duksrule

So I bought a Baja 342 with 502's. I am moving up from a 22' open bow so this will be nice.

Question about the halon system that is in the engine compartment. Does this have to be checked and if so how? Is this a CG thing that will get me a nice ticket if it isn't done correct? Also any other things that are different in the bigger boat from the 22 footer? How about a requirment for flares? I took a boating course a long time ago so I am going to sign up for a refresher.

I am in Virginia if it matters

Chris288

I am not from VA, but as far as I know, Auto-Halon is not CG approved, you still need the correct amount and class of fire extinguishers on board for your length vessel...

pachangalpina

Fixed/Auto systems can be an approved device. Depending on system and installation.

Here is a link to a informative interactive checklist.

USCG safety checklist

pachangalpina

A fixed system is not approved for the ONLY extinguisher on board.

Pantera1

Annual Inspection

External examination, checking for dents, corrosion etc..

Leak detection

Weight inspection

Hose/Nozzle blockage

Ensure safety pins and tamper seals are intact

Issuance of Maintenance Release

Six Year Maintenance

External examination (as above)

Recovery of Halon

Internal shell examination

Lubrication of O-rings and valve stem

Application of "verification of service" collar

Re-fill of appropriate quantity of agent

Apply new tamper seals

Leak detection

Issuance of Maintenance Release

12 Year Hydrostatic Test

External examination (as above)

Recovery of Halon

Internal shell examination

Pressure test of shell (integrity)

Replacement/Lubrication of O-rings and Valve stem

Service Collar

Refill of agent

Tamper seals

Leak detection

Maintenance release

duksrule

So it sounds like I need to find a shop to do this.

Pantera1

Well those are the recomended methods for service of the cylinder.. Im sure any place that recertifies fire extinguishers etc could check it for ya.
I know theres a big one here in the Northeast

Pantera1

http://www.fireline.com/fc_services.html

Heres one I googled in MD

duksrule

Is this something that I need to carry around documentation for in the event that I get pulled over for a safety inspection? Or is having this system just nice to have in the boat and the CG doesn't want to look at it?

pachangalpina

The best thing to do is to carry enough handheld units that the automatic system is not necessary for inspection. It is cheaper to buy new hand held units than to have them inspected.

Still not a bad idea to keep the auto system in operational order. I would much rather use the Halon system than dry chemical any day.