Required by SOLAS 1974 in regulation 13 revised in 2000, all ships shall carry at least two Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (E.E.B.D.) within accommodation spaces for providing respiratory protection in toxic and oxygen deficient atmospheres.

On all ships, within the machinery spaces, E.E.B.D. shall be situated ready for use at easily visible places, which can be reached quickly and easily at any time in the event of fire.

The location of E.E.B.D. shall take into account the layout of the machinery space and the number of persons normally working in the spaces.

The E.E.B.D. should have at least a duration of service of 10 minutes and should include a hood or full face piece to protect the eyes, nose and mouth during escape, complying with the Fire Safety Systems (F.S.S.) Code.

Hoods and face pieces should be considered flame resistant and include a clear window for viewing.

An unactivated

E.E.B.D. should be capable of being carried handsfree.