BERMUDA MERCHANT SHIPPINGNOTICE
Maintenance and Inspection of Fixed Carbon Dioxide FireExtinguishing Systems

2024-27

Application
Classification Societies, Ship Owners, Managers, Masters and Officers of Bermuda
Registered ships

SummaryThis notice reproduces the guidance contained in IMO MSC1./Circ.1318/Rev.1 for themaintenance and inspection of fixed Carbon Dioxide Extinguishing Systems withadditional guidance applicable to Bermuda flagged ships. It also provides generalguidance for the application of this IMO Circular.
Maintenance, testing and inspections shall be carried out based on the guidelinesdeveloped by the organisation (MSC.1/Circ 1318/Rev.1) and in a manner having due
regard to ensuring the reliability of fire-fighting systems and appliances.

References
Ref: SOLAS 74/88 as amended, Regulation II-2 14.2.2.1
IMO Circular MSC.1/Circ.1318/Rev.1
This Notice supersedes the requirements in Shipping Notice 2023 – 027 issued on
27th March 2023.
This Notice was issued on 30th August 2024.

1. Introduction(1) With the acceptance of IMO MSC.1Circ 1318/Rev.1 Bermuda provides thefollowing general guidance for this circular.
(2) Although the MSC/Circular 1318/Rev.1 guidelines are not mandatory, theBermuda Shipping and Maritime Administration will accept them wheninspecting fixed CO2 systems on Bermuda flagged vessels subject to theguidance provided in this shipping notice being complied with.

Page 1 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

(3) Monthly inspections (MSC/Circular 1318/Rev.1 paragraph 4) - may be performedby competent crew members, e.g. a member of the ship’s crew who has been
trained for the work by the person who carries out the work onboard under
direct supervision of a senior officer, being an experienced person holding a
STCW II/2or III/2 Certificate of Competency and an Advanced Fire Fighting
certificate, and in accordance with the ship’s planned maintenance system,
including documented procedures, work instructions and manuals, and using
tools, spares and calibrated equipment readily available on board.
(4) Annual inspections (MSC/Circular 1318/Rev.1 paragraph 5) - it is recommended
that these are performed by persons specially trained in the maintenance ofsuch systems, e.g. the manufacturer or an approved service company.
(5) Full maintenance (MSC/Circular 1318/Rev.1 paragraph 6) - should be performedby persons specially trained in the maintenance of such systems, e.g.
manufacturer or approved service company.
(6) An “approved service company” is a service company approved for a specificservice by ABS, BV, DNV-GL, LR, Class NK, RINA or the UK Maritime andCoastguard Agency (MCA).
(7) The inspection of fixed CO2 systems during the full maintenance period should
pay particular attention to the correct operation of the isolation and section
valves and where there is a possibility of moisture from condensation collecting
on ball valves these should be opened up and their condition verified.
(8) Annually a function test of the CO2 protected space shut down, alarms andisolations should be performed. The gas tightness of the protected space is to
be inspected annually.
(9) For Low Pressure Carbon Dioxide systems the servicing should be inaccordance with manufacturer’s recommendations and the following
requirements:
a. The two CO2 quantity measurements methods agree and that loss ofcontents exceeding 5% must be made up;b. Alarms and ventilation shut downs are functioning;c. Pipework remains in good condition, free of damage and corrosion;d. Storage tank(s) are examined externally, especially in way of tank supports
and pipe connections, which may require approval of small areas of tankinsulation.
e. Storage tank(s) are examined internally at any time they are empty and atintervals not exceeding 10 years;
f. Pressure test of the storage tank(s) may be required depending upon theresults of the internal and external examination.
g. If the internal examination reveals corrosion damage, thickness
measurement should be carried out. If the thickness reduction at any point
is found to exceed 10% repairs of the tank or replacement is required.

