Exposure to high levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) may have adverse effects on human health and performance, and the likelihood of such an event may be increased when situated in a confined space like a fully loaded totally enclosed motor propelled survival craft (TEMPSC). The goal of this research was to quantify the occupant complement to CO2 concentration relationship in order to provide guidance regarding TEMPSC ventilation strategies. A pool of 15 subjects was loaded systematically into a IMO-SOLAS TEMPSC in group sizes ranging from 1 to 15 persons. Repeated measures were taken, and in special cases subjects donned SOLAS-approved survival suits. Results showed that increasing the number of occupants greatly increased the amount and rate of CO2 accumulation, thereby increasing the frequency at which the TEMPSC must be ventilated to mitigate the risk of CO2 exposure.

Carbon dioxide; TEMPSC; lifeboat; habitability