Overview
ISO 23269-1:2008 - "Ships and marine technology - Breathing apparatus for ships - Part 1: Emergency escape breathing devices (EEBD) for shipboard use" specifies performance, design and test requirements for EEBDs required by SOLAS (Chapter II‑2, Part D) and the IMO FSS Code. The standard defines EEBD purpose - to supply breathable air or oxygen for shipboard escape from accommodation and machinery spaces with a hazardous atmosphere - and clarifies that EEBDs are not intended for firefighting, entry into oxygen‑deficient tanks/voids, or for use by firefighters.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Minimum service duration: EEBDs shall provide a rated working duration of at least 10 minutes (Clause 4.1.1 / 6.1).
- Facepiece/hood design: Hoods or full facepieces must protect eyes, nose and mouth, be flame‑resistant and include a clear viewing window (Clauses 4.1.2, 4.2).
- Design safety features: No protruding/sharp parts; function in any orientation; hands‑free carry; prevention of inadvertent activation; training dummies must be non‑interchangeable with operational units (Clauses 4.1.3–4.1.13).
- Pressure & cylinder requirements: Compressed cylinder systems must have a visible, reliable charge indicator (non‑oily, non‑splintering window) and meet applicable national regulations (Clauses 4.1.5, 4.1.15).
- Environmental resistance: Specified tests for high temperature/high humidity (65 ±2 °C, ≥90% RH for 48 h), temperature cycling (−30 °C to 65 °C, 10 cycles), resonance/vibration and drop/shock to ensure durability (Clause 5).
- Performance testing: Includes leak‑tightness, total inward leakage, breathing resistance, flammability and oxygen/air supply requirements for closed‑circuit devices (Clause 6).
- Operational tests & user factors: Donning tests and practical performance tests to verify real‑world usability and instructions/marking requirements (Clause 7–9).
Applications and practical value
- Ensures compliance with SOLAS and the IMO FSS Code for mandatory shipboard EEBD carriage.
- Guides manufacturers on certification tests and design features required for commercial EEBDs.
- Assists ship operators, safety officers and procurement teams in selecting, storing and maintaining EEBDs suitable for escape use.
- Supports flag administrations, classification societies and surveyors in statutory inspections and approvals.
Who should use this standard
- EEBD manufacturers and test laboratories
- Shipowners, ship managers and safety officers
- Maritime regulators, flag states and classification societies
- Naval architects and shipbuilders specifying emergency equipment
Related standards
Normative and referenced documents include EN 1146, ISO 4674‑1, ISO 7854, ISO 9227, and industry guidance for breathing air quality (note references to EN 12021, EN 13794). These support material, testing and air‑quality requirements related to EEBDs.
Keywords: ISO 23269-1, EEBD, emergency escape breathing devices, SOLAS, FSS Code, shipboard breathing apparatus, maritime safety, ship fire safety.