The Marshall Islands Government has informed ClassNK of Marine Notice No.2-011-14 Rev.2/12, "Maintenance and Inspection of Fire Protection System and Appliances". The essential point of the Notice is the addition of the requirement for Maintenance, inspection and test of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Fire-Extinguishing Systems as shown below.
The requirements only are shown below. As necessary, please refer to the original text of the Guideline which is available on Marshall Islands Government Internet Homepage (http://www.register-iri.com).

Maintenance, inspection and test of Fixed Dry Chemical Powder Fire-Extinguishing Systems
1. Fixed dry-powder fire-extinguishing systems are to be serviced and tested by the approved service supplier in accordance with the Manufacturer's requirements and the Classification Society's requirements, should it have any. Particular attention is to be paid to the condition of the powder for any sign of moisture ingress and that its properties remain as per type approval.
2. At each annual, periodical renewal survey, the attending Class Surveyor is to perform a general examination of the distribution piping and installation of the dry chemical powder fire-extinguishing system to confirm that the system has not been modified from its original installation. Part of such verification should include also the following minimum requirements:
(1) The piping distribution system is to be blown through with Nitrogen (N2) or dry air to ensure it is free of any obstruction. The nozzles, if any, are to be removed to ensure that they are free and not blocked during the blow-through operation.
(2) Operation test of local and remote controls and section valves.
(3) The contents verification of propellant gas cylinders containing Nitrogen (N2) including remote operating stations is to be confirmed.
(4) Flexible discharge hoses are to be inspected to confirm that they are maintained in good condition and have not perished, especially when located on open decks. In case of any doubt the hoses are to be subjected to a full working pressure test.
(5) The dry chemical powder containment tank and its associate safety valves are to be inspected for signs of corrosion or deterioration which may affect the safety of the system. In case of any doubt the tank is to be tested and safety valve set points adjusted and confirmed at the shop.
3. N2 high pressure cylinders shall be subjected to periodical tests at intervals as IMO recommends for CO2 cylinders, in paragraph 6.1.2 of MSC.1/Circ.1318.

(To be continued)