ENTRY INTO

ENTRY INTO

ENCLOSED
SPACES
SERIES

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ENCLOSED
SPACES
SERIES

PART 1:

AWARENESS

ENTRY INTO

ENCLOSED
SPACES
SERIES

ENTRY INTO

ENCLOSED
SPACES

PART 1:

AWARENESS

SERIES

A VIDEOTEL PRODUCTION
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WARNING
Any unauthorised copying, lending, exhibition, diffusion, sale, public performance or other exploitation of the
accompanying video is strictly prohibited and may result in prosecution.
COPYRIGHT VIDEOTEL 2011
This video and accompanying workbook training package is intended to reflect the best available techniques
and practices at the time of production. It is intended purely as comment. No responsibility is accepted by
Videotel, or by any firm, corporation or organisation who or which has been in any way concerned with the
production or authorised translation, supply or sale of this video for accuracy of any information given hereon
or for any omission herefrom.

REEDEREI CLAUS-PETER OFFEN

CONSULTANT: CAPTAIN MICHAEL LLOYD

PRINT AUTHOR: SHEILA BROWNLEE
WRITER/DIRECTOR: RON TANNER
PRODUCER: ANDY BELL

V.SHIPS SHIP MANAGEMENT

DIVISION

CONTENTS

ABOUT THE
TRAINING
What is the purpose of the ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED
SPACES SERIES?

PAGE

ABOUT THE TRAINING

1. ENCLOSED SPACES OVERVIEW
2. THE HAZARDS
3. MANAGING ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY
4. EXERCISE: RECOGNISING AN
ENCLOSED SPACE
5. RESOURCES
6. ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS
7. ASSESSMENT ANSWERS

5
8
14
26
30
32
34
36

The ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES is a comprehensive guide to the

planning, preparation and safe working in enclosed spaces. It is aimed at all crew,
including the Master, on a wide range of ship types, and is intended to complement
existing training, or as a refresher.
The aims of the training are to:
A enable seafarers to recognise an enclosed space
A increase their awareness of the hazards of entering enclosed spaces
A emphasise the importance of following correct procedures for entry into
enclosed spaces, from preparing to enter through to leaving the space after
the job has been completed
A show how to test and use the necessary enclosed space equipment effectively
and safely, with a special emphasis on breathing apparatus, if required in an
emergency
A demonstrate how to carry out a rescue from an enclosed space
A promote safety culture onboard, including the need for regular training and
drills
The package consists of six videos with their accompanying workbooks. It can be used
either by individuals or, if time allows on your ship, in group training sessions.
The full list of programmes in the series is:

j PART 1: AWARENESS
PART 2: PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES
PART 3: EQUIPMENT
PART 4: ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY
PART 5: EMERGENCY PROCEDURES AND RESCUE
PART 6: CORRECT USE OF BREATHING APPARATUS
4

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / ABOUT THE TRAINING

The best practice featured in these programmes

Tips for running an effective training session

1. The procedures shown in the ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES are
considered by the industry as best practice, but it is recognised that there are
circumstances in which these procedures cannot always be followed.

Begin with an overview

2. Similarly, the enclosed space entry related equipment referred to is considered

by the industry as most appropriate for the task, but may not be available on your
ship, if for example it is not required by your flag State. References to intrinsically
safe equipment are relevant mainly to tankers and chemical carriers.

Ask questions throughout

The learning outcomes of Part 1: AWARENESS

The intended learning outcomes from this part of the ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED
SPACES SERIES are for seafarers to:
A be able to explain what an enclosed space is
A understand the hazards of entering enclosed spaces
A be aware that oxygen deficiency is the most common cause of deaths in
enclosed spaces
A be able to recognise the enclosed spaces on their ship

Tell the group what the objectives of the session are, what youre going to cover, what
theyll be able to do by the end of the session, and how long it will take.

Its a good idea to ask them questions from the start, and to encourage them to ask
you questions throughout the session.

Start discussions
Encouraging discussions in a small group will help each individual to make a
contribution to the session. But remember that some people are reluctant to speak up.

Sum up what the session has achieved

At the end, briefly pull together everything youve covered. Make sure that youve
asked for any other questions, and answered them. Ask the group what they found
most useful about the session.

And finally...
Afterwards, spend a few minutes thinking about how the session went, and how you
might want to change it next time.

A know when it might be necessary to enter an enclosed space

A gain awareness of the safeguards that are in place for safe entry of enclosed
spaces

How to use the training

The following are suggested guidelines for how to prepare for, and run, effective
training sessions with a small group.

Preparation
Think about the group
How familiar are your trainees with the ships enclosed spaces? What do they need
to know? What are the kind of questions they might ask you? What do you want this
session to achieve?

