20 AUGUST 2017 • FOGHORN FOGHORNFOCUS: SAFETY Complete control and steering systems for vessels of all types and sizes. +1 (604)572-3935 • Surrey, BC, Canada sales@kobelt.com • www.kobelt.com KOBELT MANUFACTURING CO.LTD. • 100% Furuno designed Linux software improves stability & reduces virus risk • Fully compliant IMO systems (19" & 23.1" LCD) or Black Box ECDIS with user supplied wide glass bridge monitors are available • Simple Ethernet connection to FAR2xx7 Radars, saving thousands over complex interface kits www.FurunoUSA.com www.Facebook.com/Furuno ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System ECDIS Electronic Chart Display and Information System O n July 7, the U.S. Coast Guard issued its latest Safety Alert focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) after two new incidents were reported. During two recent vessel inspections Coast Guard Marine Inspectors par- ticipated in and witnessed occasions where the testing and maintenance of a CO2 system resulted in serious safety threats that could have easily led to loss of lives. The incidents included an accidental release in the space where a sensor was being tested that nearly resulted in a fatality and another situation where CO2 came close to being released without warning into an occupied engine room space after errors were made during routine system maintenance. CO2 fire extinguishing systems present an inherent risk to the personnel involved with their inspection, testing, and maintenance. Over the years the Coast Guard has become aware of multiple events where these systems have inad- vertently released or leaked and caused the deaths of shipboard personnel, tech- nicians and inspection personnel. CO2 system in- spection, testing, and main- tenance require thoughtful planning and risk mitigation efforts to prevent such events from happening. In the first instance, the vessel’s Chief Mate and a Coast Guard Inspector were testing the fire detection Coast Guard Issues New Safety Alert on CO2 Hazards The incidents included an accidental release in the space where a sensor was being tested that nearly resulted in a fatality and another situation where CO2 came close to being released without warning into an occupied engine room space after errors were made during routine system maintenance.