Tag: enclosed space entry

It is known that enclosed spaces incidents are on the rise amid COVID-19. In order to help prevent the loss of life in such accidents onboard, the International Group of P&I Clubs issued a series of safety animation videos.

In light of the continuing occurence of enclosed space incidents on ships, the Gard P&I Club reiterated the need for ship managers to constanly review their enclosed space entry procedures and, if necessary, revise them to ensure they comply with the applicable requirements.

It is known that too many lives are lost unnecessarily when seafarers or shore-based personnel enter enclosed spaces on board ships. In light of the situation, the International Group of P&I Clubs launched a safety animation in an effort to help prevent the loss of life in enclosed spaces onboard.

Transport Malta MSIU issued an investigation report on a crew fatality in the pump room of the crude oil tanker MT Valtamed, while at Ceyhan OPL Anchorage, Turkey, in February 2020. The autopsy found that the pump man died by n-Butane intoxication and the investigation believes that the presence of H2S in the bilge space may have also contributed, by either causing panic or unconsciousness.

RMI issued an investigation report on a crew fatality, after fall from height, onboard the product tanker PORT STANLEY, while at Guangzhou Wenchong Shipyard, China, in May 2019. The investigation highlighted an ineffective safety culture onboard, while the ship was in the shipyard.

Transport Malta issued an investigation report on a fall inside a Water Ballast Tank of the Maltese-registered heavy lift/pipelay vessel Pioneering Spirit, in January 2020. The investigation highlighted that there was no immediate barrier system around the opening in the deck, which could have prevented the fall. 

Transport Malta issued an investigation report on a serious injury to a crew member in the grey water tank of MV LA SOLOGNAIS while underway in December 2019. The report revealed that a wiper, who entered the vessel’s grey water tank, suffered from the effects of possible hydrogen sulphide inhalation.

UK MAIB issued an investigation report on the fatality of a crew member in an enclosed space onboard the fishing vessel Sunbeam off Scotland, in August 2018. The report highlighted that entering enclosed spaces without safety precautions had been normalised by the crew through many years’ operations.

INTERCARGO, The Standard Club and DNV GL jointly announced the launch of a new ventilation guide, highlighting the importance of proper ventilation for enhanced safety onboard bulk cargoes and  the different ventilation requirements that exist. The guide covers the main aspects on how and when to ventilate to control of humidity and to remove flammable and toxic gases released from cargoes.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the threat to seafarers entering toxic enclosed spaces is being compounded, as Standard Club has warned.