QUESTION 5.2.5

Machinery-space high-expansion foam system

Oil, Chemical, LPG, LNGEngine Room, Engine Control Room, Emergency Headquarters.

What is being checked

The inspector is checking whether officers understand the location, coverage, release logic and limitations of the fixed high-expansion 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 supply, proportioning, fans, generators, distribution openings and protected-space shutdowns.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 foam-concentrate analysis, pump and fan tests, alarms, interlocks and distribution-path inspection.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 fixed high-expansion 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 supply, proportioning, fans, generators, distribution openings and protected-space shutdowns in the approved sequence.

3How is the system tested without discharging extinguishing medium?

Use the approved simulation or sectional test and show foam-concentrate analysis, pump and fan tests, alarms, interlocks and distribution-path inspection, 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 degraded concentrate, blocked generators, failed fans, leaking valves or openings that prevent foam build-up.

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 foam-concentrate analysis, pump and fan tests, alarms, interlocks and distribution-path inspection.

PHYSICAL DEFECT

Inspection identified degraded concentrate, blocked generators, failed fans, leaking valves or openings that prevent foam build-up.

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 5.2.5
SOLAS Chapter II-2 regulation 10
IMO FSS Code Chapter 6

Last reviewed: 2026-09-13