MSC.581(110)
Revised Recommendations
for Entering Enclosed
Spaces Aboard Ships
Ask an expert for adviceProtect Your Crew. Strengthen Compliance. Partner with Dräger.
The IMO has introduced MSC.581(110) to significantly improve safety during entry into enclosed spaces on ships. These updated recommendations address the ongoing risks of oxygen‑deficient, toxic, and flammable atmospheres that continue to cause serious accidents at sea.
With MSC.581(110), atmospheric testing becomes more rigorous and more precise than ever before. Oxygen levels must be at least 20.9%, and carbon dioxide must remain below 0.5% (5,000 ppm) before entry.
Crews must also verify that toxic and flammable gases are within strictly defined safe limits to ensure a hazard‑free environment.
The regulation requires every person entering an enclosed space to carry a calibrated personal gas detector, ensuring continuous monitoring throughout the entire operation.
These measures are designed to reduce fatalities, improve risk awareness, and support safer decision‑making across all vessel types.
The new requirements are clear:
- Oxygen must be at least 20.9%.
- CO₂ must stay below 0.5% (5,000 ppm).
- Flammable and toxic gases must remain within strict safe limits.
- Every crew member entering confined spaces must carry a calibrated personal gas detector
Dräger Gas Detection: Built for MSC.581(110) Compliance
Dräger’s portable gas detectors—such as the Dräger X‑am series—are engineered to meet the full scope of the new MSC 581(110) requirements.
Our technology continuously measures O₂, CO₂, flammable gases, and toxic gases, ensuring crews always have the reliable data the regulation demands.
- Accurate multi‑gas detection that aligns with all mandated atmospheric parameters.
- High‑performance sensors designed for demanding marine environments.
- Reliable, easy‑to‑calibrate detectors that support compliance and operational readiness.
- Continuous personal monitoring, exactly as required under MSC.581(110).
Dräger X-am 5600
Featuring an ergonomic design and innovative infrared sensor technology, the Dräger X-am® 5600 is the smallest gas detection instrument for the measurement of up to 6 gases. And meets the MSC.581(110). Ideal for personal monitoring applications, this robust and water-tight detector provides accurate, reliable measurements of explosive, combustible and toxic gases and vapors as well as oxygen.
Read moreDräger X-am 8000
Clearance measurement was never this easy and convenient: the Dräger X-am® 8000 measures up to seven toxic as well as flammable gases, vapours and oxygen all at once — either in pump or diffusion mode. The X-am 8000 complies with MSC.581(110). Innovative signaling design and handy assistant functions ensure complete safety throughout the process.
Read moreDräger X-dock
The Dräger X-dock series provides you with full control of your portable Dräger gas detection instruments. Automatic bump tests and calibrations with reduced test gas consumption and short testing times save time and money. Comprehensive documentation and evaluations provide you with a clear overview.
Read more
A intuitive guide to help every vessel type identify the best-fitting equipment Dräger solutions.
Download InfographicRecommended products - Breathing Protection Equipment
Downloads
Navigating IMO Resolution MSC.581(110)
The PDF shows how requirements have changed, explains the concept of “Atmospheric Intelligence,” and demonstrates how to practically implement the new guidelines for registers, monitoring, and documentation.
Download IMO ResolutionWhite Paper
Industry advisory: MSC.581(110)
We summarize MSC.581(110) in a compact way, explain CO₂ monitoring, the register principle, and entry/monitoring criteria — and translate it into a practical roadmap: readiness assessment, device setup, training, calibration, and documentation processes.
Download Overview
Resolution MSC.581(110) - Revised recommendations for entering enclosed sppaces enclosed space abroad ships
MSC.581(110) introduces updated IMO safety recommendations on air monitoring, making personal gas detectors mandatory and requiring structured risk management to reduce the number of fatal accidents when entering confined spaces on board ships.
Read the full report about MSC581(110)Your safety. Our Mission
MSC.581(110) is reshaping safety expectations across the maritime industry.
Dräger is ready with the tools, expertise, and technology to help you stay compliant and protect your people—today and tomorrow.
