Magic Marine Ltd 08000 811 899

Removal of Halon - the law

The European Union has enacted a regulation (2037/2000 of October 2000) requiring Halon to be phased out according to a fixed timescale:

• Since 1st January 2003 it has been illegal to sell, service or recharge boat Halon extinguishers.
  This could leave your boat unprotected - and probably uninsured in case of a fire.

• Since 1st January 2004 it has been illegal to have a Halon extinguisher still installed on a boat.
  This means that you have to act now to avoid breaking this law.

This regulation also requires the safe disposal or recycling of Halon gas. It is illegal to dump the old extinguishers.

Some companies are recommending dry powder extinguishers to replace Halon systems. Dry powder can cause very significant damage to your engine, especially in the case of an accidental discharge. While considering this option, you should note that some insurers are excluding cover for the damage to an engine caused by such accidental discharge. Whilst it is a more expensive option initially, the improved fire-fighting properties of a modern gas system and the reduced risk of damage to engines and ancilliary equipment more than justifiy the initial investment.

Magic Marine are offering a full service to replace your old Halon extinguisher system with a modern HFC-227ea (also sold under the brand name FM-200) gas system. We can also arrange the removal of old Halon extinguishers and the recycling or disposal of the Halon gas if your local refuse facility is unable to accept the old extinguishers.