Watch the video

Which section(s) of the video do you want to concentrate on in the session? Its
important to familiarise yourself with the video in advance, so that you can anticipate
possible questions from the group and research your answers.

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / ABOUT THE TRAINING

ENCLOSED SPACES
OVERVIEW

A it could contain toxic and/or flammable gases, and/or inert gases that may
displace oxygen, or the oxygen could be used up by chemical processes (for
example corrosion, reactions with the residues from previous cargoes)
A it could contain liquids or free flowing solids
Some places on the ship, such as cargo or bunker tanks, are clearly enclosed, but
enclosed spaces do not have to be enclosed on all sides, so other spaces fall less
obviously into the category. For example, ships holds may have open tops but the
atmosphere in the lower hold may be dangerous because of the type of previous cargo
in it.
Enclosed spaces include, but are not limited to:
A cargo holds
A fresh water tanks
A ballast tanks
A duct keels
A fuel oil bunker tanks
A gas oil bunker tanks
A inter-barrier spaces e.g. cofferdams
A double bottom tank bilge water, dirty oil etc
A any lubricating storage tank

Over the years, too many seafarers have died or been seriously injured when they have
entered spaces that they had not realised were considered enclosed spaces, or when
they have gone in to rescue their colleagues.

A pipe tunnels
A sewage tanks
A pump rooms (cargo or ballast)
A spaces within the accommodation

Enclosed spaces on the ship

A chain lockers
A main engine crankcase

A large proportion of most ships consists of enclosed spaces (also known as confined
spaces), divided up into many different compartments. Spaces or areas on the open
deck can also sometimes contain pockets of gas.

A exhaust and scavenge receiver

A boiler furnaces and uptakes
A boiler air spaces and heaters

The characteristics of an enclosed space are:

A steam side of boiler

A it is large enough for a person to enter

A steam side of turbines

A it will usually only have limited openings for getting in and out

A battery lockers, CO2 rooms, nitrogen rooms

A it is usually not designed for people to live or work in continuously

A bow/stern thruster spaces, with attached mini-cofferdams for log, echo sounder

A it is not well ventilated or has no source of fresh air (e.g. ballast tanks or
cofferdams)

A some store rooms e.g. paint, chemicals, cargo or bunker samples, upper and
lower focsle stores

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 1 ENCLOSED SPACES OVERVIEW

Spaces that may change from safe to dangerous

An enclosed space that has been labelled safe may become unsafe in certain
circumstances. For example, the focsle could be sealed for several days, during which
a storm causes chemicals to break loose and give off toxic fumes.
Any space on a ship that has been kept closed for any length of time without ventilation
must be considered dangerous.
Any space can become contaminated, even if it is occasionally occupied, when
machinery is operated in it, or through leakage of gases from adjoining cargo spaces,
or as a result of substances stored there, such as old lead-acid batteries.
Even the deck may become unsafe, if, for example, gas escapes from a P/V (pressure/
vacuum) valve and drops back down on deck.
The atmosphere in enclosed spaces can change from safe to dangerous in a matter of
minutes.

Trainers notes
Exercise 1:

Trainers notes

Exercise 2:
Spend some time going around the ship and identify
6 areas that you consider to be an enclosed space.

1
2
3
4
5
6

CASE STUDY

Individually, or as a group, record your definition of

DANGEROUS VAPOURS ON DECK

an enclosed space.

A chemical tanker loaded a cargo of MARPOL Category X Crude Sulphate Turpentine

and arrangements were made for a Ship to Ship (StS) transfer with a second chemical
tanker. After this had been carried out, the first tanker carried out a mandatory
MARPOL prewash using portable washing equipment because the majority of the fixed
washing systems were defective. The washing machine water supply hose was passed
through P10 cargo tank inboard Butterworth hatch, which remained open.
As the cargo tank was washed, water mist containing cargo vapours escaped through
the open hatch as the tanks atmosphere was agitated. The vapours accumulated
around the Butterworth hatch in what was an unidentified enclosed space. The on
watch AB entered the area to isolate the cargo pump hydraulic motor valves. He was
immediately overcome and lost consciousness.
The Chief Officer and another AB attempted to rescue the unconscious AB. Neither
was wearing breathing apparatus. The Chief Officer was rapidly overcome. The second
AB also suffered the effects of vapour inhalation/oxygen depletion, but managed to
escape unaided.

