(a) Each hand portable fire extinguisher and each semi-portable fire extinguisher on board the unit must be serviced as set out in Table 107.235 and examined for excessive corrosion and general condition.
Table 107.235------------------------------------------------------------------------
Type extinguisher Test and servicing required------------------------------------------------------------------------Soda Acid...................... Discharge, clean hose and inside of
extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge.Foam........................... Discharge, clean hose and inside of
extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge.Pump Tank (water or antifreeze) Discharge, clean hose and inside of
extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge with
clean water or antifreeze.Cartridge operated (water, Examine pressure cartridge and replace
antifreeze or loaded stream). if end is punctured or if cartridge is
otherwise determined to have leaked or
to be in unsuitable condition. Remove
liquid, clean hose and inside of
extinguisher thoroughly. Recharge with
clean water, solution, or antifreeze.
Insert charged cartridge.Carbon Dioxide................. Weigh cylinders. Recharge if weight
loss exceeds 10 percent. Inspect hose
and nozzle to be sure they are clear.Dry chemical (cartridge- Examine pressure cartridge and replace
operated type). if end is punctured or if cartridge is
otherwise determined to have leaked or
to be in unsuitable condition. Inspect
hose and nozzle to see if they are
clear. Insert charged cartridge. Be
sure dry chemical is free-flowing (not
caked) and chamber contains full
charge.Dry chemical (stored pressure See that pressure gage is in operating
type). range. If not, or if seal is broken,
weigh or otherwise determine that full
charge of dry chemical is in
extinguisher. Recharge if pressure is
low or if dry chemical is needed.------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Each fixed fire extinguishing system must be examined for excessive corrosion and general condition and checked and serviced as indicated, depending on the extinguishing agent used by the system.
(1) Carbon dioxide: Weigh cylinders. Recharge cylinder if weight loss exceeds 10 percent of the weight of the charge. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections on fixed carbon dioxide systems must be tested or renewed, as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65.
(2) Halon 1301 or Halocarbon: Recharge or replace if weight loss exceeds 5 percent of the weight of the charge or, if cylinder has a pressure gauge, recharge cylinder if pressure loss exceeds 10 percent, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible Halon 1301 and halocarbon connections must be tested or renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.65 or 147.67. Note that Halon 1301 system approvals have expired, but that existing systems may be retained if they are in good and serviceable condition to the satisfaction of the Coast Guard inspector.
(3) Inert gas: Recharge or replace cylinder if cylinder pressure loss exceeds 5 percent of specified gauge pressure, adjusted for temperature. Test time delays, alarms, and ventilation shutdowns with carbon dioxide, nitrogen, or other nonflammable gas as stated in the system manufacturer's instruction manual. Inspect hoses for damage or decay. Ensure that nozzles are unobstructed. Cylinders must be tested and marked, and all flexible connections must be tested or renewed as required by 46 CFR 147.60 and 147.66.
(4) Foam, except premix systems: Discharge foam for approximately 15 seconds from a nozzle designated by the marine inspector. Discharge water from all other lines and nozzles. Submit a sample of the foam liquid to the manufacturer or its authorized representative for determination of specific gravity, pH, percentage of water dilution, and solid content and for certification as a suitable firefighting foam.
(5) Premix aqueous film forming foam: Remove the pressure cartridge and replace the cartridge if the seal is punctured, sampling the premix solution in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, and replacing any cylinders that are discharged. [CGD 73-251, 43 FR 56802, Dec. 4, 1978, as amended by CGD 84-044, 53 FR 7749, Mar. 10, 1988; USCG-2006-24797, 77 FR 33881, June 7, 2012]