Manslaughter Charge Warning for Inadequate Gas Detectors

A Martek Marine gas detection system.

Marine equipment and services company Martek Marine has warned shipping companies they could face corporate manslaughter charges if they do not carry an adequate number of maintained and certified gas detectors.

European Marine Equipment Directive (MED) approval is a legal requirement for equipment aboard EU flagged vessels and a number of non-EU flag authorities who have also signed up to the protocol where oxygen or other flammable gas is potentially present, the company said in Wednesday's press release.

"The Marine Equipment Directive relates to all European flag vessels. It's been found that many of these vessels are carrying portable detectors without MED wheelmarking," said Martek Marine Sales Director Steve Coulson.

"If an accident occurs related to a gas hazard and the detectors are found to be not certified to MED standards then corporate manslaughter charges could follow."

Last year, IMO adopted Resolution A.1050(27), which gives recommendations for entering enclosed spaces aboard ships in section 7.1:

"Appropriate testing of the atmosphere of a space should be carried out with properly calibrated equipment by persons trained in the use of the equipment. The manufacturers' instructions should be strictly followed. Testing of the space should be carried out before any person enters the space and at regular intervals thereafter until all work is completed."

Industry news site gCaptain reported last November that five crew members of the Indian-flagged LPG tanker Maharshi Krishnatreya died of asphyxiation following a gas leak while they were repairing a damaged pipe.