The Marshall Islands Government has notified special requirements for Fire Protection Systems and Appliances for their flagged. SOLAS '74, Reg.II-2/10 permits the use of halons as fire extinguishing media on ships built before October 1, 1994. However, the phase-out date for existing Halon systems has not yet been established.
It should be noted that the release of halons into the atmosphere, while conducting tests 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.
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. For fire extinguishers, which can not be recharged by the crew, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number should be provided in lieu of spare charges.
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.
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