fire suppression update question

[Jus Cruisin]

I put a new Sea-Fire system on my boat as soon as I got it. The halon system was outdated and needed to be either recharged or replaced. Easy decision for me - replaced.

 

[ttmott]

Do we need to keep the automatic system to be legal with CG, or just buy more handheld? system was installed in 1998 and has never been serviced or certified. We have the boat now and wondering what to do, we cannot find anyone who will inspect or certify.

All commercial buildings require periodic inspections of the fire protection systems - those companies will also do portable and fixed marine systems - Cintas for example. Regardless, safety first - don't eliminate any fire protection or suppression system on a boat.

 

[markrsimon]

Do we need to keep the automatic system to be legal with CG, or just buy more handheld? system was installed in 1998 and has never been serviced or certified. We have the boat now and wondering what to do, we cannot find anyone who will inspect or certify.

I dont believe there is any requirement for an automatic system - just info for how many and what size of each extinguisher to have onboard based on size of vessel.

You can remove your current extinguisher and take it to get re-certified. Snip the two wires, and undo the strap. Call around first to make sure you have a company that will do it. Its not cheap, buy way cheaper than buying a new system. New systems use a larger cylinder - so space can become an issue as well.

For reference, I got my 1992 unit certified last year, and I dont think it was ever certified since new.

 

[hughespat57]

Do we need to keep the automatic system to be legal with CG, or just buy more handheld? system was installed in 1998 and has never been serviced or certified. We have the boat now and wondering what to do, we cannot find anyone who will inspect or certify.

There is no USCG requirement to have a fixed system in pleasure craft.
Halon is one of the best fire suppression agents. The manufacture of Halon ha been stopped because of EPA regulations. But it is still recovered from major systems and is available for refilling.
All you need to do is have it weighed and visually inspected.

I check and weigh mine myself annually.
I have more than enough portables for legal requirements.
Halon is completely non-corrosive so no need for internal inspection.

 

[ttmott]

https://www.federalregister.gov/doc...recreational-vessels#sectno-reference-175.320
First of all if I had a large boat with substantial fuel capacity (especially gasoline) and the boat didn't have a fixed system - I'd install one as well as the ancillary systems to make it effective. It's a no brainer.
Someone that has one and they remove it for reasons of cost or convenience then I think they are foolish.
Let's look at it this way - a basic audio system on a boat is more expensive than a fixed fire suppression system - where are the priorities?

Now to recertify an existing Halon system - If the bottle weight is within specification then it can be reused. If the bottle requires recharging, sure recycled Halon is available but, no one will recharge because the discharge valve is required to be changed and they are no longer available. I just went through all of this last year.
Old and replacement -

 

[highslice]

First of all if I had a large boat with substantial fuel capacity (especially gasoline) and the boat didn't have a fixed system - I'd install one as well as the ancillary systems to make it effective. It's a no brainer.

I would never ever consider taking my fixed system out. When it goes bad, I will replace it with new. And my boat isn't that big. But I do carry just under 100 gallons of gas. The fixed system backed up by two hand-held extinguishers gives me considerable piece of mind. My wife and kids know where the handle is to activate the automatic system if it doesn't go on its own and where the port is into the engine compartment to discharge the hand-held.