Recently, during a flag state inspection, Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration officials conducted a special check on the S vessel for unauthorized entry into hazardous enclosed spaces. They found that the vessel’s *Enclosed Space Rescue Contingency Plan* required crew members to wear either a Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) or an Emergency Escape Breathing Device (EEBD) when entering enclosed spaces for rescue operations. However, the responsible personnel on board failed to fully recognize the risks of using an EEBD in such scenarios. What are the differences between an EEBD and an SCBA, and can both be used for entering enclosed spaces to perform rescues?
### I. Differences Between EEBD and SCBA
An **EEBD (Emergency Escape Breathing Device)** is designed solely for escaping hazardous gas environments or confined spaces. In contrast, an **SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus)** provides an independent oxygen supply, ensuring the user can safely escape or perform specific tasks for a limited time without relying on external air sources. Although both are respiratory protective equipment, their applicable scenarios and technical specifications differ significantly.
#### (1) Regulatory Requirements for Applicable Scenarios
International conventions, domestic regulations, and standards clearly distinguish the appropriate use cases for EEBDs and SCBAs.
For **international vessels**, the *International Code for Fire Safety Systems (FSS Code)* states: *”Emergency escape breathing devices shall not be used for firefighting, entry into oxygen-deficient enclosed spaces, or by firefighters. In these cases, self-contained breathing apparatus specifically designed for such purposes shall be used.”*
For **domestic vessels**, *GB16993 Safety Regulations for Preventing Oxygen Deficiency Hazards in Ship Enclosed Spaces* stipulates: *”Emergency rescuers must wear self-contained air respirators and must not use filter-type gas masks when entering enclosed spaces for rescue operations.”* The statutory inspection rules for domestic seagoing ships reference the FSS Code, so their requirements for EEBD usage align with the FSS Code.
#### (2) Differences in Technical Parameters
#### (3) Differences in Effectiveness
Since EEBDs are intended for emergency escape, their onboard use prioritizes convenience, whereas SCBAs are designed for rescue operations, emphasizing safety. Thus, SCBAs offer far superior protection compared to EEBDs.
EEBDs are typically placed near escape routes on each deck or platform in living quarters, machinery spaces, and engine rooms (manned watch). Ships usually carry more EEBDs than SCBAs. To facilitate quick donning during emergencies, most onboard EEBDs use a hood-style design. However, without a fully sealed facepiece, they cannot isolate the user from the surrounding atmosphere, risking inhalation of hazardous gases. Additionally, EEBDs provide only **10+ minutes of air supply** and lack low-pressure alarms, preventing users from monitoring remaining air supply.
SCBAs are generally stored in fire stations or designated firefighting equipment areas. For enhanced protection, SCBAs use full-face masks, completely isolating the user from the external environment. This allows rescuers to operate safely in toxic gas environments. With an air supply lasting **30+ minutes**, users can remain in hazardous areas longer. SCBAs also feature low-pressure alarms that activate when cylinder oxygen drops below 200L, giving users time to evacuate safely.
Clearly, SCBAs offer higher safety margins, whereas using an EEBD for rescue risks insufficient air supply or toxic gas exposure, endangering the rescuer.
### II. Lessons from Accidents Involving Improper EEBD Use in Enclosed Spaces
#### 01: Anchor Chain Locker Accident (2007)
During anchor chain repairs, two crew members collapsed inside the locker. A third crew member entered wearing an EEBD to attempt rescue but also succumbed to oxygen deprivation due to the EEBD’s limited capacity. The accident resulted in **three fatalities**.
#### 02: Oil Tanker Cargo Tank Accident (2016)
A captain permitted two crew members with EEBDs to enter a tank to retrieve a dropped sampling device. When a gas detector alarm sounded, one crew member collapsed during evacuation. Ignoring warnings, the captain entered with an EEBD and also lost consciousness, leading to his **death**.
### III. Corrective Actions and Safety Management Recommendations
Analysis confirms that **EEBDs must not be used for enclosed space rescues**. Inspectors mandated pre-departure EEBD training, emphasizing their prohibition for rescue entries, and required revisions to the vessel’s *Enclosed Space Rescue Contingency Plan*.
**Recommendations for shipping companies:**
1. Conduct safety briefings on accidents caused by unauthorized entry into hazardous enclosed spaces, highlighting the severe consequences of misusing EEBDs for rescue.
2. Strengthen audits of enclosed space entry and emergency procedures, explicitly requiring rescuers to use **SCBAs only** to ensure protocols are scientific, clear, rigorous, and actionable.
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