Refers to: All SOLAS – certified vessels
Action Date: 1st July 2016

SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 [adopted by IMO Resolution MSC.380(94)] will enter into force on 1 July, 2016, and requires 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 gasses or vapors, carbon monoxide and hydrogen sulphide. Suitable means must be provided to calibrate them.

Owners should ensure they have instruments in place by the entry into force date, after which they will be surveyable items under the vessel’s Cargo Ship Safety Construction or Passenger Ship Safety survey.

Note that SOLAS regulation III/19 requires crew members to participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill on board the ship at least once every two months.

The IMO has issued guidelines to help owners and operators:

• Guidelines to facilitate the selection of portable atmosphere testing instruments for enclosed spaces as required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 (MSC.1/Circ.1477).
• Revised recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships (resolution A.1050(27)).