Fire Suppression for Non-SOLAS Marine Vessels

One of the most feared events across the marine community is a fire onboard a vessel. Marine fires are rightly feared for several reasons. Because the vessel is often isolated, the crew is left to fend for themselves, and even if help is nearby, it can be problematic to get the assistance onboard where it can be of use. With most vessels being of metal construction, the fire can rapidly spread away from its point of origin by conducted heat and quickly become unmanageable. Lastly, with most fires occurring in machinery spaces such as the engine room, any significant fire there can disable the craft leaving it at the mercy of the seas.

In most instances, mariners are trained and equipped for shipboard firefighting. However, they are sailors, not firefighters, and cannot reasonably be expected to handle a complex marine fire that has extended into multiple spaces. This is why having installed fire suppression systems onboard is especially crucial. A quick and effective response to any fire, but especially one in the engine room, is vital to preventing a fire from becoming a catastrophe.

Marine safety equipment such as lifeboats and firefighting equipment falls under the purview of the country or region where the vessel is registered. This means the requirements can vary widely from country to country, and compliance can be a challenge. Aside from determining the applicable requirements, selecting the best type of fire suppression system from the options allowed by the authority having jurisdiction can also be complicated.

The choice of fire protection system can have implications beyond whether it is effective for suppressing fire or not. Gaseous systems, known as clean agents, are facing regulatory challenges based on both environmental characteristics, and potential safety in manufacturing and use. Availability and pricing for these systems is already being negatively impacted for vessel owners and operators.

While water is benign as a firefighting agent, water-based systems can be damaging to goods and equipment and can add destabilizing amounts of weight to the vessel if water is discharged in significant quantities. And all of these systems require considerable infrastructure (piping or pumps) and carry with them sizable testing and maintenance requirements which are mandatory in most jurisdictions.

The Solution: Stat-X Fire Suppression Advance Technology

With Stat-X fire suppression systems, there is no complicated maintenance or difficult installations. Stat-X is a highly effective system that totally floods the space, knocking down fire and remaining suspended for several minutes to provide reflash protection. Just as important, it is safe to be installed in normally occupied spaces and has no environmental impact. Additionally, Stat-X installations are unobtrusive, maintenance is minimal, and units have a UL listed service life of 15 years.

Stat-X was recently approved by the United States Coast Guard, and also possesses several other international maritime approvals. Find out if Stat-X is approved in the region where your vessel is registered.

Stat-X is a global leader in fire suppression technology and an ideal solution for remote marine applications, including:

• Work Boats
• Offshore Service Vessels
• Barges
• Tour Boats & Ferry’s
• Law Enforcement
• Yachts and other Recreational Boats

 

Listings and Approvals

As you can see in our listing and approvals, Stat-X is a valid option for a large swathe of the marine community and in multiple configurations. This flexibility allows vessel owners and operators to customize a Stat-X solution to fit almost every marine fire protection scenario.

Stat-X^® Fire Suppression Features:

• Effective Agent Performance
  Highly effective based on required density
• Compact and Modular
  Offering adaptable design especially when space and weight are critical
• Simple and Economic Installation
  No expensive labor-intensive piping is required
• Durable
  Ideal for harsh environments and remote locations
• Long service life
  Service life of fifteen (15) years
• Virtually Maintenance Free
• U.S. EPA SNAP listed for normally occupied and unoccupied spaces
• Environmentally Friendly
  Zero Global Warming Potential and Zero Ozone Depletion Potential
• Made in the USA