1. Introduction. Tests and inspections of firefighting equipment during the inspection for certification are prescribed in the regulations. This subpart covers situations requiring particular attention or further explanation. NVIC 6-72 and its change 1 provide additional guidance for the design and review of fixed firefighting equipment aboard merchant vessels. In particular, Change 1 specifies the conditions under which Halon 1301 extinguishing Systems are equivalent to C02 systems. For several years, small Halon 1301 systems have been approved for use on recreational boats, and on uninspected vessels such as tugs and fishing vessels. These units are so marked and bear an approval NO. "160.029/--/--."Halon 1301 is not a hazardous vaporizing liquid, so it is not prohibited by 46 CFR 25.30-10(e); it is approved under 46 CFR 25.15 as equivalent to the CO2 system required by 46 CFR 25.30-15(a). These systems should be installed in accordance with approved manufacturers' installation manuals
2. Excess Equipment.
a. Aboard Inspected Vessels. For uniformity in the listing of firefighting equipment carried aboard
inspected vessels, the COI shall record only the fire hose, fire extinguishers, and other gear required by law and regulations. To compel the recording of excess equipment would effectively compel its carriage on all voyages, even though the regulatory requirements might
MARINE SAFETY MANUAL
be considerably exceeded. However, all exeess firefighting equipment that is carried aboard an inspected vessel must be of approved types (as required by 46 U.S.C. 3306), tested at inspections, and kept in good operating condition.
b. Aboard Uninsnected Vessels.. Under 46 CFR 25.30-5(b), all fire extinguishing equipment aboard uninspected vessels must be of approved types.
3. Portable Fire Extinguishers.
a. Identification. Portable fire extinguishers are identified as approved by one of the following methods:
(1) Presence of a UL, UL of Canada (ULC), or Factory Mutual Research (FM) label on the extinguisher bearing a marine-type marking, such as "Marine
