New Loss Prevention Video Published: The Continued Dangers of Enclosed Space Entries
The Club would like to draw Member’s attention to statistics recently published by Inter-manager, an NGO representing ship and crew managers, who recently submitted an analysis document to the IMO concerning the number of enclosed space accidents occurring on board vessels.
Enclosed space entries have long been a danger to seafarers, particularly when proper enclosed space entry and rescue procedures are not properly followed. The IMO sought to address this in 2010 with the publication of IMO Resolution A.1050(27), providing recommendations for best practices to be followed when entering enclosed spaces.
Despite the publication of this guidance, there remains a continued struggle to reduce the number of enclosed space accidents and subsequent deaths. On the contrary, there has been an overall upward trend in the number of incidents since the publication.
Since 1996, 224 seafarers and 86 shore personnel across 197 accidents have lost their lives, with 2023 being a particularly tragic year in which 31 people lost their lives.
InterManager broke down the areas on ship by percentage occurrence of where these accidents occurred since 1996. A significant quantity relating to cargo holds (41%), followed by cargo oil tanks (17%) which account for more than half of all accidents. They also broke the figures down by ship type with bulk carriers accounting for some 43% of accidents, followed by tankers (22%) and general cargo (17%).
Our new Loss Prevention video, 'Enclosed Space Entry', explores what constitutes an enclosed space, the associated dangers and hazards, and the recommended procedures to help prevent accidents.