Enclosed spaces are dangerous! Only enter enclosed spaces after following this procedure fully, and taking all steps to ensure the atmosphere is safe!

Too many seafarers have died as a result of entering enclosed spaces without taking the proper and necessary precautions. The danger of these spaces cannot be underestimated, where a lack of oxygen or a toxic atmosphere can lead to death in extremely short periods of time.

Any enclosed space is dangerous, store rooms, cargo holds, tanks, voids. Some “active” spaces which aren't properly ventilated can become dangerous very quickly too.

There are various reasons that enclosed spaces can have dangerous atmospheres:

• Rust in ballast tanks will remove the oxygen from the atmosphere
• Cargoes can deplete oxygen or generate poisonous gases or fumes in their own right, eg:
o Coal will give off methane and carbon dioxide
o Some organic cargoes may generate toxic gases
• Void spaces, access trunkings can be filled with gases which can remain after the cargo has been discharged
• Leaking exhaust gases could fill a space with carbon monoxide
• Paint thinners or chemicals can give off gases which result in a dangerous atmosphere 

Nobody is to enter an enclosed space without the permission of the Master, the Chief Engineer, the Chief Officer or the Second Engineer.

Nobody is to enter an enclosed space unless the enclosed space entry procedure described below has been followed fully and properly and a record of this being done has been made.

“Enclosed Space” includes all tanks, but will also include other spaces. The Master and the Chief Engineer are required to regularly inspect the vessel to identify spaces which through the nature of their use or through lack of regular use or which for any other reason could potentially be considered enclosed spaces. It is sufficient for there to be a “potential” risk that the space could be dangerous for it to be considered an enclosed space. Enclosed spaces should be clearly marked as such. 

There are only two types of enclosed space entry, “normal” and “emergency”.

Emergency entries are only carried out to rescue people who have made a “normal” entry or in the case of extreme emergency. 

Normal access to an enclosed space may only occur when all of the following steps have been taken. In the event that any step cannot be fully completed or if the result of any check does not meet the requirements then the enclosed space entry must not be carried out.

• The Master must ensure that sufficient personnel have been made available to safely carry out the enclosed space entry and to monitor progress throughout the period that personnel are in the space.
• The space should, wherever possible, be well ventilated prior to commencing this entry procedure. In any case ventilation to the space is to be continuous throughout the entry. Should the ventilation fail at any time, those personnel in the space must leave immediately.
• As many openings into the space as possible/practical should be opened to provide additional ventilation and other means of escape.
• At least two fully charged SCBAs must be positioned immediately next to the entry point. They must remain there throughout the entry.
• The space to be entered must be suitably illuminated for entry or all personnel making the entry must carry torches of sufficient power to light their way. At least one torch must also be placed at the point of access for use in the event that an emergency entry is required.
• A system of communication must be in place between the person/people monitoring from outside the space and those making the entry. It must be tested before the entry and should it fail at any time, those in the space must leave immediately. A set “check-in” interval must be agreed.
• A means of communication must be in place between the person monitoring the entrance to the space and the OOW. It must be tested and remain active throughout the entry.
• Nobody is to enter the space until an Enclosed Space Entry Permit has been completed and the space has been determined to be “safe for entry” by a responsible officer.
• Nobody is to enter the space until the atmosphere has been tested and found safe by the responsible officer.
• At least one person in the team entering the space must have an atmosphere monitor (multi-meter) on their person and it must be switched on and remain switched on throughout the entry. If the battery runs out during the entry, all personnel in the space must leave immediately.

Enclosed Space Entry Permit
No entry into an enclosed space is to occur until an Enclosed Space Entry Permit has been fully completed.

Entry is only to take place if all of the answers on the Enclosed Space Entry Permit form are “YES”.

However, there are certain questions that allow for “N/A” as a response on the basis that the requirement may not always be possible (such as cleaning of a space). In the event that the answer to a question is “N/A” the permit must be co-signed by the Master or Chief Engineer who must ensure that the fact that the item in question has not been carried out does not in any way compromise the safety of the entry.

If an item does not have “N/A” as a possible result, then that item must be carried out before an entry may take place.

A copy of the completed permit must be posted at the entrance to the space, and a further copy must be placed on the Bridge. Enclosed Space Permit forms are to be retained onboard and filed sequentially.

The responsible officer must inform the OOW of the planned entry into the enclosed space and must also inform him when all persons are clear of the space. A record of each enclosed space entry is to be made in the deck log book. 

Of those deaths that have occurred in enclosed spaces, a large number have been as a result of individuals entering a space to try and rescue colleagues without taking proper precautions!

Take a moment and follow the necessary steps before making an emergency entry, or you may become another casualty who needs to be rescued.

An emergency entry into an enclosed space is only to be carried out to rescue people in trouble in the space. Any emergency entry into an enclosed space is a major emergency and the General Alarm should be sounded.

All equipment required for an emergency entry should be ready at the entrance to the enclosed space.

Emergency entries are only to be made by a team of at least two persons wearing full SCBA and monitored by another person at the entrance. There must be a means of communicating with those making the emergency entry.

Those entering and the person monitoring their entrance must know how long their BA air will last.

Once the initial rescue team makes their emergency entry, a relief team should begin to prepare at the entrance.

A detailed report of any emergency entry into an enclosed space is to be made to the Ship Management Team. Additionally any reports that are required by the flag state or the port state must be made.