9.20 Operational readiness and maintenance

  9.20.1 The following functional provisions should be met:

• .1 gas detection systems, fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances should be maintained ready for use; and

• .2 gas detection systems, fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances should be properly tested and inspected.

  9.20.2 At all times while the unit is in service, the provisions of paragraph 9.20.1 should be complied with. A unit is not in service when:

• .1 it is in for repairs or lay up (either at anchor or in port) or in dry-dock;

• .2 it is declared not in service by the owner or the owner’s representative.

  9.20.3 Operational readiness

• .1 The following gas detection and fire protection systems should be kept in good order so as to ensure their intended performance if a fire occurs:

  • .1.1 structural fire protection including fire-resisting divisions and protection of openings and penetrations in these divisions;

  • .1.2 fire detection and fire alarm systems;

  • .1.3 gas detection and alarm systems; and

  • .1.4 means of escape systems and appliances.

• .2 Fire-fighting systems and appliances and portable gas detection systems should be kept in good working order and readily available for immediate use. Portable extinguishers which have been discharged should be immediately recharged or replaced with an equivalent unit.

  9.20.4 Maintenance, testing and inspections

• .1 Maintenance, testing and inspections should be carried out based on the guidelines developed by the Organization^footnote and in a manner having due regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

• .2 The maintenance plan should be kept on board the unit and be available for inspection whenever required by the Administration.

• .3 The maintenance plan should include at least the following fire protection systems and fire-fighting systems and appliances, where installed:

  • .3.1 fire mains, fire pumps and hydrants including hoses, nozzles and international shore connections;

  • .3.2 fixed fire detection and fire alarm systems;

  • .3.3 fixed fire-extinguishing systems and other fire-extinguishing appliances;

  • .3.4 automatic sprinkler, fire detection and fire alarm systems;

  • .3.5 ventilation systems including fire and smoke dampers, fans and their controls;

  • .3.6 emergency shut down of fuel supply;

  • .3.7 fire doors including their controls;

  • .3.8 general emergency alarm systems;

  • .3.9 emergency escape breathing devices;

  • .3.10 portable fire extinguishers including spare charges or spare extinguishers;

  • .3.11 portable hydrogen sulphide gas detection monitoring devices;

  • .3.12 portable flammable gas and oxygen monitoring devices;

  • .3.13 gas detection and alarm systems; and

  • .3.14 fire-fighter’s outfits.

• .4 The maintenance programme may be computer-based.