---
kind: "section"
citation: "46 C.F.R. § 28.320"
title: "46"
number: "28.320"
heading: "Fixed gas fire extinguishing systems."
url: "https://uscodex.org/cfr/46/28.320"
---

# §28.320. Fixed gas fire extinguishing systems.

- (a) **Requirements for vessels 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length.** A vessel 79 feet (24 meters) or more in length must be fitted with a fixed gas fire extinguishing system in the following enclosed spaces:
  - (1) A space containing an internal combustion engine of more than 50 horsepower;
  - (2) A space containing an oil fired boiler;
  - (3) An incinerator and;
  - (4) **A space containing a gasoline storage tank.**
- (b) **System types and alternatives.**
  - (1) A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system may be installed only in a normally unoccupied machinery space, paint locker, or space containing flammable liquid stores that has a gross volume of not more than 33.98 cubic meters (1200 cubic feet).
  - (2) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system that is capable of automatic discharge upon heat detection may be installed only in a normally unoccupied space with a gross volume of not more than 169.92 cubic meters (6000 cubic feet).
  - (3) A space with a gross volume exceeding 169.92 cubic meters (6000 cubic feet) must be fitted with a manually actuated and alarmed fixed gas fire extinguishing system.
- (c) **General requirements.**
  - (1) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system aboard a vessel must be approved by the Commandant and be custom engineered, unless the system meets the requirements for a pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system in [paragraph (d)](#d) of this section.
  - (2) System components must be listed and labeled by an independent, nationally recognized testing laboratory for the system being installed.
  - (3) System design and installation must be in accordance with the Manufacturer's Marine Design, Installation, Operation, and Maintenance Manual approved for the system by the Commandant.
  - (4) A fixed gas fire extinguishing system may protect more than one space. The quantity of extinguishing agent must be at least sufficient for the largest space protected by the system.
- (d) **Pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing systems.**
  - (1) **A pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system must—**
    - (i) Be approved by the Commandant;
    - (ii) Be capable of manual actuation from outside the space in addition to any automatic actuation devices; and
    - (iii) Automatically shut down all power ventilation systems serving the protected space and all engines that draw intake air from within the protected space.
  - (2) A vessel on which a pre-engineered fixed gas fire extinguishing system is installed must have the following equipment at the operating station:
    - (i) A visual alarm to indicate the discharge of the extinguishing agent;
    - (ii) An audible alarm to sound upon discharge of the extinguishing agent; and
    - (iii) A means to reset devices used to automatically shut down ventilation systems and engines as required by [paragraph (d)(1)(iii)](#d-1-iii) of this section.

## Notes

### Amendments

[CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 96-046, 61 FR 57275, Nov. 5, 1996]

### Authority

Authority: 46 U.S.C. 3316, 4502, 4505, 4506, 6104, 8103, 10603; DHS Delegation 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4.

### Source

Source: CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, unless otherwise noted.

### Amendments

[CGD 88-079, 56 FR 40393, Aug. 14, 1991, as amended by CGD 96-046, 61 FR 57275, Nov. 5, 1996]