Resolution MSC.338 (91) and Resolution MSC.339 (91) were adopted in the ninety-first session of the Maritime Safety Committee (MSC 91) held on November 2012, and requirements for relevant equipment of fire-fighter's outfit were newly added in SOLAS Chapter II-2 and International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code).
With regard to application for existing ships to comply with the additional requirements, please be informed as follows.
"Existing ships" means ships which are constructed (keel-laid) before 1 July 2014. (New ships which are constructed (keel-laid) on or after 1 July 2014 shall also comply with following requirements.)

1. Means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders and spare cylinders for fire fighter (SOLAS II-2 Regulation15)
An onboard means of recharging breathing apparatus cylinders used during drills shall be provided or a suitable number of spare cylinders shall be carried on board to replace those used.

Application:
-Existing ships shall comply with the requirement by 1 July 2014. (Our surveyors will confirm that the ships comply with the requirement at the first survey carried out on or after 1 July 2014.)

2. Fire-fighter's communication (SOLAS II-2 Regulation10)
A minimum of two two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus for each fire party for fire-fighter's communication shall be carried on board. Those two-way portable radiotelephone apparatus shall be of explosion-proof type or intrinsically safe.

Application:
-Existing ships shall comply with the requirement by the first survey after 1 July 2018. (Our surveyors will confirm that the ships comply with the requirement at the survey.)

3. Breathing apparatus of fire-fighter's outfits (SOLAS II-2 Regulation 1 &10, FSS Code Chapter 3)
Compressed air breathing apparatus shall be fitted with an audible alarm and a visual or other device which will alert the user before the volume of the air in the cylinder is reduced to no less than 200l.

(To be continued)