NVIC 06-72: Guide to fixed fire-fighting equipment
Last reviewed: October 14, 2026
NVIC 6-72 transmits a guide explaining the basic characteristics of fixed fire-fighting equipment on merchant vessels. It describes how extinguishing agents function and what to consider when designing a system. It is explanatory only and does not amend the applicable regulations.
Applies toThe guide is intended for Coast Guard technical units, Coast Guard marine inspectors, equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, and shipyards.
What it says
The guide explains the basic characteristics of fixed fire-fighting equipment installed aboard merchant vessels.
“The purpose of the attached guide is to explain the basic characteristics of fixed fire-”
The guide discusses how the various fire extinguishing agents function and lists the important elements to consider when designing a system.
“This is accomplished by discussing how the”
This circular and the enclosed guide supersede the information previously issued as NVIC:14-65.
“This circular and the enclosed guide supersedes the information previously issued as”
The guide is intended to supplement and clarify the regulation governing installation of fixed fire-fighting equipment aboard merchant vessels.
“a supplement to and”
The guide is explanatory only. Nothing in it amends the applicable regulations.
“nothing herein shall be taken as amending the”
Revisions will be issued as necessary, and comments and suggestions are welcome.
“Comments and suggestions are welcome, and revisions will be issued as necessary.”
Common questions
Does NVIC 6-72 change the fire-fighting equipment regulations?
No. The circular says it is explanatory only and nothing in it is to be taken as amending the applicable regulations.
“It is intended to be explanatory only; nothing herein shall be taken as amending the”
What does NVIC 6-72 replace?
This circular and the enclosed guide supersede the information previously issued as NVIC:14-65.
“This circular and the enclosed guide supersedes the information previously issued as”
Will the fixed fire-fighting equipment guide be updated?
The circular expects the notes to need modification based on field use. Revisions will be issued as necessary.
“It is expected that these notes will require modification in light of their use in the field.”
The text of NVIC 06-72
U.S. Coast Guard, NVIC 06-72 (main body; enclosures not shown)
Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels
UNITED STATES COAST GUARD U.S. Coast Guard (MMT-4/82) 400 Seventh Street WASHINGTON. DC. 20590 Phone: 202-426-2197 NVIC 6-72 22 Aug 1972 NAVIGATION AND VESSEL INSPECTION CIRCULAR 6-72 CHANGE 1 INCLUDED Subj: Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels
Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels — Purpose. The purpose of the attached guide is to explain the basic characteristics of fixed fire-
fighting equipment installed aboard merchant vessels. This is accomplished by discussing how the various fire extinguishing agents function, and by enumerating the important element which must be considered when designing a system. By explaining the principles of system operation it is hoped that design and review of installations will be simplified.
Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels — Cancellation. This circular and the enclosed guide supersedes the information previously issued as
NVIC:14-65.
Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels — Objectives. The guide is intended to disseminate to Coast Guard technical units, Coast Guard
marine inspectors, equipment manufacturers, vessel owners, and shipyards a supplement to and clarification of regulation governing installation of fixed fire-fighting equipment aboard merchant vessels. It is intended to be explanatory only; nothing herein shall be taken as amending the applicable regulations, nor as prescribing nor limit mg the authority or responsibility of the Officer in Charge, Marine Inspection in the exercise of his good judgment.
Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels — Revisions. It is expected that these notes will require modification in light of their use in the field.
Comments and suggestions are welcome, and revisions will be issued as necessary. End: (1) Guide to Fixed Fire-Fighting Equipment Aboard Merchant Vessels Dist. (SDL No. 95) A: None B: n(45); c(l0) g(6); e(3); bp(l) C: m(4) D: h(2); i(2) E: o(2) F: jp(l)
Sections it refers to
- NVIC 14-65
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.