Applicability: All SOLAS-certified vessels

SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7 will take effect on 1st July 2016, and will require the carriage of an appropriate atmosphere testing instrument or instruments for enclosed space entry.

These portable testing instruments will not be used as part of personal protective safety equipment, but as part of the ship’s equipment. They will be used to test enclosed spaces from the outside to make sure that they are safe to enter and will cover, as a minimum, the following gases: oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. Suitable means should be provided to calibrate them.

The IMO has issued guidelines to help owners and operators select appropriate testing instruments, contained in circular MSC./Circ.1477

Shipowners, ships’ operators and managers should ensure they have instruments in place at the date SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7 takes effect.

After this date, they will become items surveyed under the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Construction or Passenger Ship Safety survey.