QUESTION 5.2.15

Deck foam system and portable applicators

Oil, ChemicalMain Deck, Cargo Manifold, Emergency Headquarters., Interview - Rating

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether officers understand the location, coverage, release logic and limitations of the cargo-deck foam system, and whether testing and physical condition prove that it will operate without endangering personnel.

Ready onboard

0/6 complete

SYSTEM PLANApproved drawings and instructions identify coverage, sections, medium source and foam tanks, pumps, proportioner, monitors, hydrants or outlets, portable applicators and coverage.ACCESSRelease stations, valves, pumps and isolations are labelled, unobstructed, illuminated and accessible during the intended fire scenario.SAFETY SEQUENCEOfficers can explain alarm, evacuation, headcount, ventilation and fuel shutdown, boundary control and release authorisation.FUNCTION TESTTests prove the complete operating path without unsafe discharge. Records include concentrate analysis, pump and proportioning tests, monitor movement, hose and portable-applicator inventory.PHYSICAL CONDITIONPiping, nozzles, cabinets, seals, flexible connections, gauges and power supplies are free from leakage, corrosion or unauthorised isolation.DEFECT CONTROLAny impairment is reported, risk assessed, compensated and repaired with flag, class or shore involvement where required.

Practice questions

Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.

1What area is protected by the cargo-deck foam 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 foam tanks, pumps, proportioner, monitors, hydrants or outlets, portable applicators and coverage in the approved sequence.

3How is the system tested without discharging extinguishing medium?

Use the approved simulation or sectional test and show concentrate analysis, pump and proportioning tests, monitor movement, hose and portable-applicator inventory, 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 expired or incompatible concentrate, wrong quantity, seized monitor, damaged hose, blocked line or poor deck coverage.

Where an observation may arise

KNOWLEDGE GAP

Responsible officers could not explain coverage, release sequence, safety interlocks or limitations.

INACCESSIBLE CONTROL

A release station, valve, pump or isolation was obstructed, unlabelled or unavailable.

INCOMPLETE TEST

Records did not prove the complete path, including concentrate analysis, pump and proportioning tests, monitor movement, hose and portable-applicator inventory.

PHYSICAL DEFECT

Inspection identified expired or incompatible concentrate, wrong quantity, seized monitor, damaged hose, blocked line or poor deck coverage.

UNAUTHORISED ISOLATION

A valve, power supply, alarm or automatic function was isolated without formal control.

IMPAIRMENT UNCONTROLLED

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 5.2.15
SOLAS Chapter II-2 regulation 10.8
IMO FSS Code Chapter 14

Last reviewed: 2026-09-13