equipment for on-board testing of water samples should be retained.

5. Weekly Testing and Inspections

(1) Fixed fire detection and alarm systems

Page 3 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 a. Verify all fire detection and fire alarm control panel indicators are functional
by operating the lamp/indicator test switch.

(2) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1.

a. Verify all fixed fire-extinguishing system control panel indicators are

functional by operating the lamp/indicator test switch; and

b. Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position.

(3) Fire doors

a. Verify all fire door control panel indicators, if provided, are functional by
operating the lamp/indicator switch.

(4) Public address and general alarm systems

a. Verify all public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning
properly.

(5) Breathing apparatus includes all compressed air cylinders used for breathing
apparatus, escape sets including Emergency Escape Breathing Devices
(EEBD’s), rescue equipment, and those for survival craft and cylinders of
Medical Oxygen.

a. Examine all breathing apparatus and EEBD cylinder gauges to confirm they
are in the correct pressure range.

b. The Bermuda Shipping and Maritime Authority will accept monthly checks
in lieu of weekly checks on spare breathing apparatus cylinders that are
carried for each fireman’s outfit when:

i. An assessment of the results of weekly pressure checks on spare cylinders

over a period of at least three months shows no significant loss of pressure;
and

ii. The monthly checks thereafter continue to show no measurable pressure

drop.

(6) Low-location lighting

a. Verify low-location lighting systems are functional by switching off normal

lighting in selected locations.

Note – The locations selected for testing should be chosen to ensure that all
areas are tested within a one-year period.

(7) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Verify all control panel indicators and alarms are functional;

b. Visually inspect pump unit and its fittings; and

c. Check the pump unit valve positions, if valves are not locked, as applicable.

Page 4 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 6.Monthly Testing and Inspections

(1) Monthly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions
are taken for the specified equipment.

(2) Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

a. Verify all fire hydrants, hose and nozzles are in place, properly arranged, and
are in serviceable condition;

b. Operate all fire pumps to confirm that they continue to supply adequate
pressure; and

c. Emergency fire pump fuel supply adequate, and heating system in

satisfactory condition, if applicable.

(3) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1.

a. Verify containers/cylinders fitted with pressure gauges are in the proper

range and the installation free from leakage.

(4) Foam fire-extinguishing systems

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

(5) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Verify all control, pump unit and section valves are in the proper open or
closed position;

b. Verify sprinkler pressure tanks or other means have correct levels of water;

c. Test automatic starting arrangements on all system pumps so designed;

d. Verify all standby pressure and air/gas pressure gauges are within the proper
pressure ranges; and

e. Test a selected sample of system section valves for flow and proper initiation
of alarms.

Note – The valves selected for testing should be chosen to ensure that all
valves are tested within a one-year period.

(6) Firefighter's outfits

a. Verify lockers providing storage for fire-fighting equipment contain their full
inventory and equipment is in serviceable condition.

(7) Fixed dry chemical powder systems

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

Page 5 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 (8) Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

a. Verify all electrical connections and/or manual operating stations are

properly arranged, and are in proper condition; and

b. Verify the actuation system/control panel circuits are within manufacturer's

specifications.

(9) Portable foam applicators

a. Verify all portable foam applicators are in place, properly arranged, and are in
proper condition.

(10) Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

a. Verify all extinguishers are in place, properly arranged, and are in proper
condition.

(11) Fixed fire detection and alarm systems

a. Test a sample of detectors and manual call points.

i. Passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers: test one detector and
manual call point (as applicable) within each ‘A Class’ compartment* each
year. Provision is to be made to ensure that the same detectors are not
tested repeatedly over successive years. * See Footnote 2

ii. All other ships: test sufficient detectors and manual call points such that all
detectors have been tested within a 5-year period.

7.Quarterly Testing and Inspections

(1) Quarterly inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated
actions are taken for the specified equipment:

(2) Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

a. Verify international shore connection(s) is in serviceable condition.

(3) Foam fire-extinguishing systems

a. Verify the proper quantity of foam concentrate is provided in the foam

system storage tank.

(4) Ventilation systems and fire dampers

a. Test all fire dampers for local operation.

(5) Fire doors

a. Test all doors located in main vertical zone bulkheads for local operation

Page 6 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 (6) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Assess system water quality in the header tank and pump unit against the
manufacturer’s quality guidelines.

