The Cayman Islands Government has noticed ClassNK of the special requirements for fire extinguishing systems (emergency breathing devices, spare charges for portable fire extinguishers and spare charges for self-contained breathing apparatus) onboard the Cayman Islands flagged vessels (Shipping Notice CISN 04/04 and 10a/2004) as follows.

1. Emergency breathing devices (EEBDs)
(1) Spare EEBDs shall be provided on board either in the area of navigation bridge, fire control station or storage room.
(2) The number of spare EEBDs carried onboard cargo ships shall be 50% of the total number carried.

2. Spare charges for portable fire extinguishers
(1) Spare charges shall 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. Instructions for recharging shall be carried onboard.
(2) For fire extinguishers which can not be recharged onboard, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in above (1) shall be provided.

3. Spare charges for self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
(1) Two spare charges suitable for use with the breathing apparatus shall be provided for each SCBA.
(2) If cargo ships are equipped with suitably located means for fully recharging the air cylinders free from contamination, only one spare charge is required for each required SCBA.

The above requirements apply to the new and existing ships under SOLAS as amended in 2000 and it is required to comply with the requirements not later than the date of first safety equipment survey on or after 1 January 2007.
(To be continued)