ISO 24569:2023

Overview

ISO 24569:2023 - Ships and marine technology - External firefighting system test methods - defines standardized test methods for marine external firefighting systems after installation aboard ship. Applicable to systems using water or foam to fight fires on other vessels, offshore installations or quayside structures, the standard specifies test preparation, test conditions, required test apparatus and step‑by‑step procedures. It explicitly excludes equipment performance requirements (those remain with manufacturers or other standards).

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and applicability: External firefighting systems installed aboard ships for external firefighting using water or foam.
• Test preparation: Required documentation (system schematics, layouts, electrical diagrams, operation instructions, equipment test programme).
• Instruments and accuracy: Lists measurement tools and tolerances (e.g., anemometer 0.5 m/s, stopwatch 0.1 s, thermometer 1 °C, goniometer 1°; pressure ±1 %, electrical quantities ±1.5 %).
• Test conditions: System must be installed and fully operable; when measuring monitor throw wind ≤ 3 m/s and spray aligned with wind.
• Electrical tests: Insulation resistance before/after tests - minimum 1 MΩ.
• Mechanical/electrical operation tests:
  • Electric valve operation (manual and remote), smooth movement, correct indication; measurements of operating current/voltage.
  • Fire monitor operation: static (console, portable, local control; angle checks with goniometer) and dynamic (operate under rated injection pressure). Measure rotation limits and verify limit devices.
• Control & alarm systems: Visual/audible indications; simulated-fault checks to verify alarms.
• Fire pump tests: Start/stop function (at least three starts/stops), interlocks, emergency stop, idle/run endurance (10 min idle, 10 min normal); check for vibration, leakage, overheating; bearing shell temperature limits (< 75 °C, rise ≤ 35 °C).
• Fire monitor performance: Mode switching (jet/fog), spray angle, inlet pressure, length of throw test procedure.
• Additional items: Foam proportioner and pump tests, telescopic mast (if fitted), water curtain system and hydrant tests.

Applications and who uses it

ISO 24569:2023 is intended for:

• Shipbuilders and shipyards (commissioning external firefighting systems)
• Classification societies and marine inspectors (acceptance testing)
• Ship operators and fleet managers (periodic verification and maintenance)
• Marine equipment manufacturers and installers (post‑installation validation)
• Offshore facility contractors and quayside authorities (interface testing)

Using this standard helps ensure safe, repeatable commissioning and verification of external firefighting capability, supports regulatory compliance, and improves operational readiness in maritime firefighting scenarios.

Related standards

• ISO 7203‑1 (referenced for foam terminology)
• ISO 10596 (anemometer guidance cited in notes)

Keywords: ISO 24569:2023, external firefighting system test methods, marine firefighting testing, ship fire monitor testing, foam firefighting system test, fire pump commissioning, maritime safety standard.