The Bahamas Maritime Authority (hereinafter mentioned as "BMA") has informed ClassNK of BMA Information Bulletin No.29 "Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)" and No. 97 Rev.1 "Fire Fighting Equipment", which are in reference to maintenance, inspection and test of Fire-Protection System and Appliances on board the Bahamas-registered ships. The essential points of the Guidelines are shown below. The previous ClassNK Technical Information No.TEC-0711 is now superseded. The requirements only are shown below. As necessary, please refer to the original text of the Guideline which is available on BMA Internet Homepage (http://www.bahamasmaritime.com).

Main points of changes are as follows:
1. Fixed CO2 Fire-Extinguishing Systems
- Hydrostatic testing of high pressure cylinders
[Old] All cylinders before 20 years
[New] 10% cylinders at 10 years interval
- Flexible hoses
To be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer and not exceeding every 10 years
- Expansion of Monthly, Quarterly, Annual, two/five/ten yearly inspections

2. EEBD
The requirement of Hydrostatic testing for EEBD with a small capacity oxygen cartridge is partially relaxed.

The requirements of BMA information are as follows:
1. Fixed Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Halon Gas Installations
(1) Monthly inspections:
A general visual inspection should be made of the overall system condition for obvious signs of damage, and should include verification that:
(i) all releasing controls are in the proper position and readily accessible for immediate use;
(ii) all discharge piping and pneumatic tubing is intact and has not been damaged;
(iii) the alarm devices are in place and do not appear damaged; and
(iv) all stop valves are in the closed position.

(To be continued)