Loss Prevention 20 Sep, 2023 Essential Gas Detectors for Safe Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) Transport: TC & PT Sensors Required It is a requirement that all vessels carry the correct gas detection equipment onboard when carrying specific cargo; otherwise, the crew will be unable to evaluate the associated risks or hazards of the cargo carried onboard.  Download PDF Furthermore, failure to adhere to these requirements may result in the vessel facing detention during a Port State Control (PSC) inspection. The Club has noticed occasional misunderstandings regarding the suitable gas detection equipment needed for the transportation of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) types A (Hot Briquetted Iron (HBI)), B, and C. In these cases, the ship's crew mistakenly believe that gas detectors using catalytic or infrared principles would be adequate for the necessary monitoring task. The International Maritime Solid Bulk Cargoes (IMSBC) Code's DRI schedules specify that one of the hazards associated with these cargoes is their potential to gradually release hydrogen upon contact with water, especially saline water. Hydrogen is a combustible gas that can create an explosive mixture when its concentration in the air exceeds 4% by volume and reduces oxygen levels within cargo spaces. To accurately oversee the cargo, compliance with the IMSBC code mandates the presence of an appropriate detector on board when transporting this cargo for quantitative hydrogen measurements. This detector must be capable of functioning effectively in an environment with reduced oxygen levels and should be certified as safe for operation within an explosive atmosphere. As the IMSBC Code does not specifically prescribe the type of gas monitoring equipment to be utilised, there is a prevailing assumption that catalytic and infrared gas detectors are suitable for the detection of hydrogen. However, it is crucial to clarify that this assumption is not accurate. It is essential to note the following: Catalytic De