The profile of Legionella bacteria being found and contracted upon high profile offshore installations (i.e. rigs, cruise ships and other vessels), has highlighted the health and safety of both the crew and visitors upon them.

Simple regular assessment and testing of these systems for microbiological activity, biocide (disinfection control) and implementing a correct control scheme (i.e. temperature monitoring), will ultimately reduce the risks and save lives.

Current International Health Regulations (2005) and ILO 178 (2009) only apply to the countries/flag states that have ratified to them and they carry no particular weight (ships cannot be held in port). However, the ILO MLC (Maritime Labour Convention, 2006), which enters into force from January 2012 will, regardless of whether a country/flag state has ratified or not. Ships can and will be held in port if they fail initial, ongoing and/or renewal inspections for certification (Marine Labour Certificates for 500gt or above) and non certification (under 500gt). The common grounds of inspection will remain but the tests and testing frequencies will differ between countries/flag states.

Non-compliance or failed inspections can result in vessel detention

The Parker Kittiwake Marine Hygiene kits were developed to offer rigs and vessels  the complete monitoring solutions for their water systems, with the option of additional extras if required (i.e. Legionella testing, ATP monitoring and bar code readable temperature meters). Suitable control schemes with adequate testing & monitoring will aid with the compliance of the current IHR (2005), ILO 178 (2009) and ILO MLC (2006), which enters into force from January 2012. These test kits provide real time analysis and simple to perform tests which require which require no specialist training.

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