8. Annual Testing and Inspections

(1) Annual inspections should be carried out to ensure that the indicated actions
are taken for the specified equipment:

(2) Fire mains, fire pumps, hydrants, hoses and nozzles

a. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

b. Flow test all fire pumps for proper pressure and capacity. Test emergency fire
pump with isolation valves closed;

c. Test all hydrant valves for proper operation;

d. Pressure test a sample of fire hoses at the maximum fire main pressure, so
that all fire hoses are tested within five years;

e. Verify all fire pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

f. Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and

contamination; and

g. Nozzle size/type correct, maintained and working.

(3) Fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems.

a. Test all fire detection systems and fire detection systems used to
automatically release fire-extinguishing systems for proper operation, as
appropriate;

b. Visually inspect all accessible detectors for evidence of tampering

obstruction, etc., so that all detectors are inspected within one year; and

c. Test emergency power supply switchover and operation on emergency

power / batteries.

(4) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1.

a. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

b. Externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or

corrosion;

c. Check the hydrostatic test date of all storage containers;

d. Functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;

e. Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

Page 7 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 f. Check the connections of all pilot release piping and tubing for tightness;

g. Examine all flexible hoses in accordance with manufacturer's

recommendations;

h. Test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper
operation;

i. The boundaries of the protected space should be visually inspected to

confirm that no modifications have been made to the enclosure that have
created uncloseable openings that would render the system ineffective; and

j. If cylinders are installed inside the protected space, verify the integrity of the
double release lines inside the protected space, and check low pressure or
circuit integrity monitors on release cabinet, as applicable.

k. Halon systems must be inspected and tested annually by an accredited

service company. During the inspection a leak test must be carried out and
any cylinders showing signs of leakage, loss of contents exceeding 5% from
installed quantity, signs of mechanical damage or excessive corrosion must
be withdrawn from service.

l. Details of actions taken in respect of Halon cylinders will need to be recorded

in the ship’s Ozone Depleting Substances record book carried in accordance
with Marpol Annex VI.

m. Managers are reminded that whilst existing Halon systems may continue in
service on Bermuda Registered ships, the possibilities of obtaining refills or
service in many countries are now substantially reduced. Replenishing or
servicing of Halon systems within the EU is not permitted. Therefore
Bermuda Registered ships retaining Halon as a fixed fire fighting system
need to ensure servicing, maintenance and spares availability is properly
planned to maintain the effectiveness of the system at all times.

(5) Foam fire-extinguishing systems

a. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

b. Functionally test all fixed system audible alarms;

c. Flow test all water supply and foam pumps for proper pressure and capacity,
and confirm flow at the required pressure in each section (Ensure all piping
is thoroughly flushed with fresh water after service.);

d. Test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper
operation;

e. Verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

f. Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and

contamination;

g. Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

h. Blow dry, compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or

otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles of high expansion foam systems

Page 8 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 are clear of any obstructions, debris and contamination. This may require the
removal of nozzles, if applicable;

i. 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.

j. Test all fuel shut-off controls connected to fire-protection systems for proper
operation.

(6) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Verify proper operation of all water mist, water-spray and sprinkler systems
using the test valves for each section;

b. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

c. Externally examine all high pressure cylinders for evidence of damage or

corrosion;

d. Check the hydrostatic test date of all high pressure cylinders;

e. Functionally test all fixed system audible and visual alarms;

f. Flow-test all pumps for proper pressure and capacity;

g. Test all antifreeze systems for adequate freeze protection;

h. Test all system cross connections to other sources of water supply for proper
operation;

i. Verify all pump relief valves, if provided, are properly set;

j. Examine all filters/strainers to verify they are free of debris and

contamination;

k. Verify all control/section valves are in the correct position;

l. Blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping of dry pipe
systems, or otherwise confirm the pipework and nozzles are clear of any
obstructions. This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable;

m. Test emergency power supply switchover, where applicable;

n. Visually inspect all sprinklers focusing in areas where sprinklers are subject to
aggressive atmosphere (like saunas, spas, kitchen areas) and subject to
physical damage (like luggage handling areas, gyms, play rooms, etc.) so that
all sprinklers are inspected within one year. Sprinklers with external damage,
including paint, should be replaced and not included in the number of
sprinklers tested in subparagraph (5)(r),

o. Check for any changes that may affect the system such as obstructions by
ventilation ducts, pipes, etc.;

Page 9 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 p. Test a minimum of one section in each open head water mist system by
flowing water through the nozzles. The sections tested should be chosen so
that all sections are tested within a five-year period; and

q. Test automatic sprinklers and automatic water mist nozzles at the pilot
pressure, in accordance with the flow charts on the following pages;

r. During basic testing, and extended testing when applicable, of automatic

sprinklers as outlined in subparagraph (6)(q) above, water quality testing
from each corresponding piping section should be should be conducted.

