Question for Blue Code Examiners re gas flexi-pipe

[Steve Clayton]

I am obliged to comply with the MCA "Blue Code" for charter yachts. My gas flexi-pipe is due for replacement.

An extract from the code says:

Where a flexible hose is used length should be kept to a minimum, it should be protected from inadvertent damage where appropriate, it should meet the requirement of EN 1763 or equivalent and be installed in a manner that gives access for inspection along its whole length.

Q1. Is, or is not, flexi-pipe to BS 3212/2 an acceptable equivalent for EN 1763?

Q2. What is the life of hose from the date stamp? (given that visual inspection may indicate it requires earlier replacement). I've heard that this is 5 years but can find no definitive statement to this effect.

Questions have been posed to MCA - their current suggestion is that I check with my supplier.

 

[ebbtide]

If you have not alraedy done so you could read chapter 7 of the Boat Safety Scheme.
http://www.boatsafetyscheme.com/downloads/BSS_Guide_chap7.pdf

 

[Talulah]

I believe the 5 years used to be a requirement. That was dropped and now a visual inspection is all that is required.

 

[Steve Clayton]

Thanks - I'm already conversant with BSS. BSS declares BS 3212/2 and says that EN 1763 is equivalent; but that's no good for me - I cant quote BSS as a safety reference for the yacht - it must comply with Blue Code. MCA haven't been helpful (yet)

 

[Steve Clayton]

[ QUOTE ]
I believe the 5 years used to be a requirement. That was dropped and now a visual inspection is all that is required.

[/ QUOTE ]
T - any defacto reference, MCA statement, examiner confirmation, etc. would prove useful. I cant find anything

 

[Talulah]

http://www.rya.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/B793778F-5389-403F-B0A8-A013864F11FC/0/MCASCV2.pdf

This is the link for the RYA checklist document. You will find no reference to 5 years.

When I had my annual RYA inspection Peter Noice the examiner confirmed 5 years no longer applied. It was now a visual inspection.

 

[Varne850]

In the Corgi 2nd Edition LPG (Including Boats)

BS 3212 Type 2 is equivalent to BS EN1763
Hoses should be inspected regularly for signs of cracking, wear or damage. The date of manufacture will normally be stamped on the hose and it is generally recommended that all flexible hoses be replaced after 5 years.
Flexible connections should be as short as possible whilst being long enough to provide the necessary flexibility without excessive strain on the hose or the end fittings.
Hope that answers your queries
Regards
Alan Clifton

 

[VicS]

Re EN 1763 and bs 3212 type 2

This web page suggests that they are equivalent. Sorry about the actual subject but you should be able to find other references to it on the Calor websites.

The boat safety scheme having said that hoses should be marked as compliant with BS 3212/2 then adds "Note – hoses marked to BS EN 1763 class 2, 3 or 4 are acceptable"

Regarding the age I am absolutely sure thst 5 years is the recommened maximum life and I have now found it confirmed HERE

 

[Bodach na mara]

Thanks Steve, a very useful site. I have had arguments in the past with gas fitters using pre-soldered couplings, so now I know where to send them! The advice of soft copper olives is also good, as is the bit on use (or rather non-use) of sealants, but I wonder if they still sell Calortite!

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
I wonder if they still sell Calortite

[/ QUOTE ] I think you'll find it listed on the calormarine shop site. It would be appropriate to use it on tapered pipe threads even if nowhere else.