Marine Circular 654

Subject: Marine Circular 564 – Safety Bulletin 04/2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing and MMN-
07/2024 Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign During Annual Inspections of Fire Doors
Attachments:
** Tokyo MoU - Safety Bulletin 04-2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing (2024-07)
** MMN-07/2024 Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign During Annual Inspections of Fire Doors
We are writing to inform you about the recent Safety Bulletin 04/2024 issued in July 2024, and MMN-
07/2024 Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign During Annual Inspections of Fire Doors, which
addresses critical safety concerns related to emergency power supply testing onboard ships & Paris MOU
Focused Inspection Campaign, which specifically addresses the maintenance and functionality of fire
doors aboard the vessels.
1. Safety Bulletin 04/2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing
The bulletin highlights the potential risks associated with the reliance on simulated blackout methods for
testing the automatic start of emergency power sources and their connection to the emergency
switchboard, as stipulated in SOLAS Chapter II-1, Regulations 42 and 43.
As per Regulation of SOLAS Ch. 11-1 Reg. 42.3.1.2 / 43.3.1.2, the emergency source of electrical power
shall start automatically upon failure of the main electrical supply and shall be automatically connected to
the emergency switchboard. Provisions shall be made for the periodic testing of the complete emergency
system, including the testing of the automatic starting arrangement.
Regulation for Emergency Source of Electrical Power (SOLAS Ch. 2-1) provides additional information
and guidance:
1. A self-contained source of electrical power shall be provided.

2. The emergency source shall not be located forward of the collision bulkhead unless approved by
the administration.
3. A power supply for emergency equipment must be available for 18 hours (cargo ship) and 36
hours (passenger ship).
4. If the emergency source is a generator, the fuel must have a flashpoint of not less than 43°C. It
must automatically start and load within 45 minutes of main power failure.
5. The emergency generator set must be capable of starting in cold conditions at 0°C. If impractical,
heating arrangements shall be provided.
6. The emergency generator set must function when the ship is inclined to a list of up to 22.5° and
trim (either fore or aft) of 10°.
7. The emergency generator starting arrangement shall be equipped with starting devices approved
by the administration, with a stored energy capability of at least three consecutive starts.
8. A second source of emergency power shall be provided for an additional three starts within 30
minutes unless manual starting can be effectively demonstrated.
9. The emergency generator must have two means of starting, such as battery start, spring start,
hydraulic start, or compressed air.
10. If the emergency source is an accumulator battery, it must be capable of carrying the emergency
electrical load without recharging while maintaining its voltage throughout the discharge period
within 12% above or below its nominal voltage.
We urge all Masters and Chief Engineers of vessels we manage to check and conduct Routine Test
Switch (RTS) testing for emergency generators. Additionally, we recommend conducting orientation and
familiarizing all crew members with the correct starting procedures.
For additional info, please see the attached Maritime Merchan Notice from Flag State.
2. MMN-07/2024 Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign During Annual Inspections of Fire
Doors
This Merchant Marine Notice informs you about the Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC)
focusing on fire door maintenance and functionality during annual inspections. The campaign aims to
improve awareness and compliance with fire safety measures critical during onboard fires.
The FIC, which takes place from July 1st to September 30th, 2024. We encourage Masters, Officers, and
Crew to thoroughly review fire door maintenance procedures and the attached MMN-07/2024 and ensure
all safety equipment functions optimally.
Please refer to the following points during FIC.
1. Functional Verification: Inspectors will verify that all fire door control panel indicators, where
installed, are in functional condition.
2. Operational Testing: A sample of fire doors will be subjected to testing for both local and
remote operation to ascertain functionality and reliability.
3. Self-Closing Mechanism: It is crucial to check that self-closing fire doors are not improperly
lashed in the open position, thereby ensuring they can effectively perform their intended function
in a fire scenario.
4. Closing and Latching: Inspectors will check that all fire doors close and latch properly to
prevent the spread of fire and smoke.
5. Gasket Integrity: Particular attention will be given to fire doors fitted in boundary bulkheads of
machinery spaces of Category A, ensuring that these doors are reasonably gastight and designed
to operate self-closing.
6. Fire Resistance Compliance: Lastly, it will be verified that the fire doors are equipped with the
appropriate fire resistance ratings corresponding to the bulkheads in which they are fitted,
specifically Classes A or B. Please refer to your respective Fire Control & Life Saving Plan on
board.
To ensure your vessel complies with this FIC and avoids detention, please verify all fire doors according
to the points listed above. Following your inspections, please provide photographs for our records and
return a signed copy of 1st page of this circular.
We appreciate your prompt attention to both Safety Bulletin 04/2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing
and MMN-07/2024 Paris MoU Focused Inspection Campaign During Annual Inspections of Fire Doors
Should you have any questions or require further information and assistance, please do not hesitate to
reach out.

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Subject: Marine Circular 564 – Safety Bulletin 04/2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing and MMN-

1. Safety Bulletin 04/2024 - Emergency Power Supply Testing

1. A self-contained source of electrical power shall be provided.

Please refer to the following points during FIC.

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