This test method is applicable to fixed foam firefighting systems, including foam generation equipment, foam distribution system piping and valves, sprinkler arrangement and operation, hose reel unit operation, and system controls, as those components are included in the system for a particular application.

Foam systems for machinery spaces are tested using those portions of this test method which apply to the installed components. Suitable adaptation of this test method is made for use with systems which do not include all hardware components described herein.

Deck foam systems are tested per the manufacturer's design criteria.

This test method demonstrates: satisfactory installation of an entire fixed foam/sprinkling system and its associated controls; and effective operation of portions of the foam distribution system and foam maker sprinkling nozzles for selected zones.

This test method verifies application rates and areas of coverage for each type of discharge device of the fixed foam firefighting system.

The satisfactory operation of the system in the selected zones is a measure of overall system capacity and anticipated operation for emergency use. The test, however, may not be representative of all emergency operating conditions that may vary with changes in the number of zones that are activated simultaneously, the material condition of the distribution and sprinkling components as they are maintained over time, and restoration of the system following its use for testing or actual emergencies.

Test procedures shall be prepared for the conduct of tests of foam firefighting systems in specific vessels. Those procedures shall be tailored to the system design for the system as installed and operated in each vessel.

Tests accomplished in accordance with approved test procedures may be sufficient to demonstrate that the vessel meets the regulatory and classification requirements for the vessel.

Approval of test procedures by a classification society may be necessary.

Test procedures must state operating parameters and values (for example, flow rate, pressure, time to activate) which define pass/fail criteria for each test.

Certification of the vessel or classification of the vessel or both by the regulatory bodies may require that tests be witnessed by a marine inspector or surveyor or both who represents both regulatory bodies.

Interpretation of Results:

Leakage at any piping system mechanical joint that is corrected “on-the-spot” is not cause for test rejection.

Any erratic operation detected in the zone control valves, seawater sprinkling pump discharge bypass-overboard valves, or control devices is cause for rejection of the test. The component causing the erratic operation shall be repaired or replaced and a retest performed.

Any operation which does not meet the pass/fail criteria defined by the test procedure(s) is cause for rejection of the test. The cause of the failure shall be determined, the design or installation, or both, corrected as appropriate, and a retest performed.

1.1 This test method covers shipboard, fixed (installed) foam/sprinkling firefighting systems.

1.2 Satisfactory completion of these tests indicates functional performance of the fixed foam firefighting system and may be used to demonstrate the system installation's compliance with the design characteristics of the system.

1.3 Tests made in conformity with this test method are intended to demonstrate the installation and operation of an installed, fixed foam firefighting system. As it includes regulatory requirements, this standard addresses those vessels subject to regulations and ship classification rules. However, the methods stated herein are suitable for unregulated commercial vessels, pleasure craft, military vessels, and similar vessels that are not required to meet regulations for firefighting systems.

1.4 Limitations:

1.4.1 International requirements, national regulations, and ship classification rules must be consulted. The following regulatory requirements and classification society rules were considered in the preparation of this test method:

1.4.1.1 International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974 SOLAS Convention, 1978 SOLAS Protocol, and the 1981 and 1983 SOLAS Amendments, II-2/8, “Fixed low-expansion foam extinguishing systems in machinery spaces,”

1.4.1.2 U.S. Government regulations included in 46 CFR 76, 46 CFR 95, and 46 CFR 108 as those regulations are written and enforced by the United States Cost Guard, and

1.4.1.3 The American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels. However, the owner will designate the specific classification society which is to be used to classify a particular vessel.

1.4.2 The requirements, regulations, and rules for a specific design must be selected by the owner based on the planned operating profile for the vessel.

1.4.3 This test method reflects international requirements, U.S. Government regulations, and ABS rules in effect at the time it was prepared, and may not include requirements adopted subsequent to the effective date of this test method.

1.4.4 This test method does not include requirements for the selection, design, installation, and maintenance of foam firefighting systems. It applies to installed systems whose designs meet all applicable international requirements, national regulations, and ship classification rules.

1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.