The Government of the Republic of Panama has noticed us of the special requirements for fire extinguishing systems (fire extinguishing arrangement for paint lockers, spare charges for portable fire extinguishers and emergency fire pumps) on Panama flagged vessels as follows.

Fire extinguishing arrangement for paint lockers

This requirement applies to the existing ships under SOLAS as amended in 2000.
1. The fitting of a portable fire extinguisher immediately outside the entrance to the paint locker may be accepted as the fire extinguishing arrangement for paint lockers. In case the fixed fire extinguishing arrangement would be fitted with paint lockers on or after 1 September 2003, it is required to comply with the following requirement.
(1) a carbon dioxide system, designed to give a minimum volume of free gas equal to 40% of the gross volume of the protected space;
(2) a dry powder system, designed for at least 0.5kg powder / m3 ; or
(3) a water spraying or sprinkler system, designed for 5l / m2 min. Water spraying systems may be connected to the fire main of the ship.
In any case of the above, the system shall be operable from outside the protected space.

Spare charges for portable fire extinguishers

This requirement applies to the existing ships under SOLAS as amended in 2000, and it is required to comply with the requirements not later than the date of first safety equipment survey on or after 1 September 2003.
1. Spare charges shall be provided for 100% of the first 10 extinguishers and 50% of the remaining fire extinguishers capable of being recharged onboard. Not more than 60 total spare charges are required. Instructions for recharging should be carried onboard.
2. For fire extinguishers which can not be recharged onboard, additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity, type, capacity and number as determined in above 1. Shall be provided.

Emergency fire pumps

This requirement applies to all ships.
1. Gasoline engine driven portable emergency fire pumps onboard cargo ships less than 2000 GRT may be accepted. Proper precautions must be observed in the storage and handling of gasoline with this equipment.
(To be continued)