Many of us associate working at sea with the romance of long journeys and endless ocean views. However, the reality of everyday life on cargo ships, tankers, drilling platforms or in naval bases is much more complex. One of the less obvious, yet serious problems that sailors and employees on these facilities have to deal with is the air quality in closed spaces. The concentration of carbon dioxide (CO₂) can significantly affect the health, well-being and safety of the crew, posing a real threat in places where air exchange with the environment is limited.
Why is air quality at sea so important?
Staying in closed rooms on ships or drilling platforms is associated with many challenges. Sailors and employees spend many hours, sometimes entire days, in these conditions. When they exhale, they use up oxygen and emit carbon dioxide. Where ventilation systems are inadequate or fail, CO₂ levels can rise to dangerous levels, leading to a range of health problems.
Dangers hidden below deck
Cargo ships and tankers carry huge amounts of raw materials and goods across the world. However, what lies below deck can pose a serious risk to crews. In the holds, where chemicals, crude oil or liquefied petroleum gas are stored, chemical reactions can occur that generate CO₂. In addition, fuel is burned in engine rooms and technical rooms, where engines and generators operate, which also increases carbon dioxide levels. If these rooms are not properly ventilated, CO₂ can build up, leading to health hazards.
Drilling rigs – working in extreme conditions
Workers on drilling rigs are exposed to extreme weather conditions, but also to problems related to air quality. In closed spaces, such as engine rooms, crew quarters or control centres, limited air exchange with the surroundings encourages CO₂ to accumulate. Especially in situations where the crew stays in one place for a long time, the lack of proper ventilation can lead to serious health problems such as headaches, dizziness or even loss of consciousness.
Cruise ships – passenger comfort vs. crew health
Cruise ships are floating cities that must provide comfort not only to passengers but also to the crew. In places such as concert halls, restaurants or nightclubs, where large groups of people gather, CO₂ concentration can quickly increase. Ventilation systems are crucial here to maintain the right air quality. If they fail, the crew can experience fatigue, drowsiness or concentration problems, which can have serious consequences in an emergency.
Naval bases – life at the end of the world
Naval bases, especially those located on oil platforms or in hard-to-reach places, are home to employees for months at a time. Social rooms, bedrooms, kitchens – all of these places must be properly ventilated to ensure healthy living conditions. Unfortunately, in small, enclosed spaces where many people stay, the lack of air exchange can lead to an increase in CO₂ concentration, which affects the health and well-being of the residents.
Health consequences of too high CO₂ concentration
Too high a concentration of carbon dioxide in the air can lead to a number of health problems. Even with a moderately high CO₂ concentration, employees may experience headaches, drowsiness, fatigue, concentration problems and dizziness. In extreme cases, when the CO₂ concentration is very high, loss of consciousness or even death may occur. Long-term exposure to an environment with an increased CO₂ concentration can also lead to breathing problems and other serious health consequences. Importantly, long-term exposure to increased or even exceeded safe levels of carbon dioxide affects the quality of sleep, and thus regeneration and rest. Regardless of the functions and tasks of people working on offshore facilities, the lack of appropriate conditions for regeneration will affect the level of concentration mentioned above. The latter element can lead to potentially dangerous situations.
How to improve air quality at sea?
To ensure the safety and health of crew and passengers, it is essential to implement appropriate preventive measures:
- Regular monitoring of air quality: Use of modern gas detection systems that automatically monitor CO₂ concentration in closed rooms.
- Effective ventilation: Providing adequate ventilation systems that allow for constant air exchange and the elimination of excess CO₂.
- Crew training: Conducting regular training so that the crew is aware of the risks associated with high CO₂ concentrations and knows how to react in an emergency.
Summary
Air quality at sea is an issue that should be treated with the utmost seriousness. Workers on cargo ships, tankers, drilling platforms or offshore bases deserve working conditions that do not threaten their health or life. Ensuring adequate air quality is crucial not only for their well-being, but also for the efficiency and safety of work at sea. The introduction of modern monitoring and ventilation systems is a step towards improving working and resting conditions at sea facilities.
Let’s take care of those who face the challenges of the ocean every day, providing them with a safe and healthy working environment.
Thanks to the development of technology, regardless of the place of work, there are effective tools and systems for monitoring the quality of the internal environment. Such a solution is the Espirio system equipped with high-quality sensors that control the most important parameters, including carbon dioxide concentration. What is very important, Espirio monitors not only the level of carbon dioxide but also many other factors that affect the overall quality of the indoor environment. The occurrence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), dust (PM 2.5 and PM 10 fractions), acoustic interference, light intensity and color, and of course temperature and humidity level.
All these elements influence each other and ultimately have a direct impact on the quality of the indoor environment in which we live, working and resting.
Let’s take care of those who face the challenges of the ocean every day, providing them with a safe and healthy working environment.
