The Isle of Man Ship Registry has informed ClassNK of Industry Circular No.6, "Periodic Inspection, Testing and Maintemance of Compressed Gas Cylinders, Fire Extinguishers and Fixed Fire-Protection Systems". As necessary, please refer to the original text of the Guideline which is available on Isle of Man Government Internet Homepage (http://www.iomshipregistry.com).

This Circular sets out the requirements for inspection, testing and maintenance of compressed gas cylinders, fire extinguishers and fire protection systems and appliances.

1. General
(1) All fire protection systems and appliances should at all times be in good order and available for immediate use while the ship is in service.
(2) If a fire protection system is under repair the Ship Registry shall be contacted stating what suitable arrangements have been made to ensure safety is not diminished. If the Ship Registry is satisfied with the arrangements approval will be given and where necessary an exemption shall be issued.

2. Maintenance and testing
(1) Instructions for on-board maintenance and testing of active and passive fire protection systems and appliances should be easily understood, illustrated wherever possible and, as appropriate, should include the following for each system or appliance.
(i) Maintenance and repair instructions
(ii) Schedule of periodic maintenance
(iii) List of replaceable parts
(iv) Log for records of inspections and maintenance, listing identified non-conformities and their targeted completion dates.

3. General testing and inspections
This only applies to items not mentioned in other section.
(1) Weekly
(i) All public address systems and general alarm systems are functioning properly.

(To be continued)