The Marshall Islands Government informed ClassNK the special requirements for Fire Protection Systems and Appliances for the Marshall Islands flag vessels(Marine Notice No.2-011-14 Rev.2/12) as follows.

1. Use of Halon systems
SOLAS '74, Reg.II-2/10 permits the use of Halons as fire extinguishing media on ships built before 1 October 1994. It is not established a phase-out date for existing Halon systems. However, it should be noted that the release of Halons into the atmosphere when testing existing systems is prohibited. In addition, the European Commission considers that supply of a non-EU flagged ship in an EU-port with Halon an illegal export. Therefore, in a case where Halon is discharged for whatever reason, refilling of such systems on non-EU flagged ships with Halon is not possible and that ship will be detained until a new fixed fire-fighting system is installed on board. See reference Marshall Islands Marine Notice 2-011-11, for additional information.

2. Spare charges and Refilling for portable fire extinguishers
(1) Spare charges should be provided for 100% of the first 10 extinguishers and 50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged onboard. Not more than 60 total spare charges are required.
(2) For fire extinguishers which can not be recharged by the crew, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in above (1) should be provided in lieu of spare charges.
(3) Instructions for recharging the extinguishers should be carried on board. Periodic refilling of the cylinders should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Lacking same, refill is required when the extinguishing media starts to lose effectiveness. Partially emptied extinguishers should also be recharged. Only refills approved for the fire extinguisher in question may be used for recharging.

(To be continued)