Urgent inspection of pressurised carbon dioxide fire fighting systems

  • Safety Flash
  • Published on 14 October 2024
  • Generated on 18 September 2025
  • IMCA SF 20/24
  • 1 minute read

Coins were found inserted into CO2 fire fighting cylinders.

What happened?

During a 10-year third party specialist inspection of a vessel CO2 fire suppression system, coins of Chinese manufacture were found inserted in 21 out of 24 main 45 kg CO2 cylinders. These coins were found blanketing high-pressure hoses, potentially compromising the effectiveness of the CO2 fire suppression system. The presence of foreign objects in such critical safety systems poses a severe risk to crew and vessel safety.

Blocked fire fighting system
Coins found in fire fighting systems

What should be done?

  • Conduct an immediate inspection of the hose connections of the vessel’s CO2 fire suppression system. Any anomalies or concerns discovered during inspections can then be rectified immediately.

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