PSC deficiency code 07112: Emergency Escape Breathing Device and disposition
Area 07 Fire safety
An emergency escape breathing device (EEBD) gives one person enough air to get out of a smoke-filled space. Code 07112 covers the devices and their disposition, meaning where they are placed. The inspector writing it doubts that someone caught in the engine room or accommodation by smoke would find a working EEBD on the way out, and know how to put it on.
What the inspector looks at
The check is quick: count, look, and ask a crew member to show how it's used.
- Number and positions matching the fire control plan or the ship's safety plan
- Devices placed along escape routes and where people work, such as the engine control room
- Each unit sealed, with the pressure gauge in the green where the type has one
- Bag or case undamaged and the instructions on the unit legible
- Service or inspection dates per the maker's instructions and the planned maintenance system
- Training units clearly marked as such and kept apart from the working ones
- Crew members able to say what an EEBD is for and to don it quickly
Common findings
- EEBD in engine room missing from location shown on fire control plan
- EEBD pressure gauge reading zero
- EEBD seal broken, unit not serviceable
- EEBD annual inspection overdue
- Training EEBD not marked, stowed with operational units
- Crew member not familiar with donning of EEBD
- EEBD stowed inside locked cabinet in engine control room
The rule behind it
SOLAS Chapter II-2, Regulation 13 requires EEBDs in accommodation spaces and in machinery spaces; on cargo ships at least two are carried within the accommodation. The number and positions in machinery spaces follow IMO guidance, MSC/Circ.849 on the performance, location, use and care of EEBDs. The FSS Code, Chapter 3, sets the device standard, including a working time of at least 10 minutes. SOLAS II-2 Regulation 14 requires the devices to be maintained and ready for use, and EEBD familiarisation is part of the crew's fire safety training.
Action codes you are likely to see
A unit moved back to its place or a training unit relabelled during the visit is usually 10. Replacing discharged or damaged units from spares or a supplier often gets 17. An overdue inspection on units that otherwise look sound may get 16. If EEBDs are missing across a whole machinery space, and this comes with other fire safety or escape problems, the inspector may consider detention (30). See action taken codes.
How to close it
The officer in charge of fire equipment checks every EEBD against the plan and replaces discharged or damaged units. Inspection and servicing follow the maker's manual; where it calls for a service company, keep that company's report. Brief the crew on donning at the next fire drill. Keep photos, the updated inventory and the service report with the Form B. Related codes: personal equipment for fire safety and ready availability of fire fighting equipment.