Page 2 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

h. Storage tank(s) should be fitted with two safety valves, arranged so thateither valve can be shut-off while the other is connected to the vessel. The
safety valves should be tested every 2 years.
i. All flexible hoses (if applicable) to be examined annually and tested or
renewed in accordance with manufacturer’s recommendation.
j. At the periodical survey, or every two years, the system should be blown
through to prove all line and nozzles are clear and one safety valve is to beoverhauled.
(10) The System should at all times be in good order and available for immediate
use while the ship is in service. If the system is under repair, then suitablearrangements should be made to ensure safety is not diminished through theprovision of alternate fixed or portable fire protection equipment or othermeasures. The onboard maintenance plan should include provisions for thispurpose.
(11) Where MSC/Circular 1318/Rev.1 specifies “annual” inspection or servicing of thesystem a variation of ± 3 month may be considered acceptable. Where a 5
yearly interval is specified a variation of ± 3 months may be accepted. This
general principal may be applied unless the manufacturer’s instructions
contradict it where upon the manufacturer’s schedule applies.

2. General(1) These Guidelines provide the minimum recommended level of maintenanceand inspections for fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems on all ships,
and are intended to demonstrate that the system is kept in good working orderas specified in SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2.1.2.
(2) These Guidelines are intended to supplement the fire-extinguishing systemmanufacturer’s approved maintenance instructions.
(3) Certain maintenance procedures and inspections may be performed bycompetent crewmembers, while others should be performed by persons
specially trained in the maintenance of such systems.
(4) The onboard maintenance plan should indicate which parts of therecommended inspections and maintenance should be completed by trained
personnel.

3. Safety(1) Whenever carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems are subjected toinspection or maintenance, strict safety precautions should be followed toprevent the possibility that individuals performing or witnessing the activities
are placed at risk.
(2) Prior to performing any work, a safety plan should be developed to account for
all personnel and establish an effective communications system between theinspection personnel and the on-duty crew.
(3) Measures to avoid accidental discharges such as locking or removing theoperating arms from directional valves, or shutting and locking the system

Page 3 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

block valve should be taken as the initial procedure for the protection of
personnel performing any maintenance or inspections.
(4) All personnel should be notified of the impending activities before work isbegun.

4. Maintenance and Inspection Plan
(1) Fixed carbon dioxide fire-extinguishing systems should be kept in goodworking order and readily available for immediate use.
(2) Maintenance and inspections should be carried out in accordance with theship’s maintenance plan having due regard to ensuring the reliability of thesystem.
(3) The onboard maintenance plan should be included in the ship’s safety
management system and should be based on the system manufacturer’s
recommendations including:a. Maintenance and inspection procedures and instructions;b. Required schedules for periodic maintenance and inspections;c. Listing of recommended spare parts; andd. Records of inspections and maintenance, including corrective actions taken
to maintain the system in operable condition.
(4) For new-build vessels planned maintenance and periodic servicing of fixed CO2systems should start from the delivery date of the vessel, with the exception ofhydrostatic testing of high-pressure cylinders, which should be dictated by thedates hard stamped on the cylinders themselves.

5. Monthly Inspections(1) At least every 30 days a general visual inspection should be made of the overallsystem condition for obvious signs of damage, and should include verificationthat:a. All stop valves are in the closed position;b. All releasing controls are in the proper position and readily accessible for
immediate use;c. All discharge piping and pneumatic tubing is intact and has not beendamaged;d. All high pressure cylinders are in place and properly secured; ande. The alarm devices are in place and do not appear damaged.
(2) In addition, on low pressure systems the inspections should verify that:a. The pressure gauge is reading in the normal range;

Page 4 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

b. The liquid level indicator is reading within the proper level;c. The manually operated storage tank main service valve is secured in the openposition; andd. The vapour supply line valve is secured in the open position.

6.Annual Inspections(1) The following minimum level of maintenance and inspections should becarried out in accordance with the system manufacturer’s instructions andsafety precautions:(2) The boundaries of the protected space should be visually inspected to confirm
that no modifications have been made to the enclosure that have createduncloseable openings that would render the system ineffective;(3) All storage containers should be visually inspected for any signs of damage,rust or loose mounting hardware. Cylinders that are leaking, corroded, dented
or bulging should be hydrostatically retested or replaced;(4) System piping should be visually inspected to check for damage, loose
supports and corrosion. Nozzles should be inspected to ensure they have notbeen obstructed by the storage of spare parts or a new installation of structure
or machinery;(5) The manifold should be inspected to verify that all flexible discharge hoses andfittings are properly tightened; and(6) All entrance doors to the protected space should close properly and shouldhave warning signs, which indicate that the space is protected by a fixed
carbon dioxide system and that personnel should evacuate immediately if thealarms sound. All remote releasing controls should be checked for clear
operating instructions and indication as to the space served.

