Gas-Free Survey

Gas-Freeing Regulation for Ships and Marine Vessels

Mandatory Rules for Maritime Safety and Environmental Protection

Purpose

The Gas-Freeing Regulation establishes mandatory requirements to ensure the safety of life, property, and the environment during construction, modification, maintenance, repair, and ship recycling operations on vessels and marine structures.

It regulates safe entry conditions and working procedures in hazardous spaces through gas-freeing measurements conducted before and during operations.

Scope

This regulation applies to all ships and marine vessels located within Turkish territorial waters and maritime zones.

No entry into hazardous spaces is permitted without a valid Gas-Free Certificate. Separate permits are required for hot work (welding, cutting, etc.) and cold work (non-sparking operations).

Key Definitions

Gas-Free Measurement: Gas concentration testing conducted using calibrated and certified instruments.

Gas-Free Certificate: Official document confirming that a space is safe for entry and work.

Gas-Freeing Specialist: Certified engineer or maritime professional authorized to perform gas measurements.

Hazardous Space: Enclosed areas containing flammable, explosive, or toxic substances.

Hot Work Permit: Authorization required for operations such as welding, cutting, or any spark-producing activities.

Cold Work Permit: Authorization required for non-sparking operations.

General Principles

• Gas-freeing operations must only be performed by authorized specialists.
• Entry into hazardous spaces without proper measurement is strictly prohibited.
• Re-measurement is required if work is interrupted.
• Measuring devices must be regularly calibrated by accredited institutions.

Responsibilities

Authority: Issues certifications for gas-freeing specialists and oversees compliance.

Ship Master / Ship Recycling Facility Management: Responsible for ensuring all procedures are properly implemented.

Gas-Freeing Specialist: Conducts measurements, issues certificates, and provides safety briefing to personnel.

Personnel: Must be trained in the use of respiratory protection and fire safety equipment.

Certification and Documentation

A Gas-Free Certificate is mandatory for ship recycling and maritime safety operations.

Based on measurement results, compartments are classified into safety categories, and work permits are issued accordingly.

Enforcement and Penalties

Failure to comply with the regulation results in the suspension or revocation of the specialist’s certification.

Individuals whose certification is revoked are not eligible to reapply for a period of one year.