USCG Proposes Rulemaking for Vessels Engaged on OCS

Safety

USCG issues Marine Safety Information Bulletin for Proposed Rulemaking for Vessels Engaged on OCS

Alerts

Confined Space Entry Dangers – Understanding Hazards

September 2, 2013

USCG safety alert The United States Coast Guard (USCG) issued a safety alert to personnel and the maritime community warning of the potential dangers of confined space entries. During two recent inspections, Coast Guard Inspectors' gas meters alarmed, preventing a potential loss of life or serious injury.In the first case, an inspector was on board a tank vessel to conduct a Port State Control Examination. In anticipation of the examination, the crew opened the hatch to the Freefall Lifeboat to let it air out. As the Inspector entered the lifeboat his gas meter alarmed and he quickly exited. Upon investigation, it was confirmed with ship's equipment that Carbon Monoxide had collected in the lifeboat. Wind conditions had been blowing exhaust from the main stack into the lifeboat. Although not a confined space by OSHA or Coast Guard standards, the risks were the same.In the second instance, while inspecting the #1 deep ballast tank on a deep draft container ship, an experienced marine inspector was going to climb through a box-like structure formed by floors and longitudinals in the #1 bay, just aft of the collision bulkhead. The "box" had only two lightening holes. Prior to entering the first lightening hole ...

Alerts