Offshore units — whether fixed platforms, FPSOs or jackups — combine the high-pressure environment of the oil industry with marine hazards. Applicable fire suppression regulations are an overlay of international codes, industry standards and operator requirements (Major Oil Company, MOC), often more demanding than baseline legislation.
Applicable regulatory framework
Key documents are:
- API RP 14G — Recommended Practice for fire protection on offshore production facilities
- NFPA 10 — Standard for portable fire extinguishers
- NFPA 11 — Low-, medium- and high-expansion foam systems
- MODU Code — For mobile offshore drilling units
- Operator requirements — BP, Shell, Equinor, TotalEnergies, etc., have their own Golden Standards that expand on the above
Portable extinguishers in classified zones
In ATEX/classified areas (Zone 0, 1, 2), extinguishers must be explosion-proof and certified for use in explosive atmospheres. The most common agents are ABC powder, CO₂ and, in electrical rooms, clean agents such as Novec 1230. Signage must comply with ATEX regulations and be visible while wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE).
Inventory management and periodic certification
API RP 14G requires monthly visual inspection and annual review by a certified technician. On platforms with more than 200 extinguishers, inventory management can present a logistical challenge. Extinval has asset management systems that allow the operator to know in real time the status of each extinguisher, its next review date and its exact location on board.
Offshore-mode service
Transporting recharged extinguishers to an offshore platform involves coordinating with the logistics agent, complying with dangerous goods transport regulations (IMDG/ADR) and synchronising with helicopter or supply vessel windows. Our Oil & Gas team manages the entire logistics chain, from recharging at our facilities to on-board installation and maintenance record update.