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• Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) has revised marine notice no. 2-011-11 providing information regarding restrictions on use of systems that uses Halons and other ozone depleting substances.

• This Administrator has not established a phase out date for existing Halon installations and systems and interprets IMO rules regarding the use of Halon systems and systems using CFCs on RMI flagged ships to mean that only new installations are prohibited while the existing systems may continued to be used; provided they are considered fit for their intended purpose and remain serviceable.

• However, according to European Commission supply of Halon to non-European Union (EU) flagged ship in EU port is considered as illegal export. In a case where Halon is discharged by any reason, refilling of such systems on non-EU flagged ships with Halon will not possible and that ship may be detained until a new fixed fire-fighting system is installed on board.

• In view of above, the Administrator has reminded Owners of vessels with existing Halon systems that the phasing out of the production and consumption of Halon began from 01 January 2000 and advised vessels regularly calling at EU-ports to replace the onboard Halon system as soon as possible.

• Also based on difficulties in locating servicing facilities and suppliers for testing and maintenance of existing Halon systems and components, the Administrator will consider an alternative maintenance schedule and may extend the hydrostatic interval of 20years for Halon storage cylinders by 5 years provided following conditions are met:

1. Cylinder has not been discharged during its service history;
2. Cylinder contents are verified by weighing or isotropic measurement;
3. Cylinder pressure/levels are verified to be acceptable;
4. A thorough visual inspection of cylinders reveals no defects; and
5. Cylinders are gauged to the extent considered necessary, and the wall thickness readings kept on board for future comparative reference.

• Consideration for the application of the alternative hydrostatic testing requirements for the fixed Halon system storage cylinders will be approved in writing by the Administrator on a case-by-case basis.

• Ship owners/ operators and masters are advised to be guided by above.

Enclosure:

1. Republic of Marshall Islands marine notice no. 2-011-11.

Disclaimer:

This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.

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