Panama Maritime Authority issues revised circular re Guidelines for Fire Protection Systems

The Panama Maritime Authority issues revised Merchant Marine Circular MMC-226 regarding Guidelines for the Maintenance, Inspection of Fire-Protection System and Appliances.

This Merchant Marine Circular establishes new guidelines applicable to Inspection, maintenance, testing and survey requirements of all fixed and portable fire protection extinguishers, and other fire-fighting appliances. Certain maintenance procedures and inspection may be performed by competent crewmembers, while others should be performed by persons specially trained in maintenance; the onboard maintenance plan should indicate which part of the recommend inspection and maintenance should be completed by trained personnel. It should be noted that the general requirements contained in this Circular are not an all inclusive list of maintenance or inspection items for fire protection systems, fire fighting appliances, and emergency equipment.
The specific requirements contained in this Circular address areas where the Administration feels there is need for further clarification.
This Merchant Marine Circular supersedes MMC.
Source: Panama Maritime Authority