Applicability: Owners and managers of vessels registered in Singapore and Vanuatu

The Singapore flag administration has issued Shipping Circular No.8 of 2015 and the Republic of Vanuatu has issued Fleet/Safety Letter 170415 regarding the early implementation of future amendments to SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7. The Circular and Letter require a portable atmosphere testing instrument (or instruments) to be provided as soon as possible, but no later than 1 July, 2015.

This requirement applies to all Vanuatu-registered vessels to which SOLAS Regulations apply; and to all Singapore-registered vessels to which Chapter I of the Singapore Merchant Shipping (Safety Convention) Regulations applies. Under Singapore, the application is extended to drilling/non-drilling units certified to the Code for the Construction and Equipment of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU Code).

In accordance with the amendments to SOLAS regulation XI-1/7 contained in IMO Resolution MSC.380(94):

  • Portable atmosphere testing instruments 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.

Shipowners should take into consideration MSC.1/Circ.1477 – Guidelines to Facilitate the Selection of Portable Atmosphere Testing Instruments for Enclosed Spaces as Required by SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7.

For further information 

Speak to one of our experts at your local Lloyd's Register office.

Or contact us via:

singapore-marine-services@lr.org (for Singapore queries) or statutorysupport@lr.org