In the maritime industry, ensuring safety isn’t just a best practice—it’s a necessity. According to Lloyd’s List, almost 10% of all total losses at sea in the last decade were caused by fires onboard. As NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt rightly said, “Safety isn’t something you have, it’s something you do.” When lives are at stake, neglecting fire systems and their maintenance is simply unacceptable.

The Importance of Gaseous Extinguishing Systems

A ship’s gaseous extinguishing system is crucial for fire protection, typically comprising 200 to 600 cylinders, each containing 45KG of CO2 under high pressure (720 psi/49 bar). Other suppressant clean agents like FM-200® and Novec™1230 are also becoming widely used. However, these systems are highly pressurized and thus prone to leaks and discharges. Some marine service companies estimate that up to 20% of a ship’s CO2 cylinders have discharged or partially leaked at some point. Furthermore, servicing errors can leave systems unintentionally disabled, posing a significant risk to passenger and crew safety.

The Benefits of Using Ultrasonic Instruments

Using ultrasonic instruments, like the Portamarine®, offers numerous benefits:

• Non-Invasive Testing: Ultrasonic technology allows for accurate measurement of liquid levels without needing to dismantle or disturb the cylinders. This reduces the risk of accidental discharges and ensures that fire suppression systems remain operational during testing.
• High Precision: Portamarine® provides reliable test results to ±1.5mm, ensuring precise monitoring of fire suppression agents. This level of accuracy is critical for maintaining the effectiveness of fire suppression systems.
• Time Efficiency: Ultrasonic testing is quick, with the Portamarine® taking just 60 seconds per cylinder for instance. This speed allows for regular and thorough checks without significant downtime, enhancing operational efficiency.
• Cost-Effective: By eliminating the need to weigh and dismantle cylinders, ultrasonic testing reduces labor costs and minimizes the risk of damage to the cylinders, leading to long-term savings.

Portamarine®: Enhancing Safety and Compliance

The Portamarine® ultrasonic liquid level indicator is designed to meet these critical safety needs. By providing a non-invasive, accurate, and reliable method to measure the level of fire suppression agents within cylinders, Portamarine® allow crews to safely and quickly verify their fire systems’ integrity.

Key Benefits of Portamarine®

• Safety: Portamarine® eliminates the need to dismantle and weigh cylinders, reducing the risk of accidental discharge. Its non-invasive design ensures the fire suppression system remains intact and operational during testing.
• Efficiency: Testing with Portamarine® is fast, taking just 60 seconds per cylinder. This efficiency enables crews to conduct regular checks without disrupting operations.
• Compliance: Portamarine® helps crews adhere to IMO SOLAS FSS Code and MSC.1/1318 by providing a reliable means to check fire suppression agents, ensuring regulatory compliance and enhancing overall vessel safety.
• Adaptability: Compatible with most standard-sized cylinders containing CO2, liquified clean agents, and halons, Portamarine® is specifically equipped for use onboard marine vessels.

Realising the Vision of Safer Seas

By empowering crews to take responsibility for their fire protection, Portamarine® contributes to safer maritime operations. This device’s ultrasonic technology, phased in as radioactive units were phased out, represents a significant advancement in marine safety. If shipping companies implemented IMO SOLAS FSS codes by using liquid level indicators like Portamarine®, vessels would be far safer, and the likelihood of onboard fire-related incidents would be significantly reduced.

Portamarine® is more than just a product; it’s a solution to a critical safety issue in the maritime industry. By providing a reliable, efficient, and non-invasive method for monitoring fire suppression systems, Portamarine® ensures that vessels are compliant with safety regulations and that the lives of passengers and crew are protected.

For more information, visit our website or contact us directly to discover how the Portamarine® can enhance your maritime safety.