Exemption of fire extinguisher in boiler spaces

Amendments to SOLAS (Res. MSC. 409(97) ) were adopted, which stipulate that in case where boiler spaces are protected by fixed local fire extinguish systems required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 10.5.6, a foam fire extinguisher of at least 135L capacity or equivalent required by SOLAS Chapter II-2 10.5.1.2.2 is not required. The amendments will come into force on 1 January 2020 for all ships.

MSC.409(97)

Also IMO Circular (MSC.1/Circ.1566 ) related to the early implementation of this amendment was approved at the same time, and this amendment could be applied voluntarily. In case where Flag Administration accepts early implementation of the amendments prior to 1 January 2020, such fire extinguishers for boilers are able to be exempted. (Reference is made to ClassNK Technical Information TEC-1152.)

MSC.1/Circ.1566
ClassNK Technical Information TEC-1152

The following Administrations have already informed ClassNK of early implementation of this amendment
(Last updated on 18 May 2018.)

Bahamas

Bermuda

British Virgin Islands

Cayman Islands

Cyprus (*1)

Gibraltar

Isle of Man

Japan

Liberia

Marshall Islands

Panama

United Kingdom

(*1) It is necessary to submit an application for exemption to the Administration for each ship (see Cyprus’s Circular (Circular No.15/2015 ).)

Circular No.15/2015

For any questions about the above, please contact:
NIPPON KAIJI KYOKAI (ClassNK)
Material and Equipment Department
Tel: 03-5226-2020
Fax: 03-5226-2057
E-mail: eqd@classnk.or.jp