7.Minimum Recommended Maintenance(1) At least biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at eachintermediate, periodical or renewal survey in cargo ships, the following
maintenance should be carried out (to assist in carrying out the recommended
maintenance, examples of service charts are set out in the appendix):a. All high pressure cylinders and pilot cylinders should be weighed or havetheir contents verified by other reliable means to confirm that the available
charge in each is above 90% of the nominal charge. Cylinders containing lessthan 90% of the nominal charge should be refilled. The liquid level of low
pressure storage tanks should be checked to verify that the required amountof carbon dioxide to protect the largest hazard is available;b. The Bermuda Maritime Administration requires an accurate determinationof the cylinder contents and comparison with original readings e.g. liquid
level gauging, test weighing etc.
Note: The ambient temperature of the storage space for the CO2 cylinders
and type of content check must be included in the inspection report.

Page 5 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

Attention is drawn to the inability of liquid level detectors to operatesatisfactorily when the ambient temperature is near or above the criticaltemperature for CO2 which is 30.5°C. If the weighing method is used eachcylinder weight and ambient temperature should be recorded in the service
report. If the liquid level detection method is used, the level should bemarked on each cylinder and the linear dimension and temperaturerecorded in the service report.
c. The hydrostatic test date of all storage containers should be checked. Highpressure cylinders should be subjected to periodical tests at intervals asdetailed below:
i. At the 10-year inspection, at least 10% of the total number of cylinders
provided in the main CO2 bottle room should be subjected to an internal
inspection and hydrostatic test. (Refer to ISO 6406 - Periodic inspection andtesting of seamless steel gas cylinders). If one of more cylinders fail, a totalof 50% of the onboard cylinders should be tested. If further cylinders fail, allcylinders should be tested.
ii. Before the 20-year anniversary of the hydrostatic test date all cylinders
should be subjected to a hydrostatic test or replaced.
iii. At every subsequent 10 year anniversary of the hydrostatic test date allcylinders should be subjected to a hydrostatic test or replaced.
d. All other high pressure CO2 cylinders (comprising part of a fixed fireextinguishing system) located in positions outside of the main CO2 room areto be tested in accordance with the above 10- and 20-year test criteria.
e. Flexible hoses should be replaced at intervals recommended by themanufacturer and not exceeding 10 years; andf. Notwithstanding the above, on Bermuda Registered vessels any cylinders
which are found to be in poor condition (rusty, damaged etc.) should behydrostatically tested or replaced.
g. For vessels in which the required testing has not been completed at the 10or 20-year interval it is expected that all CO2 cylinders will be tested or
replaced, as required, by the earliest practicable opportunity.
i. For vessels where the above may be applicable, BSMA should be contacted
at: survey@bermudashipping.bm where such applications will beconsidered on a case-by-case basis.
h. The discharge piping and nozzles should be tested to verify that they are notblocked. The test should be performed by isolating the discharge piping fromthe system and flowing dry air or nitrogen from test cylinders or suitablemeans through the piping.
(2) At least biennially (intervals of 2 years ± 3 months) in passenger ships or at eachrenewal survey in cargo ships, the following maintenance should be carried out
by service technicians/specialists trained to standards accepted by theadministration:a. Where possible, all activating heads should be removed from the cylinder
valves and tested for correct functioning by applying full working pressure
through the pilot lines.

Page 6 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

i. In cases where this is not possible, pilot lines should be disconnected fromthe cylinder valves and blanked off or connected together and tested withfull working pressure from the release station and checked for leakage.
ii. In both cases this should be carried out from one or more release stations
when installed.
iii. If manual pull cables operate the remote release controls, they should bechecked to verify the cables and corner pulleys are in good condition andfreely move and do not require an excessive amount of travel to activate thesystem;b. All cable components should be cleaned and adjusted as necessary, and thecable connectors should be properly tightened. If the remote release controls
are operated by pneumatic pressure, the tubing should be checked forleakage, and the proper charge of the remote releasing station pilot gas
cylinders should be verified. All controls and warning devices should function
normally, and the time delay, if fitted should prevent the discharge of gas forthe required time period; andc. After completion of the work, the system should be returned to service. All
releasing controls should be verified in the proper position and connected tothe correct control valves. All pressure switch interlocks should be reset andreturned to service. All stop valves should be in the closed position.