Note – should a tested sprinkler fail, assessing the corresponding water

quality at that time would assist in determining the cause of failure

s. On Ro-Ro passenger ships all vehicle deck drencher systems and individual
sections to be fully functional tested using the drencher pumps.

Explanatory notes to the flow chart

• Functional test is defined as a test that demonstrates the operation

and flow of water from sprinkler head/nozzle.
• Type is defined as each different manufacturer model of sprinkler
head/nozzle.
• Static/standby pressure is defined as the constant pressure
maintained in the system at all times prior to activation.
• All testing should be carried out at static/standby pressure.
• Failure rate (RFB) is the number of sprinkler heads/nozzles to fail
testing divided by test sample size multiplied by 100

Page 10 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
Page 11 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
Page 12 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 (7) Ventilation systems and fire dampers

a. Test all fire dampers for remote operation;

b. Verify galley exhaust ducts and filters are free of grease build-up; and

c. Test all ventilation controls interconnected with fire-protection systems for

proper operation.

(8) Fire doors

a. Test all remotely controlled fire doors for proper release.

(9) Breathing apparatus

a. Check breathing apparatus air recharging systems, if fitted, for air quality;

b. Check all breathing apparatus face masks and air demand valves are in
serviceable condition;

c. Check EEBDs according to maker's instructions; and

d. Medical Oxygen cylinders should be landed ashore every three years for re-
charging by an appropriate Medical Equipment supplier irrespective of their
remaining contents.

(10) Fixed dry chemical powder systems

a. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

b. Verify the pressure regulators are in proper order and within calibration; and

c. 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.

(11) Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

a. Verify condensed or dispersed aerosol generators have not exceeded their

mandatory replacement date. Pneumatic or electric actuators should be
demonstrated working, as far as practicable.

(12) Portable foam applicators

a. Verify all portable foam applicators are set to the correct proportioning ratio
for the foam concentrate supplied and the equipment is in proper order;

b. Verify all portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate

remain factory sealed, and the manufacturer's recommended service life
interval has not been exceeded;

c. Portable containers or portable tanks containing foam concentrate,

excluding protein based concentrates, less than 10 years old, that remain

Page 13 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 factory sealed can normally be accepted without the periodical foam control
tests required in MSC.1/Circ.1312 being carried out;

d. 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; and

e. The foam concentrates of any non-sealed portable containers and portable

tanks, and portable containers and portable tanks where production data is
not documented, should be subjected to the periodical foam control tests
required in MSC.1/Circ.1312.

(13) Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

a. Perform periodical inspections in accordance with the manufacturer's

instructions;

b. Visually inspect all accessible components for proper condition;

c. Check the hydrostatic test date of each cylinder; and

d. For dry powder extinguishers, invert extinguisher to ensure powder is

agitated.

(14) Galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems

a. Check galley and deep fat cooking fire-extinguishing systems in accordance

with the manufacturer's instructions.

9.Two-Yearly Testing and Inspection

(1) At least biennially (intervals of 2 years +/- 3 months) in passenger ships, or at

each intermediate, periodical or renewal survey in cargo ships the following
maintenance should be carried out:

(2) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1

a. All high pressure extinguishing agents cylinders and pilot cylinders should be
weighed or have their contents verified by other reliable means to confirm
that the available charge in each is above 95 per cent of the nominal charge.
Cylinders containing less than 95 per cent of the nominal charge should be
refilled; and

b. Blow dry compressed air or nitrogen through the discharge piping or

otherwise confirm the pipe work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions.
This may require the removal of nozzles, if applicable.

