Your questions about IMO’s new recommendations for CO2 detection answered

December 3rd 2025, IMO’s new resolution with recommendations for enclosed space entry officially superseded the previous version from 2011.

The MSC.581(110), as the standard is called, contains:

• More structured procedures for risk assessment, responsibilities, and rescue planning.
• Stronger requirements for training, drills, and enclosed space registers.
• Clearer recommendations for continuous atmosphere monitoring.
• Explicit inclusion of CO₂  as a critical parameter.
  

It is this final point that will make up the most significant change for most crews. So how difficult will it be to become CO₂ compliant? In this article, we will answer your most common questions.

Q: How strict are the demands for compliance?

A: Although MSC.581(110) is formally a recommendation, it is increasingly being reflected in inspections, audits and assessments conducted by flag states, vetting programs, insurers, classification societies and major charterers.

Q: What are the consequences of non-compliance?

A: We are still in the early stages of enforcement. So far, we have seen a few ships receive remarks or warnings during inspections. However, there have been no widely reported fines or detentions as of now.

However, this should not be interpreted as low risk. First of all, you should expect enforcement to grow gradually stricter as the industry adjusts to the new recommendations. Secondly, repeated remarks will lower the ship’s commercial rating.

If you want to stay an attractive option for major charterers, compliance is strongly recommended.

Q: What instruments are needed?

A: The recommended instruments to detect CO₂ are the portable detector GX-9000 before entry, and the personal detector GX-3R PRO while inside enclosed spaces. Both should be included in your enclosed space entry routines.

Q: Do compliant instruments have long delivery times?

A: Third parties have adopted IMO’s recommendations unusually quickly. This means there has built up somewhat of an industry-wide backlog as production lines ramp up.

As part of the Bruusgaard Partner Program, you will have a team ready to assist you in order to ensure compliance.