Emergency Escape Breathing Device includes the following:

• Cylinder: This is a compressed air cylinder that with a capacity of about 600 litres lasting at least 15 minutes of breathing time. The cylinder is charged with breathing air compressor and suitable adapter will be used to charge it or it may be charged by an external authority in port
• Hood & face piece: This is the part that supplies oxygen to the wearer from the cylinder and covers his head and face when evacuating
• Clear window: A clear window is provided in the face piece and is made up of flame resistant material for clear sighting and smooth escaping. Also referred to as the visor, this is in place to ensure maximum practicable visibility
• Pressure Indicator: This is in place to know the remaining pressure and to know when to recharge the air in it.

SOLAS Requirement

• EEBD shall comply with Fire system safety code and a spare EEBD must be kept onboard ship for the purposes of onboard training aside from those that present to evacuate a designated space
• EEBD should be approved by the authority.
• All cargo ships must carry at least 2 EEBD in the accommodation area.
• All passenger ship must carry at least two EEBD in main vertical zones.
• For ships carrying more then 36 passengers, two EEBD’s are additionally required in each main vertical zone.
• EEBD is to be located in easily visible areas of machinery spaces, mostly in engine control room, workshop and near escape routes.
• Brief instruction for operation and usage is given with diagrams or pictures.

Maintenance

1. Check the indicator needle is in the green zone thus ensuring that no leak has taken place. This should be done monthly
2. Keep the device case clean. This is also to be done monthly
3. Check and record expiry dates. An EEBD is typically valid for about 15 years
4. Do not open an EEBD in a designated area. Use the training piece for the purposes of training