How often should fire extinguishers be inspected on a ship?

Fire extinguishers on a ship should be inspected every month to ensure they are in proper working condition and ready for use in case of an emergency. Monthly inspections allow crew members to check for any obvious signs of damage, verify that the pressure gauge (if applicable) is in the operational range, and ensure that no obstructions prevent access to the extinguisher. Regular monthly inspections are critical to maintaining safety standards on board, as they help ensure that any issues can be addressed promptly.

Other frequencies of inspection, such as annually or semi-annually, do not provide the level of assurance needed for safety in environments like a ship, where the risk of fire is a continuous concern. Furthermore, checking extinguishers after every voyage, while it might seem cautious, does not provide the preventative approach needed to catch potential issues in between voyages. Regularly scheduled monthly inspections ensure that any problems can be caught early, thereby maintaining a high level of safety preparedness on board.