NVIC 06-70: Fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilation

Last reviewed: October 14, 2026

This circular is Coast Guard guidance on fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilating equipment. It says a system listed for that use by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc. will be permitted on U.S. vessels. Each installation is approved vessel by vessel.

Applies toThe circular applies to fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilating equipment installed on board U. S. vessels.

What it says

  1. The circular informs interested parties that fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilating protection may be installed in accordance with its instructions.

    NVIC 06-70 I.“fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilating protection may be installed in accordance with the following instructions.”

  2. A fixed system designed for galley ventilating equipment and listed for that use by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Illinois will be permitted for installation on board U. S. vessels.

    “which is listed for such use by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Illinois will be permuted for installation on board U. S. vessels.”

  3. Installation shall follow the laboratories listing and labeling requirements and the manufacturer's recommended procedures.

    “Installation shall be made in accordance with the laboratories listing and labeling requirements and the manufacturer’s recommended procedures.”

  4. The list of acceptable systems and their design parameters may be found in the Underwriters' Laboratories, inc. Fire Protection Equipment List.

    “The list of acceptable systems and their design parameters may be found in the Underwriters’ Laboratories, inc. Fire Protection Equipment List.”

  5. Engineered CO systems that are currently approved by the Coast Guard may also be installed.

    “Engineered CO systems that are currently approved by the Coast Guard may also be installed.”

  6. Approval for each installation shall be given on a vessel by vessel basis, and plans should be submitted to the appropriate U. S. Coast Guard District, Merchant Marine Technical Branch for review.

    “Plans should be submitted to the appropriate U. S. Coast Guard District, Merchant Marine Technical Branch for review.”

Common questions

What types of fixed fire extinguishing systems are used in galley ventilating equipment?

The circular names three major types: dry chemical, carbon dioxide, and anti-freeze.

“There are three major types of fixed fire extinguishing systems for use in galley”

Is approval needed for each galley ventilation fire system installation?

Yes. The circular says approval for each installation shall be on a vessel by vessel basis.

“Approval for each installation shall be on a vessel by vessel basis.”

Where can I find the list of acceptable galley ventilation fire extinguishing systems?

The list of acceptable systems and their design parameters may be found in the Underwriters' Laboratories, inc. Fire Protection Equipment List.

“The list of acceptable systems and their design parameters may be found in the Underwriters’ Laboratories, inc. Fire Protection Equipment List.”

The text of NVIC 06-70

U.S. Coast Guard, NVIC 06-70 (main body; enclosures not shown)

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Use In Galley Ventilating Equipment

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION UNITED STATES COAST GUARD COMMANDANT (MMT-3) U.S. COAST GUARD WASHINGTON. D.C. 20591 NVC 6-70 23 AUG1970 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR NO. 6-70 Subject:Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Use in Galley Ventilating Equipment I. Purpose. The purpose of this circular is to inform interested parties fixed fire extinguishing systems for galley ventilating protection may be installed in accordance with the following instructions.

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Use In Galley Ventilating Equipment — Background. A ship's galley offers a natural environment for the production of fire since necessary

elements of combustion are present; heat, fuel, and oxygen. Casualty files show that fires in galley units are often complicated by the fact that the fires extend into the galley ventilating equipment. This is an area that is difficult to reach in order. to effect extinguishment.

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Use In Galley Ventilating Equipment — Discussion. There are three major types of fixed fire extinguishing systems for use in galley

ventilating equipment. They are: a. Dry Chemical b. Carbon Dioxide c. Anti-freeze Dry chemical extinguishes fires by means of its inhibiting chemical interaction with the combustion process. Carbon dioxide excludes oxygen and the anti-freeze system dispenses a liquid which turns cooking fat into soap by a process of saponification rendering it non-flammable. Each of the devices has inherent advantages and disadvantages, however, all are efficient devices when properly installed. The three types of devices are capable of manual and/ or automatic operation.

Fixed Fire Extinguishing Systems for Use In Galley Ventilating Equipment — Action. A fixed fire extinguishing system designed for use in galley ventilating equipment which is

listed for such use by Underwriters' Laboratories, Inc., Chicago, Illinois will be permuted for installation on board U. S. vessels. Installation shall be made in accordance with the laboratories listing and labeling requirements and the manufacturer’s recommended procedures. The list of acceptable systems and their design parameters may be found in the Underwriters’ Laboratories, inc. Fire Protection Equipment List. Engineered CO systems that are currently approved by the Coast Guard may also be installed. Approval for each installation shall be on a vessel by vessel basis. Plans should be submitted to the appropriate U. S. Coast Guard District, Merchant Marine Technical Branch for review.

The plain-English explanation on this page was written with AI from the regulation text above and checked automatically before publishing: every quote appears in the text, every number comes from it, and a second model confirmed each statement adds nothing the text doesn't say. The regulation text governs. RegKnot is not affiliated with the U.S. Coast Guard.