Breathing Air Quality Testing Applications: Vessels and Marine

01.09.25 02:28 PM

Fire and Rescue breathing air quality test kit

Breathing Apparatus is an essential piece of equipment on any ship or vessel travelling the seas. It is always kept on board and provides a lifeline to staff in case of emergencies or when performing dangerous tasks. Ships utilise 2 different types of Breathing Apparatus: Self-contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) and Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBD), but for the purpose of this blog, we will be covering SCBA. This blog will detail the different scenarios in which staff in the marine industry may require SCBA, the importance of testing this equipment and how they would do this.

When would Marine Crew utilise Breathing Apparatus?

Breathing Apparatus may be used aboard a ship or vessel in emergency situations. For example, if a fire were to occur on a cruise ship, this equipment will be utilised as part of the rescue operation due to the hazardous gases and large amounts of dust emitted by fires. Breathing Apparatus may also be used on cargo ships if fires occur due to the potentially hazardous gases emitted from the materials being burnt. 

Additionally, Breathing Apparatus may be used in the event of a chemical spill. If a ship is transporting hazardous materials and experiences a leak, this could create a potentially toxic environment for the crew on board due to the evaporating chemicals. Therefore, Breathing Apparatus would be used during the evacuation and clean up procedures.

Breathing Apparatus is also used if crew are required to perform routine maintenance or repair tasks in dangerous areas. If workers are required to enter a confined space that isn’t accessed regularly or is in an area where other processes (like combustion) may occur, then there could be a concern for a lack of Oxygen or a high level of toxic gases. In situations where maintenance is essential and gas detection has indicated a hazard in the area, workers will be equipped with Breathing Apparatus to perform their tasks safely.

Why do they need to test their Breathing Air Supply?

In all of these situations, Breathing Apparatus must be tested due to the potential to become contaminated. Even if the equipment is stored and/or is not used for a long period of time, air cylinders should still be tested as storage areas can contaminate the equipment just from its ambient atmosphere (humidity, deterioration, ambient gases etc). If used frequently, Breathing Apparatus may become contaminated by gases when entering hazardous areas. Therefore, testing after each use is also vital to ensure the air your breathing is safe.

To find out more about how Breathing Apparatus can become contaminated and the dangers of this, check out our blog. 

Kwidkraw BA test kit
The Easy Gas Tubes Kwikdraw HP Breathing Air Test Kit

How do you Test your Breathing Air Supply?

Breathing apparatus is tested using a breathing air quality test kit. These contain detection tubes of each of the most common contaminants to help identify any potential issues with your breathing air. These contaminants are usually CO, CO2, Oil Mist and H2O, but people may also opt for additional O2 and Nitrous Fumes tubes as an extra precaution measure.


Easy Gas Tubes can provide the Kwikdraw breathing air quality test kit to help Marine crews in keeping their equipment safe to use. The Kwikdraw kit comes in 3 different options, with all of the above detection tubes available, compatibility for medium and high-pressure air cylinders and an additional tube pump for external testing if required.


The Kwikdraw breathing air quality test kit is also faster, lighter and lower cost than market alternatives, with the shortest flushing time and an automatic on/off valve to save on compressed air. This saves on the long terms cost of ownership, as compressed air bottles do not have to be replaced as frequently. This kit contains everything you need to complete your testing in a compact and lightweight format.

BA Test Kits

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