8. Five Year Service(1) At least once every 5 years, internal inspection of all control valves shall be
performed.

9.Appendix – Example Service Charts

Page 7 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

HIGH PRESSURE CO2 SYSTEM
Date: Name of ship/unit:

IMO No.:Technical description
No. TextValue

1Manufacturer

2

Number of main cylinders

3

Main cylinders capacity (each)4

Number of pilot cylinders

5

Pilot cylinder capacity (each)

6

Number of distribution lines

7

Oldest cylinder pressure test date8

Protected space(s)9Date flexible hoses fitted/renewed

Description of inspection/Tests
No.

Description

1

Release controls and distribution valves secured to prevent
accidental discharge

2

Contents in main cylinders checked by weighing

3

Contents in main cylinders checked by liquid level indicator

4

Contents of pilot cylinders checked5

All cylinder valves visually inspected6

All cylinder clamps and connections checked for tightness

7

Manifold visually inspected8

Manifold tested for leakage, by applying dry working air

9Main valve and distribution valves visually inspected

10

Main valve and distribution valves tested for operation

11

Time delay devices tested for correct setting*Page 8 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

Carried
Not
Not
Commentout
carried out applicable12

Remote release system visually inspected

13

Remote release system tested

14

Servo tubing/pilot lines pressure tested at maximum working
pressure and checked for leakages and blockage

15

Manual pull cables, pulleys, gang releases tested, serviced andtightened/adjusted as necessary

16

Release stations visually inspected

17

Warning alarms (audible/visual) tested

18

Fan stop tested*

19

10% of cylinders and pilot cylinder/s pressure tested every 10years

20

Distribution lines and nozzles blown through, by applying dryworking air

21

All doors, hinges and locks inspected*

22

All instruction and warning signs on installation inspected23

All flexible hoses renewed and check valves in manifold
visually inspected every 10 years

24

Release controls and distribution valves reconnected andsystem put back in service

25

Inspection date tags attached*If fitted as part of the CO2 system.

Page 9 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

LOW PRESSURE CO2 SYSTEM
Date: Name of ship/unit:

IMO No.:Technical description
No. Text

Value

1Manufacturer

2

No. of tanks

3

Tanks capacity (tonnes)

4

Number of pilot cylinders

5

Pilot cylinder capacity (each)

6

Number of distribution lines

7

Protected space(s)Description of inspection/Tests
No.

Description

1

Tank main service valve closed and secured to prevent
accidental discharge

2Distribution valves verified closed

3

Check correct function of level indicator

4

Contents of CO2 tank checked by tank level indicator

5

Contents of CO2 tank checked by riser tube reading

6

Contents of CO2 tank checked by level control valve

7

Supports of tank inspected

8Insulation on tank inspected

9

Safety valves of tank inspected

10

Safety valves of tank tested

11

Contents of pilot cylinders checked

12

Start/stop function of cooling compressors tested

13

All connected electrical alarms and indicators tested

Page 10 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027

Carriedout

Not carriedout

NotapplicableComment14

Main manifold valve inspected

15

Main manifold valve tested

16

Distribution valves inspected

17

Distribution valves tested

18

Release stations inspected

19

Total flooding release mechanism inspected20

Total flooding release mechanism tested

21

Time delay devices tested for correct setting*

22

Time delay devices tested for correct setting*

23

Fan stop tested*

24

Distribution lines and nozzles inspected25

Distribution lines and nozzles tested

26

Distribution lines and nozzles blown through27

All doors, hinges and locks inspected*

28

All instruction plates inspected

29

Tank main service valve reopened and secured open

30

System put back in service

31

Inspection date tags attached*If fitted as part of the CO2 system.

Page 11 of 11
REF: BSN 2024-027