Fixed dry-chemical powder system
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether officers understand the location, coverage, release logic and limitations of the cargo-area fixed dry-chemical powder system, and whether testing and physical condition prove that it will operate without endangering personnel.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What area is protected by the cargo-area fixed dry-chemical powder system?
Trace the approved plan and physically identify boundaries, sections, exclusions and the location from which the system is released.
2What must happen before release?
Account for personnel, raise alarms, isolate ventilation and fuel or machinery as required, then operate powder units, nitrogen pressure, monitors, hand-hose lines, section valves and simultaneous-use limitations in the approved sequence.
3How is the system tested without discharging extinguishing medium?
Use the approved simulation or sectional test and show nitrogen pressure, hose, nozzle, valve, agitation and maker-specified discharge-path tests, including alarms, interlocks and remote indications.
4What if part of the system is unavailable?
Notify the Master and shore, establish fire watch or equivalent compensating measures, restrict operations if necessary and obtain repair or formal authority.
5What is the principal failure risk?
Identify and control caked powder, low propellant pressure, cracked hoses, seized valves, blocked nozzles or insufficient trained operators.
Where an observation may arise
Responsible officers could not explain coverage, release sequence, safety interlocks or limitations.
A release station, valve, pump or isolation was obstructed, unlabelled or unavailable.
Records did not prove the complete path, including nitrogen pressure, hose, nozzle, valve, agitation and maker-specified discharge-path tests.
Inspection identified caked powder, low propellant pressure, cracked hoses, seized valves, blocked nozzles or insufficient trained operators.
A valve, power supply, alarm or automatic function was isolated without formal control.
A known defect had no effective compensating measure or repair plan.
Master's practical note
Ask the officer to trace the release from the control handle to the protected space. Familiarity with a poster is insufficient if the person cannot identify the actual shutdowns, valves and confirmation indications.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: Demonstrations must use the approved test mode. Never discharge extinguishing medium or defeat a safety interlock solely for inspection.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.2.11
- IMO IGC Code Chapter 11
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13