(3) Fixed dry chemical powder systems

a. Blow dry nitrogen through the discharge piping to confirm that the pipe
work and nozzles are clear of any obstructions;

b. Operationally test local and remote controls and section valves;

Page 14 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 c. Verify the contents of propellant gas cylinders (including remote operating
stations);

d. Test a sample of dry chemical powder for moisture content; and

e. Subject the powder containment vessel, safety valve and discharge hoses to
a full working pressure test.

10. Five Yearly Testing and Inspection

(1) At least once every five years, the following inspections should be carried out
for the specified equipment.

(2) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1

a. Perform internal inspection of all control valves.

(3) Foam fire-extinguishing systems

a. Perform internal inspection of all control valves;

b. Flush all high expansion foam system piping with fresh water, drain and
purge with air;

c. Check all nozzles to prove they are clear of debris; and

d. Test all foam proportioners or other foam mixing devices to confirm that the
mixing ratio tolerance is within +30 to -10% of the nominal mixing ratio
defined by the system approval.

(4) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Flush all Ro-Ro deck deluge system piping with water, drain and purge with
air;

b. Perform internal inspection of all control/section valves.

c. Water quality testing should be conducted in all corresponding piping

sections if not previously tested as outlined in paragraph 8 (6)(r) within the
last 5 years; and

d. Check condition of any batteries, or renew in accordance with

manufacturer's recommendations; and

e. For each section where water is refilled after being drained or flushed, water
quality should meet the manufacturer’s guidelines. Testing of the renewed
water quality should be conducted and recorded as a new baseline reference
to assist future water quality monitoring for each corresponding section.

(5) Breathing apparatus and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD’s)

a. Perform hydrostatic testing of all steel self-contained breathing apparatus

cylinders. The hydrostatic test date must be permanently marked on the
cylinders.

Page 15 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 b. Aluminium and composite cylinders should be hydrostatically tested at the
intervals specified by the manufacturer, or every 5 years, whichever the
shorter interval. Such cylinders should not exceed the manufacturer’s stated
design life. The hydrostatic test date should be marked on a tag attached to
the cylinder.

c. Hydrostatic testing of EEBD cylinders is not required by the Bermuda

Administration however the contents should be renewed periodically
according to the manufacturer’s instructions and the unit finally taken out of
service according to the maximum service life as recommended by the
manufacturer.

(6) Low-location lighting

a. Test the luminance of all systems in accordance with the procedures in

resolution A.752(18).

(7) Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

a. Visually examine at least one extinguisher of each type manufactured in the

same year and kept on board.

11. Ten Yearly Testing and Inspection

(1) At least once every 10 years, the following inspections should be carried out for
the specified equipment:

(2) Fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems. * See Footnote 1.

a. Perform a hydrostatic test and internal examination of 10 per cent of the

system's extinguishing agent and pilot cylinders. If one or more cylinders fail,
a total of 50 per cent of the on-board cylinders should be tested. If further
cylinders fail, all cylinders should be tested;

b. Flexible hoses should be replaced at the intervals recommended by the

manufacturer and not exceeding every 10 years; and

(3) Water mist, water spray and sprinkler systems

a. Perform a hydrostatic test and internal examination of gas and water

pressure cylinders according to EM 1968:2002 + A1, or as follows:

i. The first hydrostatic test should be undertaken at 10 years from the first
pressure test date at manufacture, and

ii. Subsequent pressure tests should be undertaken at 10 yearly intervals, or

before if there is evidence of corrosion or damage to the cylinders.

(4) Fixed dry chemical powder systems

a. Subject all powder containment vessels to hydrostatic or non-destructive

testing carried out by an accredited service agent, and

b. Examine all propellant gas pressure cylinders for corrosion or damage. Any
damaged or corroded cylinders to be hydrostatically tested.

Page 16 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021
 (5) Fixed aerosol extinguishing systems

a. Condensed or dispersed aerosol generators to be renewed in accordance

with manufacturer's recommendations.

(6) Wheeled (mobile) fire extinguishers

a. All extinguishers together with propellant cartridges should be

hydrostatically tested by specially trained persons in accordance with
recognized standards or the manufacturer's instructions.

*Footnote 1 Excluding CO2 systems covered by Bermuda Shipping Notice

2018-027

*Footnote 2 An ‘A Class’ compartment is taken to be all compartments within

a space that is bounded by an A Class boundary

Page 17 of 17
REF: BSN 2022-021