Breathing apparatus, EEBDs and air quality
SCBA and EEBD servicing on a calibrated test bench, hydrostatic testing of cylinders and breathing air quality testing on compressors.
Breathing apparatus and EEBDs are what the crew reach for when a space fills with smoke or gas. They have to work from the first second, with full cylinders and masks that seal completely.
Cylinders also have a statutory life of their own: test dates, inspection stamps and, for composite cylinders, a maximum service life. We track all of this by serial number.
Scope
Inspection and function testing on a calibrated test bench: high and low pressure, leak tightness, warning whistle, demand valve and mask seal.
Pressure, seals, hood and expiry date are checked; when due, units are replaced or sent to the manufacturer for servicing.
Hydrostatic testing of steel and composite cylinders, re-stamping, and condemning cylinders that fail the test or reach the end of their service life.
Air from the ship's compressor is tested for oxygen, CO, CO₂, oil and water in accordance with EN 12021, and the results are reported.
Cylinders are filled with clean, dry air to their nominal pressure.
Gas-tight suits carried on tankers and gas carriers are pressure-tested in accordance with the manufacturer's procedure.
Intervals
| Equipment / task | Interval | Basis |
|---|---|---|
| SCBA and EEBD inspection | 12 months | MSC.1/Circ.1432 |
| Breathing air quality test | 12 months | MSC.1/Circ.1432, EN 12021 |
| Cylinder hydrostatic test | 5 years, or as required by the flag state and the manufacturer | Cylinder standard, flag state |
What you receive
- Certificate per set, with cylinder serial numbers and test dates
- Air quality report for each compressor
- Service report signed on board by the master or chief officer
- Photos and clear notes for every unit that fails inspection, together with a repair quotation
Applicable rules
- SOLAS II-2/10.10
- FSS Code chapter 3
- MSC.1/Circ.1432
- EN 137
- EN 12021
- ISO 23269-1