Safety issue

Safety issue description

Marigold’s Halon gas fixed fire suppression system for the engine room was not fully operational. The multiple failures of the system at the time of the fire were not consistent with proper maintenance and testing.  

Issue number MO-2014-008-SI-03
Issue owner KLCSM
Transport function Marine: Shipboard operations
Date issue released 20/04/2016
Issue status justification

Further safety action by KLCSM with regard to the maintenance of ships’ fixed fire suppression systems to ensure they are fully operational at all times is necessary to adequately address this issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number MO-2014-008-NSA-003
Organisation KLCSM
Action date 20/04/2016
Action description

The company has updated its planned maintenance system with amended checks and increased frequency for inspecting the main distribution valves of fixed fire suppression systems.

ATSB response

The ATSB acknowledges the safety action taken by KLCSM to increase the frequency of inspecting fixed fire suppression system distribution valves. However, the checks and inspection routines that were in place at the time of the fire had failed to detect the issues that resulted in the multiple failures of Marigold’s Halon system. This indicates that KLCSM’s procedures for equipment maintenance and crew knowledge/training in this regard require a thorough review. The ATSB has issued the following recommendation to KLCSM.

Action status Released

Safety action

Action type Recommendation
Action number MO-2014-008-SR-035
Organisation KLCSM
Action date 20/04/2016
Action description

The ATSB recommends that KLCSM takes action to address the safety issue with regard to the maintenance of ships’ fixed fire suppression systems to ensure they are fully operational at all times.

Action status Released