Enclosed space entry training
(Posted on 24/10/18)
Accidents in enclosed spaces have long been a source of serious injuries and fatalities. Analysis into these accidents shows that the underlying cause is often a failure to follow established procedures that are put in place to ensure the safety of seafarers. Whether this is due to insufficient knowledge or a disregard for safety precautions, the fact remains that effective training is required to increase the safety of enclosed space entry operations.
Seagull Maritime is offering an effective onboard course on Enclosed Space Entry that combines e-learning and practical tasks. This course has great value as the crew member does the training onboard the vessel and gets familiar with onboard procedures and safety culture. In addition, Seagull delivers e-learning modules, learning films and a distance course targeting Enclosed Space Entry.
The IMO defines an enclosed space as ‘an area on board which has limited openings for entry and exit, inadequate ventilation, or is not designed for continuous worker occupancy’. There are a number of such spaces on board ships. Contrary to many views, these are not necessarily limited in size.
When seafarers fail to follow procedures, they increase the risk of being overcome by dangerous atmospheres. In many cases, these situations are made worse when a seafarer rushes into the enclosed space to recover the casualty, leading to the rescuer becoming a victim in turn.
Seagull Maritime’s top tips for enclosed space entry:
- All crew to be trained in enclose space hazards and safe entry procedures as per SOLAS requirements and IMO recommendations.
- Managers, Masters and crew must have a zero tolerance attitude to unplanned entry into enclosed spaces.
- Cargo holds must be assumed to be dangerous until proven otherwise.
- Enclosed space openings must be rigorously controlled, with cargo hold access hatches clearly labelled with warning notices prohibiting entry without a permit.
Latest News
LR and Marshall Islands certify Helm CONNECT electronic record books
(Posted on 14/11/25)Helm Operations has announced that nine electronic record books within Helm CONNECT Logbook have been... Read more
Sailors’ Society launches increased support for Chinese seafarers
(Posted on 13/11/25)International maritime welfare charity Sailors’ Society has announced a significant expansion... Read more
NORDEN signs two-year contract with US wood pellet producer
(Posted on 10/11/25)NORDEN has signed a two-year Contract of Affreightment (COA) with Enviva to transport a significant... Read more
Algoma reports strong core results and continued fleet growth
(Posted on 10/11/25)Algoma Central Corporation has reported its results for the three and nine months ended 30 September... Read more
Damen unveils Combi Freighter 5000 ICE
(Posted on 10/11/25)Damen Shipyards Group has unveiled the latest platform in its successful cargo vessels portfolio. The... Read more
Wallem Group reaches a century in Hong Kong
(Posted on 04/11/25)Wallem Group, a leading global maritime partner, is celebrating the centenary of moving its headquarters... Read more
INTERCARGO celebrates record membership ahead of 45th Anniversary
(Posted on 04/11/25)The International Association of Dry Cargo Shipowners (INTERCARGO) is marking its 45th anniversary in... Read more
NORDEN reports net profit of US$26m in Q3 2025
(Posted on 04/11/25)Net profit for the Group amounted to USD 26 million (DKK 166 million) in the third quarter of 2025,... Read more
ClassNK releases 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)'
(Posted on 04/11/25)ClassNK has released 'Guidelines for Onboard CO2 Capture and Storage Systems (Edition 2.0)' first in... Read more
InterManager urges Seafarer participation in Enclosed-Space Safety Survey
(Posted on 27/10/25)Following the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO’s) newly tightened rules on enclosed... Read more
