Pressure switch location for fixed fire suppression systems
- Safety Flash
- Published on 4 April 2013
- Generated on 25 May 2026
- IMCA SF 05/13
- 1 minute read
The United States Coast Guard has published a report regarding an engine room fire in a vessel.
The safety alert addresses the location of fire suppression system pressure switches aboard vessels. These critical components sense the activation of the system and then electrically secure the ventilation systems operating in the protected space.
Securing the ventilation is essential in extinguishing a fire onboard a vessel. It assists in isolating the fire within the space, minimises the introduction of additional oxygen to fuel the fire and prevents the loss of fire suppression agents from the space.
Recently, a vessel with an installed fixed CO2 fire suppression system suffered extensive damage due to a fire that started in the engine room. During the fire-fighting efforts the crew reported that the engine room ventilation could not be secured.
A post-incident damage survey of the vessel revealed that the pressure switch used to secure the ventilation was located within the engine room.
Members may wish to check the location of these switches onboard their vessels, and ensure that they are properly located.
IMCA Safety Flashes summarise key safety matters and incidents, allowing lessons to be more easily learnt for the benefit of the entire offshore industry.
The effectiveness of the IMCA Safety Flash system depends on the industry sharing information and so avoiding repeat incidents. Incidents are classified according to IOGP's Life Saving Rules.
All information is anonymised or sanitised, as appropriate, and warnings for graphic content included where possible.
IMCA makes every effort to ensure both the accuracy and reliability of the information shared, but is not be liable for any guidance and/or recommendation and/or statement herein contained.
The information contained in this document does not fulfil or replace any individual's or Member's legal, regulatory or other duties or obligations in respect of their operations. Individuals and Members remain solely responsible for the safe, lawful and proper conduct of their operations.
Share your safety incidents with IMCA online. Sign-up to receive Safety Flashes straight to your email.