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CIRCULAR LETTER

Piraeus, 21 October 2014

To: All Operators / Vessels operating in the Riyadh MoU Subject: CONCENTRATED INSPECTION CAMPAIGN ON FIRE SAFETY

SYSTEMS (FSS) FOR RIYADH MOU A Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) on Fire Safety has been launched by the Riyadh MoU from 1 October to 31 December 2014 to verify compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS) onboard ships. The CIC is similar to the CIC for the Paris and Tokyo MoUs in 2012 and the ongoing CIC for the Caribbean MoU (1 September to 30 November 2014). Therefore, focus continues to be on fire- and safety-related issues, with special attention to: - Maintenance and availability of firefighting equipment. - Familiarity among the Master, Officers and crew on how to use and maintain

the firefighting equipment. During a regular PSC inspection carried out within the Riyadh MoU region, vessels should expect that selected items will be inspected in more detail for compliance with SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the FSS Code, including the fire control and safety plan, fire control measures, drills, crew awareness and other applicable documentation. Port State Control Officers (PSCOs) will use the attached questionnaire which contains 13 questions relating to documentation, equipment and crew familiarization. When deficiencies are found, actions by the Port State may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the Master to rectify it within a certain period to detaining the ship until serious deficiencies have been rectified. Explanations / useful information regarding each of the questions of the PSC questionnaire are provided for guidance of crews in the Annex. ______________________________________________________________ The Riyadh MoU is constituted by the following Countries:

United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Kingdom of

Bahrain, the Sultanate of Oman, and Kuwait.

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Explanations / Guidance for Crews related to the Riyadh MoU Concentrated Inspection Campaign (CIC) Questionnaire on Fire Safety

Systems (FSS)

Note: Numbering below corresponds to the Riyadh MoU CIC Questionnaire. 1. Does the Fire Control Plan meet the requirements?

SOLAS Ch. II-2/Reg. 15.2.4 and Reg. 15.3.2

Fire Control Plan is available on board and meets SOLAS and Flag Administration requirements

Fire Control Plan is permanently exhibited in accessible locations and contains information related to fire safety, as per SOLAS II-2 15.2.4, 15.3

The Plan is up to date and reflects actual location and status of fire safety systems and appliances

Duplicate of the Fire Control Plan is permanently stored in marked container outside deckhouse

All Fire Control Plans, including plans in containers outside deckhouse, are clearly legible

Relevant ship’s personnel is familiar with the Plan and its contents

Every officer has been issued with a set and they are familiar with the contents, if fire information booklets have been issued in lieu of a Plan

The booklet is available in an accessible location, if there is a separate booklet

2a. Do the fire-fighter’s outfits, including personal equipment, comply

with the requirements? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 10.10 and Reg. 14.2.2

Number & location of fire-fighter's outfits is according to Fire Control plan

Number of spare charges for breathing apparatus kept on board meets the requirements

Locations of Fire-Fighter's outfits and personal equipment are clearly marked

"Complete set" of fire-fighter's outfit meets inventory requirements Ref. FSS Ch.3 (2.1)

Each complete set of fire fighter's outfit and personal equipment is stored separated from each other

Additional Flag Administration requirements, where applicable, are met

The correct pressure is showing on the gauge

The low-pressure warning device operates and whistle sounds

The pressure gauge on the cylinder is checked for the correct pressure (normally stamped on the cylinder)

The maintenance plan is checked

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2b. Do the Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD) comply with the requirements? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 13.3.4 and Reg.13.4.3

Are of approved type. Handling and storage on board meets requirements (FSS Ch.3 (2.2))

Number and location of EEBD are according to Fire Control Plan

EEBDs locations are clearly visible and properly marked

Spare EEBD units are kept on board as required by Administration

EEBD units serving for training are clearly marked and kept separately from EEBDs for emergency

Instructions or diagram illustrating use is printed on each EEBD unit

EEBD units are maintained as per manufacturer's instructions

3. Are the portable extinguishers ready for use in location as per the

fire plan? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 10.3.2.4

Number, location and type of portable fire extinguishers is according to Fire Control Plan

Fire extinguishers are maintained immediately ready for use and location is clearly marked

Sufficient amount of spare charges or spare extinguishers of appropriate type are available on board

Periodical service of portable fire extinguishers is reflected in Maintenance plans and records

Each extinguisher has been subjected to periodical inspections as per makers’ instructions and serviced at intervals not exceeding one (1) year

