Fixed Firefighting Equipment News

Within the last year, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has issued several port state control (PSC) detentions due to inoperative water mist systems on vessels trading to the US. In nearly every case, the water supply valve was found to be in the closed position during the PSC examination, essentially making the water mist system “not readily available for immediate use.” In many of the cases, the Chief Engineer was not aware that the water supply valve was in the closed position and was left in the closed position during maintenance.

With the expansion of its specialized lifeboat and marine fire divisions, Viking Life-Saving Equipment now offers ship owners throughout North America a single point-of-contact for all service needs. "Considering the amount of safety equipment on board that needs to be serviced, there are advantages to choosing a company that can do it all," said Viking Americas managing director Al Osle. Helping ship owners meet new requirements, Viking can inspect, service, conduct load tests and repair all types of lifeboats, MOB/fast rescue craft and associated davits and release hooks with accompanying certification. The company also provides annual and five-year lifeboat inspections on board, as well as service of portable and fixed firefighting equipment.