The Netherlands issued a document on the SOLAS Chapter II-2

The Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management on 2 June 2023 issued a document on the SOLAS Chapter II-2.

This document entered into force on 5 June 2023.

Separation between Engine and Purifier Room

For ships with automatic equipment treating flammable liquids, the NSI (Netherlands Shipping Inspectorate) may exempt the requirement of installing purifiers in a dedicated space if not feasible. The ship's Recognized Organization (RO) must submit a proposal for exemption to the NSI.

Spare Charges for Lifeboats and Tenders

While SOLAS regulation II-2/10.3.3 mandates spare charges for fire extinguishers on ships, there is no specific mention of lifeboats and tenders in MSC.1/Circ.1275. The NSI recommends providing spare charges or additional portable fire extinguishers of the same quantity as those in lifeboats and tenders, using the same type of extinguishers used elsewhere on the ship.

Reduced Spare Charges for Fire Extinguishers on Ro-Ro Passenger Ships

For Ro-Ro passenger ships on short international voyages, the required number of spare charges for fire extinguishers can be reduced. Spare charges should be provided for 10% of each type of rechargeable extinguisher, and additional portable extinguishers should match the type, capacity, and quantity of the rechargeable ones. A maximum of 20 spare charges, evenly distributed among types, is required.

Fixed Aerosol Fire-Extinguishing Systems

The NSI requires annual verification of replacement dates for condensed or dispersed aerosol generators, as per SOLAS regulation II-2/10.5 and FSS Code Chapter 5. This verification should follow the guidelines in MSC.1/Circ.1432 and be included in the ship's maintenance plan.

Additional Guidance on MSC.1/Circ.1318(/Rev.1)

MSC.1/Circ.1318 remains valid until 31-12-2022, and the revised circular supersedes it from 1-1-2023. Ships that completed the 10-yearly maintenance/pressure testing before 1-1-2023 can follow either MSC.1/Circ.1318 or the revised circular. All Dutch-flagged ships must comply with the 10-yearly hydrostatic testing requirements for all CO2 cylinders by 01-01-2028.

Testing and Examination of Pilot Cylinders of Fixed Gas Fire-Extinguishing Systems

Pilot cylinders in fixed gas fire-extinguishing systems, including those weighing less than 1 kg, must undergo hydrostatic testing and internal examination every 10 years, according to SOLAS regulation II-2/14.2.1 and MSC.1/Circ.1432.

Hydrostatic Testing of Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Cylinders

Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) cylinders should undergo hydrostatic testing according to ISO standards. For steel and aluminum cylinders, testing should not exceed 5 years (ISO 18119), and for composite cylinders, testing should not exceed 5 years (ISO 11623).

Fire Control Plans

The NSI requires the approval and re-approval of ship fire control plans by the Recognized Organization (RO) on behalf of the NSI, following any amendments. Alternatively, the details outlined in SOLAS regulation II-2/15.2.4.1 can be included in a booklet for each officer, with one copy available on board.

Interpretation of 'Designated Under Deck Space'

The NSI provides two interpretations for "designated under deck space" defined in SOLAS regulation II-2/19.3.1.3: a designated complete hold or a designated part of one hold, subject to specific conditions, including switching off ventilation when carrying Class 1 dangerous goods, ensuring a gastight and watertight grain bulkhead, complying with water supply regulations for the designated forward part of the cargo hold, and keeping dangerous goods and combustible materials at least 3 meters away from the grain bulkhead or installing an additional grain bulkhead at least 1.5 meters aft of the forward grain bulkhead.

Note: The pressure testing due date should correspond to the bottle's age stamp or the last 10-year inspection/pressure test stamp, not the ship's actual age.

For more information, please see the document below (available only to subscribers):

ItoS - SOLAS Chapter II-2 - Construction - Fire Protection, Fire Detection and Fire Extinction