InterManager’s enclosed space campaign
(Posted on 15/11/18)
InterManager, the international trade association for the shipmanagement sector, has launched a campaign to encourage seafarers to think about safety issues when working in enclosed spaces and to identify measures which they believe would reduce risks.
Announcing the campaign during this week’s Crew Connect event in Manila, Philippines, Captain Kuba Szymanski, InterManager Secretary General, said: “The shipping industry has produced a wealth of rules, procedures, guidelines, leaflets etc concerned with the risks of working in enclosed spaces aboard vessels and yet seafarers are still dying while engaged in these activities.
“We want to hear from the seafarers themselves to find out why fatal mistakes are still being made? Are we missing a trick here? Is there something we haven’t taken into consideration?”
InterManager aims to eradicate or minimise unnecessary risks to life by seeking opinions from the people working in enclosed spaces. Capt Szymanski explained: “Often seafarers are considered to be part of the problem. We are encouraging them to be part of the solution by sharing their experiences and points of view. We want to know what approach those facing these risks think should be taken. Please tell us what you think is the best solution? Is there a simple, user friendly procedure, change or technology gadget which would be universally beneficial for colleagues working in enclosed spaces?”
InterManager has established a committee to consider seafarers responses with a view to producing industry guidelines and sharing best practice. Committee members include numerous shipping industry professionals with experience in dealing with Health, Safety, Environment, & Quality (HSEQ) matters.
Captain Kuba Szymanski said: “This campaign puts seafarers in the driving seat and allows them to take charge of this risk to their lives.”
Encouraging seafarers to share their views, he said: “We want to know what you believe is the best response to take when working in enclosed spaces – the approach you feel will make a real difference.”
Requesting ship operators to encourage their crew members to take part, he said: “Please ask your team for their ideas, comments or suggestions. It is important for us that as many crew members as possible participate. So maybe float this idea during onboard safety meetings or during one of the smokeos.”
In return for their assistance, seafarers could earn a Macbook Air as a prize for the best response and USD $2,000 for their vessel’s welfare fund. Responses should be received by 1st January 2019.
Latest News
Carbon Trust and ClassNK partnership
(Posted on 11/12/18)The Carbon Trust and ClassNK Consulting Service Co., Ltd. have signed an agreement to work together... Read more
UV doses must be consistent
(Posted on 11/12/18)Ballast water treatment manufacturer BIO-UV Group has noted the U.S. Administration’s approval... Read more
Lo retires after 23 Years
(Posted on 11/12/18)After over 23 years of service, Alan Lo, the Director of North’s Hong Kong office, retired on... Read more
Seafarer survives fractured spine
(Posted on 11/12/18)A Filipino seafarer is recovering in hospital after fracturing his spine falling from a ladder on 14... Read more
Thordon’s salt lugger solution
(Posted on 03/12/18)Thordon Bearings has completed a range of water-lubricated and grease-free bearing installations to... Read more
T. Parker Host Receives Strategic Investment from Metalmark Capital
(Posted on 03/12/18)Metalmark Capital Invests in Host to Fund Acquisition of Avondale and Provide Incremental Capital for... Read more
GTMaritime’s VAR agreement with Marinesat
(Posted on 03/12/18)GTMaritime has signed Marinesat as a value-added reseller to deliver its maritime-optimised communication... Read more
Pacific Basin closes new US$40m loan
(Posted on 03/12/18)Pacific Basin Shipping Limited, one of the world’s leading dry bulk shipping companies, has closed... Read more
Agreement on minimum wage for seafarers
(Posted on 27/11/18)The social partners, namely the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF) and the International... Read more
Higher earnings for Diana Shipping
(Posted on 27/11/18)Diana Shipping Inc., a global shipping company specializing in the ownership of dry bulk vessels, has... Read more