The records show the date of inspection, the type of maintenance carried out and whether or not a pressure test was performed

4. Does the test of automatic audible alarm sound prior to release of a

fixed gas fire-extinguishing medium into spaces in which personnel normally work? SOLAS Ch. II-2/ Reg. 10.5

Audible and visible warning alarm activates prior to release of a fixed gas fire extinguishing medium

Distinct warning alarm is sounded in protected compartment and at control station when system is activated

Risk of accidental local release from station when safety facilities are by-passed is duly considered

Override facilities that can be rapidly operated without entry into the protected space are provided to enable spaces to be ventilated after the injection of CO2

Suitable notices are posted by the ventilation system controls to indicate that provisions for automatic ventilation shut down have been fitted and where these are located

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Notices are posted on the entrances to every space protected by CO2 indicating that the space is so protected and that personnel should evacuate the space immediately on hearing the CO2 alarm

The means provided for giving audible alarm referred to in the regulations are distinct from other alarms and comply with Code on Alarms and Indicators, 1995 (IMO Res. A.1021(26)). Check that there is a visual indication in addition to the audible alarm in many situations, as per requirements in part 3.2 of the Code on Alarms and Indicators

The alternate power supply to electrical alarms is obtained from the emergency source batteries or through the emergency switchboard

Supplies for air-operated devices are taken from the main air receivers through a safeguarded supply system

Instructions for operating the fire extinguishing installation are displayed near the remote operating controls, distribution control valves and also near the gas cylinders

A notice is displayed indicating that the system should not be used for inerting purposes unless the compartment is gas-free, since the injection of CO2 may generate a static charge capable of igniting flammable atmospheres when the installation is used to protect the pump room or cargo tanks of a tanker and similar spaces

When the means for putting the system into operation are located within a compartment which may be locked, e.g. the CO2 cylinder room, one key to such a compartment is provided adjacent to the entrance in a suitably marked glass-fronted box

5a. Are the fire protection systems and fire-fighting-systems and

appliances maintained ready for use? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 14.2.1

Structural fire protection elements (fire divisions, opening and penetrations) appear in good condition

Means of escape clear from obstacles, associated systems and appliances are ready for immediate use

Fire detection and fire alarm systems, including central and local stations, are fully functional

Fire Fighting systems and appliances are maintained in order and ready for use

Used extinguishers are recharged or replaced with equivalent spare units immediately after use

Additional safety precautions are taken when equipment is decommissioned for maintenance

There is ready availability of water in the fire main system or starting of a fire pump from the bridge (SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 10.2.1.2)

The hoses and nozzles are in good condition, free of leaks and with effective shut-off mechanism

The fire hydrants are capable of being shut-off and couplings match the hoses

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The fire pump produces enough pressure and quantity of water to supply two fire hoses, widely separated, and with an additional fire hydrant open to simulate a leak or pipe break. (SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 10.2.2.4)

The condition of portable extinguishers and the last service are checked

Fixed pressure water spray or water mist systems have been kept at the required pressure and are ready for immediate use. The pressure drop at which the pumps start should be capable of being demonstrated by the crew

Ventilation arrangements, in particular local or remote closing devices such as fire dampers and the means for shutting down mechanical fans are checked. Records will show when these were last tested

Remote fuel shut offs, ‘quick closing’ or remote operated fuel valves have been periodically tested. It should be possible to test the valves without “blacking” out and the crew should be capable of resetting the valves to open position after closure. Remote fuel valves may be operated by wire, extended spindle, air, hydraulic or electric

Test of active fire protection systems such as fire detection and fire alarm systems designed to indicate the presence of fire and warn the crew

Fire detection systems, when required onboard, are switched on and are clear of any fault indications or active alarms

The active alarms are, or have been, investigated by the Officer on Watch and appropriate action was taken

Check that fire detectors are not isolated. Often isolated alarms are shown on the control unit display or else are indicated on the display by pressing the ‘isolation’ button or similar

A random test of a fire detector may be carried out and the crew should be able to demonstrate this by using suitable test equipment, as the self-test function on most fire detection systems will not normally check the ability of a detector head to detect fire or smoke. For example an ‘oily rag’ or an ‘open flame’ should not be considered as suitable test equipment due to the fire risk hazard and the likelihood of damaging or contaminating the detectors

