ATEX-Equivalent Standards

ATEX-equivalent standards are the explosion-protection requirements for electrical equipment in hazardous areas, expressed through IEC 60079 rather than the EU ATEX directives, that SOLAS and its codes invoke for tankers, gas carriers, and gas-fueled ships. SOLAS II-1/45 and II-2/4 require certified safe-type equipment in zones where flammable vapors can collect; the IGC Code (chapter 10) and IGF Code (part A-1) specify the same equipment classes for cargo and fuel-handling spaces. The reference standard is IEC 60079, the international series the EU ATEX framework mirrors, so equipment certified to one is treated as equivalent under flag and class acceptance.