The Coast Guard has issued Marine Safety Alert 12-25 highlighting a recurring and dangerous issue involving fixed gas fire extinguishing systems aboard vessels. On multiple occasions, the Coast Guard has discovered the safety pins being left in place after servicing, which prevents the system from being activated during an emergency.
Understanding the Issue:
• SAFETY PIN – Used during maintenance to prevent accidental discharge. Must be removed after servicing for the system to operate.
• RETAINING COTTER PIN – Holds the manual activation pull cable in place. Must remain installed for manual operation.
Confusing the two pins or failing to remove the safety pin can leave a vessel vulnerable in a fire emergency.
The Coast Guard’s Marine Safety Alert includes eight (8) strong recommendations for vessel owners and operators. The Coast Guard cites two specific incident examples in the Marine Safety Alert, which was issued May 12, 2025.
Fire suppression systems are only as effective as their readiness. Taking a proactive role in system maintenance can help ensure these systems are ready in case of an emergency.
Click here to download a copy of Marine Safety Alert 12-25.