The Maritime & Coastguard Agency (MCA) has opened a public consultation seeking views and opinions for MGN 657 (M+F) Requirements for Aerosol Fixed Fire Suppression Systems for use in Small Vessel Machinery. The draft MGN publishes the test requirements for future approvals of these systems and requires that tests are witnessed by an Approved Body appointed by the MCA.
Aerosol fire extinguishing systems involve the release of a chemical agent to extinguish a fire by interrupting of the process of the fire. The MCA has previously approved aerosol fixed fire suppression systems for use in small vessel machinery spaces through approval certificates based on the MCA’s MSF 1814 forms issued to suppliers of aerosol suppression systems. These certificates required the MCA approval of tests to show the safe and effective operation of the systems by live fire testing. This MGN now formalises the process by publishing the test requirements for future approvals and requires the tests are witnessed by an Approved Body appointed by the MCA.
The approval certificate provides information on the vessel types that the system is accepted for as well as details of the installation requirements for that system. Requirements that are common to all aerosol fixed firefighting system installations are described in the draft MGN.
A UK Approved Body, as appointed under the Merchant Shipping (Marine Equipment) Regulations 2016, as amended, (“the Regulations”), in this context, is a body that may undertake approval of an aerosol fire suppression system test that complies with the requirements of these test procedures on behalf of the MCA.
The consultation closes at 11:45pm on 30 September 2022.
Have your say. Click to view the full consultation documentation, including the daft MGN 657 and how you can respond.
