The requirements under SOLAS Chapter III/Regulations 19.3.3 and 19.3.6 (amended by MSC.350(92)) for crew member participation in onboard enclosed space entry and rescue drills once every two (2) months have entered into force on January 1, 2015. Paragraph 3.6.2.3 of Regulation 19 requires that each enclosed space entry and rescue drill includes: “checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces.” However, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) did not mandate the carriage of portable atmosphere testing instrument(s) until it adopted the new SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 by Resolution MSC.380(94), recognizing that the entry-into-force date of equipment carriage requirement is 1 July 2016.

The following new regulation 7 is added after existing regulation 6:

"Regulation 7 – Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces

Every ship to which chapter I applies shall carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments*. As a minimum, these shall be capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into enclosed spaces**. Instruments carried under other requirements may satisfy this regulation. Suitable means shall be provided for the calibration of all such instruments.

The members are kindly reminded that following the implementation of SOLAS regulation XI-1/7, the corresponding requirement of atmosphere testing instrument onboard may become the main focus of Port State Inspection. If the ship do not conform to the requirements, it is likely to result in delay of ship or even detention. The Association will pay close attention to the information about this aspect and update accordingly.