Urgent inspection of pressurised carbon dioxide fire fighting systems
- Safety Flash
- Published on 14 October 2024
- Generated on 7 June 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.
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.
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.