Maritime and Marine Offshore Safety

SOLAS, IMO MSC.581(110), MED, ISGOTT, STCW – the regulatory landscape for maritime safety is more demanding than ever. Whether you operate tankers, bulk carriers, container ships, cruise liners, or offshore support vessels – flag state audits and Port State Control inspections leave no room for gaps in equipment, documentation, or crew competence.

Dräger goes beyond compliance—delivering integrated solutions across gas detection, respiratory protection, fire safety, training, and service. Each is designed for your vessel type and audit readiness, and backed by ongoing expert support to protect your crew and maximise operational uptime.

⇛ See our Marine Safety Solutions

In 2016, SOLAS regulation requires ships to carry portable atmosphere testing equipment, capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide, prior to entering enclosed spaces.¹

Alarming Accident Figures:
The situation remains critical: According to InterManager's analysis², the number of casualties in enclosed space accidents nearly doubled – from 18 in 2022 to 34 in 2023. Particularly alarming: 66% of casualties were members of ship leadership, including masters and chief engineers.

^{References: 1 Enclosed space ship safety rule enters into force (imo.org) 
2 Accidents on ships under scrutiny as InterManager submits statistics to IMO - InterManager}

Fatigue, impaired judgment, slowed reaction times – alcohol and drug use on board remain a significant safety risk in maritime operations. International regulations set clear limits, but enforcement starts with the operator.

IMO & Industry Standards

Shipping companies base their drug and alcohol policies on guidelines from the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) and the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF). The IMO recommends a maximum blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% during watchkeeping duties as a minimum standard. In practice, limits vary: some companies allow up to 0.04% BAC during off-duty hours, while a growing number enforce a strict 0% policy – banning possession and consumption of alcohol on board entirely.¹

STCW: Mandatory BAC Limits

Under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW), mandatory limits for alcohol consumption apply: a BAC of no more than 0.05% or 0.25 mg/l alcohol in the breath. Individual flag states may choose to apply stricter limits.²

The objective across all frameworks is the same: prevent accidents and protect ships, cargo, and crew.

_References:

_{¹ marineinsight.com – Drug & Alcohol Policy of Ships}

_{² professionalmariner.com – STCW Rest Hour & Alcohol Rules}

Whatever vessel type you operate – Dräger provides the complete safety portfolio required on board, backed by service, maintenance, and training. One partner, one contact point – from gas detection to respiratory protection.

What you get with Dräger:

• Safety equipment approved for maritime use – compliant with SOLAS, MED, and flag state requirements.
• Service, repairs, and maintenance by trained Dräger engineers – on schedule and fully documented.
• Rental pool for all safety-relevant equipment, from portable gas detectors to personal protective equipment.
• Maritime online safety training for your crew – from gas detection handling to enclosed space entry procedures, delivered by Dräger Academy.

Your safety equipment must withstand scrutiny - during Port State Control inspections, flag State audits, and classification society surveys. Dräger products meet international maritime standards including SOLAS, the Marine Equipment Directive (MED), ISM Code requirements, and ISGOTT guidelines for tanker operations. 
Our equipment is approved by DNV which are accepted by the International association classification Society (IACS). With proper calibration certificates, maintenance documentation, and training records, you stay inspection-ready at all times.