Crew is capable of carrying out random tests of manual call points

There are acceptable means of escape from a fire to a place of safety or refuge; this includes escape routes, escape doors and hatches, ventilation or smoke extraction from escape routes and stairways

Escape routes are clear of obstructions and illuminated by main and emergency lighting

Engine room escape trunks are fitted with a self-closing fire door at the points of entry and are insulated either internally or externally

Check the internal insulation because is often susceptible to damage. Internal insulation may also reduce the clear cross sectional area of the fire escape below the minimum allowed by regulation and this may be a cause for a more detailed inspection of the adequacy of the structural fire protection (SFP) and compliance with the regulations

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5b. Is there a maintenance plan to show that fire protection systems and

fire-fighting systems and appliances (as appropriate) have been properly tested and inspected? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 14.2.2

Maintenance plan is kept onboard the ship and is available for inspection.

A well-produced maintenance plan will include a description of the checks to be carried out and the time intervals between checks. Maintenance plan as minimum includes equipment and systems listed in SOLAS II-2, Reg.14.2.2.3.

A visual inspection of the fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems will normally provide the inspector with sufficient objective evidence to show whether or not any records are accurate

There are records showing that such systems and equipment have been periodically checked by specialist staff and that the checks carried out are normally not undertaken by the ship’s staff such as;

• Liquid level in the cylinders • Pressure testing of cylinders

• Testing of the release mechanism of fixed fire-fighting systems

• Foam concentrate checks; especially on deck foam systems on

tankers

The maintenance plan, which may be computer-based, includes at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed:

• fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants, including hoses, nozzles

and international shore connections;

• fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;

• fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing

appliances;

• automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;

• ventilation systems, including fire and smoke dampers, fans and

their controls;

• emergency shutdown of fuel supply;

• fire doors, including their controls; • general emergency alarm systems;

• emergency escape breathing devices;

• portable fire extinguishers, including spare charges; and

• fire-fighter’s outfits

Maintenance plan for passenger ship and tankers include additional equipment specific for these ships

Additional Flag Administration maintenance requirements are observed

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6. Is the crew familiar with the location and operation of fire-fighting systems and appliances that they may be called upon to use? SOLAS Ch. II-2/ Reg. 15.2.2

Crew is familiar with arrangements of the ship, location and operation of fire-fighting systems on board

Officers and crew are familiar with essential shipboard procedures relating to fire safety and fire/fighting

Crew is trained in the use of Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD)

EEBD units designated for training are clearly marked and separated from units serving emergencies

The Training manual is written in the working language of the ship and is understood by the crew

The Training manual is available in each crew mess room and recreation room

The Fire training manual is ship-specific and cover details prescribed by SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 15.2.3.4

The Fire safety operational booklet is provided for cargo operations, where applicable

The Fire safety operational booklet is available in crew mess room and recreation room

The Fire safety operational booklet is written in the working language of the ship

Crew is familiar with types of fire extinguishers onboard and classes of fires they extinguish

Crew is aware that manual, local release of fixed gas extinguish system requires additional precautions

Crew is familiar with location of fire hydrants and isolating valves on fire main

Crew is familiar with location and operation of fire dampers and ventilation flaps

Crew is familiar with the operation of the manually operated call points (fire buttons) and the location of the nearest

7. Does the test of the sprinkler system trigger an automatic visual and

audible alarm for the section? SOLAS Ch. II-2/Reg. 10.6

Sprinkler system operation and failure alarms are fully operational at each section of the system

Active alarms are immediately investigated by the officer on watch. The Crew is familiar with the handling and function of the sprinkler system.

All sections of sprinkler system are connected and fully operational

Means are provided to prevent unauthorized operation of stop valves in the system

Testing the automatic operation of the feed pump can be demonstrated

Regarding sprinkler charts and instructions, a list or plan is to be displayed at indicating panels showing the spaces covered and the location of the zone in respect of each section

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The sprinklers are grouped into acceptable sections

The indication and alarm systems of each sprinkler section is provided with means for the activation of a visual and audible alarm signal at one or more indicating panels

At the panels, the sprinkler section in which a sprinkler has come into operation is indicated

A gauge indicating the pressure in the system is provided at each section valve as well as at the centralized indication panel(s) on the Bridge

Suitable instructions for testing and maintenance are available

8. Does the activation of any detector or manually operated call point

initiate a visual and audible fire signal at the control panel on the bridge or control station? SOLAS/Ch. II-2/ Reg. 7.4.2

