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Research on land-based environmental health and safety, particularly from the 1980s and 1990s, has extensively documented the adverse effects of poor indoor air quality (IAQ) on employee health and productivity. Studies have established a clear connection between exposure to substandard air quality and various respiratory problems such as coughing, asthma, and even heart arrhythmia, affecting both individuals with pre-existing conditions and those in good health. Common allergens—including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, mold, and bacteria—have been identified as primary contributors to these health issues. Given these findings, ensuring high air quality on ships is essential for safeguarding seafarers’ health, enhancing their productivity, and minimizing the risk of workplace accidents.
International Standards for Seafarer Well-being
Recognizing the importance of maintaining safe and healthy living conditions at sea, international regulatory bodies have established guidelines to protect seafarers. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) introduced noise level regulations through Resolution MSC.337(91) in 2012, while the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) of 2006 set broad standards for key aspects such as food, drinking water, and ventilation. However, the MLC does not specify exact monitoring limits for IAQ, leaving this responsibility to individual regulatory authorities.
Current Regulatory Landscape for IAQ on Ships
Several countries have enacted laws and guidelines to regulate various IAQ parameters. However, only a few strictly enforce these standards. For instance, ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 62.1 (2021) defines ventilation requirements, but compliance varies widely. Apart from Brazil, most national administrations do not mandate strict IAQ monitoring on ships. Instead, classification societies often establish such requirements. For example, the DNV Comfort Class notation assesses shipboard conditions based on indoor climate (COMF-C) and noise and vibration levels (COMF-V), assigning ratings from “acceptable” to “high.” However, compliance with these ratings is not regularly monitored or enforced by independent third-party organizations.
Findings from IAQ Assessments on Ships
To evaluate IAQ conditions, a study was conducted across 13 vessels, collecting 530 measurements covering 12 physical, chemical, and biological parameters. The results were compared to Singapore’s IAQ standards (SS554, 2021) and revealed some concerning trends:
- Carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide levels were within acceptable limits.
- Total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) exceeded limits in 5% of the measurements.
- Temperature control posed significant challenges, with 70% of readings failing to meet standards—a more complex issue on ships compared to land-based buildings.
- Particulate matter (PM) showed excessive levels in some cases:
- Respirable dust (PM4) exceeded limits in 15% of samples.
- Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) exceeded limits in 8% of cases.
- Airborne bacteria were above permissible levels in 11% of tests, although mold levels remained within limits.
Implications and the Need for Proactive IAQ Management
The findings indicate that in most cases, at least one IAQ parameter failed to comply with occupational health and public safety recommendations. This underscores the necessity for proactive air-quality management to protect crew members, who may be exposed to suboptimal conditions for extended periods.
Routine monitoring can assist shipowners and managers in making well-informed decisions regarding ventilation and overall living conditions. Additionally, it allows them to establish air quality benchmarks across their fleets and integrate IAQ improvements into their sustainability initiatives and key performance indicators.
Expert Perspectives on IAQ and Environmental Health & Safety
- Dr. Guillaume Drillet, Regional Manager of Marine Services for Asia and the Pacific at SGS, has over 20 years of experience in public and private sectors addressing environmental health and safety issues.
- Khairul Irfan, Operations Manager of SGS Singapore’s Environmental Health and Safety teams, has spent over 10 years monitoring workplace exposure to air pollutants and noise hazards.
- Dr. Umid Joshi, Technical Manager of SGS Singapore’s Environmental Health and Safety division, brings more than 20 years of expertise in evaluating workplace exposure to environmental stressors.
- Dr. Lisa Drake, who leads SGS Marine Services for the Americas, oversees IAQ and environmental safety assessments at over 600 ports worldwide, drawing on her extensive career in academia, government, and the private sector.
The issue of indoor air quality on ships is a critical but often overlooked aspect of seafarer well-being. While existing regulations set broad guidelines, more stringent enforcement and regular monitoring are necessary to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. Proactive IAQ management can lead to improved crew health, higher productivity, and a safer working environment at sea. As the shipping industry advances, integrating IAQ standards into corporate sustainability and operational strategies will be essential in fostering healthier living and working conditions for maritime workers.
