Fire suppression systems for marine vessels
How testing and servicing saves lives
Whether on land or at sea, fire suppression systems are critical for protecting people, property, and the environment. For compliance managers, asset owners, captains, skippers and operators, ensuring these systems are properly designed, installed, and maintained is not only a safety requirement but also a compliance matter when it comes to Australian and international standards.
The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) and state-wide marine safety organisations continually urge vessel owners, both private and commercial, to have fixed fire suppression systems and portable extinguishers that are regularly serviced by licensed technicians.
Delaying routine testing puts vessels at serious risk.
Even if fire seems unlikely, untested equipment is more prone to malfunction, false discharge, or complete failure, potentially leaving vessels exposed to catastrophic consequences.
Wormald Technology, a dedicated division of Wormald Australia Pty Ltd, has built a strong reputation as a leader in defence and marine industry fire protection across Australasia and the South Pacific. With extensive experience in the design, supply, installation, and commissioning of marine approved and certified fire protection, detection, safety, and security systems, Wormald Technology is the trusted and accredited partner for supporting naval, commercial and recreational fleet, deploying its life safety and asset protection solutions.
The offering includes:
- Specialist Engineering & Design Services
- Specialised fire protection systems
- Commercial and Defence/Navy MIL–SPEC gas detection systems
- Commercial and Defence/Navy MIL–SPEC fire detection systems
- Commercial and Defence/Navy MIL–SPEC fire suppression systems
- Commercial and Defence/Navy MIL–SPEC security systems
- Full Marine Service & Maintenance – onboard & onshore to AMSA (Australian Maritime Safety Authority)
- Lloyds Class Certification – Servicing & Maintaining Lloyds Flag/Classification Vessels
- ABS Class Certification – Servicing & Maintaining ABS/USA/USCG Flag/Classification Vessels
- DNV Class Certification – Servicing & Maintaining DNV Classification Vessels
As Jon Buckley, Director – Defence & Marine at Wormald Technology, explains:
“We often find vessel owners delay maintenance until something goes wrong. To ensure safety and compliance, we recommend servicing fire suppression systems every 12 months and portable extinguishers every six months. These are the recommended timeframes as stated in Australian Standard 1851 – Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment, and by the AMSA,” said Buckley.
By combining industry-leading technology with specialised expertise, Wormald Technology continues to set the benchmark in safe and fully compliant marine fire safety across defence, commercial, and private sectors.
For more information about Wormald Technology solutions, contact 1300 300 825 or visit: www.wormaldtechnology.com.au. To learn more about the Australian Maritime Safety Authority, go to: Australian Maritime Safety Authority.