Means and equipment for periodical testing of various types of fire detectors are available on board

Function of fire detection and alarm system is periodically tested as required by Administration

Fire detectors are located in accordance with Fire Control Plan

Activation of automatic fire detectors and manual call points initiate visual and audible fire alarms

Alarm is readable on the Bridge and at Duty Officer station when Bridge is unmanned (i.e. in port)

The control panel is continuously powered and has an automatic change-over to standby power supply in case of loss of normal power supply

The control panel is powered from the main source of electrical power and the emergency source of electrical power

9. Is the lighting in escape routes, including the Low Location Lighting

(LLL) systems, where applicable, properly maintained? SOLAS Ch. II-2/ Reg. 15.2.4 and Reg. 13

Escape routes are illuminated and clearly marked, as applicable for the type of the ship

Escape routes from machinery spaces and spaces below bulkhead deck have emergency lighting provisions

In all passageways, LLL systems are continuous

In dead-end corridors, LLL systems have arrows or equivalent direction indicators

IMO symbols are incorporated into LLL systems, in order to direct passengers to the muster stations, as required by Reg. Ch. II-2/R13

LLL systems lead to exit door handles

LLL signs are provided at exits

Electrically powered systems are connected to emergency switch electrical boards as required by Ch. II-1/ R42

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Maintenance of LLL systems is carried out at least once a week and records are kept

Check for missing, damaged or inoperable LLL systems

10. Is the Emergency Fire Pump (EFP), capable of producing at least two

jets of water? SOLAS/Ch. II-2/ Reg. 10.2.2.3.1 and Reg. 10.2.2.4.2

EFP starts and is fully operational under all ship's service conditions

EFP provides sufficient pressure in fire main and feeds at least two fire hose jets

Fire pump is free of leaks through the pump gland and has no signs of temporary repairs

Sufficient instrumentation and indicators are provided for main and EFR

EFP driving motor is in good operational condition

Fire pump valves, suction and discharge lines are in good operational condition and free of leaks

The minimum capacity of required EFPs is sufficient to supply two jets of water at or above the required pressure and cope with leakages on the system from the hydrants, joints, holes etc. If the pump discharge pressure at the pump manometer is only about 0.3 N/mm2 (3 bar) it is likely that the pump is not performing satisfactorily

The location of the space containing EFP is not contiguous to the boundary of the machinery space

Check for easy access to the EFP and its source of power

Check the Ventilation arrangements to the EFP space.

11. Are the Isolating valves of the fire main marked, maintained and

easily operable? SOLAS Ch. II-2/ Reg.10.2.1.4

Fire main isolating valves are according to fire control plan and maintained in good working condition

Fire main isolating valves are easily operable and clearly marked

Effective segregation of fire main sections is checked and can be demonstrated to the inspector

Check that the isolating valves are operating effectively by asking the crew to open / close the isolating valves in order to confirm that they are not seized and their operation is smooth

Check that the source of water pressure is indeed from the fire pump that is in operation. Ask the crew to have the isolating valves closed and one of the E/R main fire pumps in operation. By opening a fire hydrant on deck, there should be no pressure in the line and no water coming out from the hydrant

Check that the crew is familiar with the location of the isolation valves

Check for markings clearly indicating the Fire Main isolation valves

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12. Where a fire drill was witnessed by the PSCO was it found to be

satisfactory? SOLAS Ch. II-2 Reg. 15.2.2.5 (all ships)

Fire drills are planned and executed considering various fire emergencies for the type of ship and cargo

Drills are planned and performed considering the minimum scope prescribed by SOLAS Ch.III - Reg. 19.3.4

Each crew member participated in at least one fire drill every months and was capable to perform effectively

Familiarization in the location and the operation of fire extinguishing appliances is provided for joining crew

Fire drill is held after significant crew change (25% or more) within 24 hours after leaving port

Instruction in use of ship's fire-fighting appliances is given at the same intervals as these of the fire drills

Sufficiently detailed accurate record of fire drills are maintained on board for planning of further drills

Cases when interval between drills exceeded limits or scope is not completed, are documented

Crew is familiar with special duties in respect to use of fire-fighting equipment assigned in Muster list

Muster list specifies Officers assigned to ensure condition and maintenance of fire systems

Key persons and their deputies are familiar and can effectively perform duties according to Muster list

There is effective communication and co-operation between emergency parties