With most of the latest regulatory focus being on the brand new SOLAS verified gross mass rule for packed containers, one other new regulation has entered into pressure aimed at enhancing the security of seafarers getting into enclosed areas by requiring ships to hold moveable ambiance testing gear on board.

Enclosed areas are areas which have restricted openings for entry and exit, insufficient air flow and are usually not designed for steady employee occupancy. Atmosphere in any enclosed area could also be oxygen-deficient or oxygen-enriched and/or comprise flammable and/or poisonous gases or vapors.

Entering enclosed areas on ships presents a significant hazard to seafarers and has been blamed for numerous deaths over time, usually instances involving a couple of particular person at a time.

The new regulation XI-1/7 Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed areas within the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), requires ships to hold an acceptable moveable ambiance testing instrument or devices, succesful, at the least, of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapors, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, previous to entry into enclosed areas.

Enclosed areas coated by the regulation embrace cargo areas, double bottoms, gas tanks, ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms, cofferdams, chain lockers, void areas, duct keels, inter-barrier areas, boilers, engine crankcases, engine scavenge air receivers, sewage tanks, and adjoining linked areas, amongst different areas. The checklist will not be exhaustive and enclosed areas ought to be recognized and listed on a ship-by-ship foundation, the IMO says. 

Similar necessities for offshore drilling items are additionally getting into into pressure, below amendments to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (1979, 1989 and 2009 MODU Codes).   

Associated Guidelines to facilitate the collection of moveable ambiance testing devices for enclosed areas as required by SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 (MSC.1/Circ.1477) have been agreed, to facilitate the collection of a conveyable ambiance testing instrument for enclosed areas.