10

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 1 ENCLOSED SPACES OVERVIEW

11

The Chief Officer and the first AB were rescued and taken to hospital, where they made
a full recovery.

men entered the forward store, without the knowledge of the vessels senior
officers, could not be established
A not withstanding the nature of the cargo stowed in the adjacent hold, the
ships staff did not consider the forward store to be an enclosed space,
therefore no precautions were taken before the store was entered

Trainers notes
Case study discussion:
What precautions should have been taken?
What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

Trainers notes
Case study discussion:
What precautions should have been taken?
What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

CASE STUDY
FAILURE TO RECOGNISE ENCLOSED SPACE
Two able seamen on a cargo vessel went missing and during a search of the vessel, the
bodies of the two missing crew were found at the bottom of the access ladder inside
the forward store.
The deaths were reported and an investigation into the causes and circumstances
of the accident showed that the vessel had loaded parcels of steel turnings before
sailing. Before loading, the Master had received conflicting information about the
properties of the intended cargo. Despite this uncertainty, the Master accepted the
cargo, which was in fact an IMDG Code Class 4.2 material, ferrous metal turnings. This
type of cargo is liable to self-heat, and can therefore reduce the levels of oxygen within
the cargo hold. Documentation held on board the vessel specifically prohibited the
vessel from carrying this type of cargo.
The investigation found that:
A to clear the cargo hold ventilation trunking of any build up of cargo residues
from the hold, or sea water from the deck ventilator, an earlier crew had cut
the flexible bellow pieces that were fitted adjacent to the ventilation fan. This
created a direct air path from the cargo hold into the forward store
A air in the hold, with oxygen levels of around 6% by volume, almost certainly
migrated into the forward store, leading to the asphyxiation of the two crew
members when they entered the unventilated space. The reason why the two

12

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 1 ENCLOSED SPACES OVERVIEW

13

THE
HAZARDS

Most accidents happen when people enter an enclosed space without proper
supervision and/or because they do not follow the correct procedures. Rushing
in, without proper preparation, to rescue and recover someone who is injured or
unconscious is a particularly high risk. But all these hazards can be guarded against.

Trainers notes
Ask the group:
Why do you think so many seafarers fail to take the
proper precautions when they go into an enclosed space?

Lack of oxygen
Deaths and serious injuries in enclosed spaces often occur when people do not realise
that there is not enough oxygen until it is too late and they have become too weak to
escape without help.

What can go wrong

Enclosed spaces account for the highest proportion of all deaths at sea. Even though
shipping companies issue warnings about the dangers, and provide training and
procedures for enclosed space entry, too many seafarers are still dying, and their
families suffering as a consequence.
The most common hazard from entering enclosed spaces is suffocation and death
from lack of oxygen.
Other hazards include:
A unconsciousness, injury or death from toxic gases/vapours
A injuries and fatalities from trips and falls
A injury from fire or explosion

The situation becomes even worse when they have to go through narrow openings in
order to work, or if they need to climb out of the space in order to escape.

How much oxygen do we need?

There is considerable variation on advice about, and procedures for, the safe level of
oxygen in an atmosphere.
The basis for safe entry into an enclosed space is the presence of safe and breathable
air, but safe air and breathable air are not the same thing.
Safe air is generally set at 20.8% of oxygen. However, breathable air is lower than
this, and in many pieces of legislation it is considered acceptable to enter spaces
with 19.5% oxygen. One major industrial country even allows 18%. There is no set
international standard.

A drowning in liquids or being buried under free-flowing solids

A being overcome by heat

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ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 2 THE HAZARDS

15

How lack of oxygen affects human beings

Oxygen level in the atmosphere

Effect on the body

17%

Vision starts to deteriorate

Breathing becomes faster
Heart rate increases

14-16%

6-10%

Nausea and vomiting

Unconsciousness
Death will result unless the victim is taken into the
open air and resuscitated

0-5%

Convulsions followed quickly by death

The person may survive if rescued quickly, but if
they are not resuscitated within 4 minutes, they
will suffer irreversible brain damage

Muscles become weak

Breathing becomes irregular
Fatigue sets in
Survival is possible if no bodily efforts are needed

Accidents involving lack of oxygen also include serious injuries caused by falls when
the person becomes unconscious.

have been used to put out a fire, and this would reduce the amount of oxygen
in the space. Carbon dioxide is also given off by chilled fruit.

NITROGEN BEWARE!
On tankers, nitrogen is used as an inerting medium, i.e. it displaces
oxygen in order to prevent fire or explosion. It is an odourless and
colourless gas that can cause oxygen deficiency in enclosed spaces and
at exhaust openings on deck, during purging of tanks and void spaces.
Everyone should be aware that one deep breath of 100% nitrogen will
be fatal!

Trainers notes
Ask the group:
Have you ever had difficulty breathing in an enclosed
space on board ship? Where? What was the cause of
the problem?

How is oxygen deficiency caused?

The most obvious oxygen deficient space is one that has been inerted, and inerted
spaces must never be entered. But an atmosphere can also become low in oxygen
through:
A lack of adequate ventilation
A absorption of the oxygen from the atmosphere by bulk cargoes such as
iron ore, grain, coal or tapioca, or by timber cargoes. Even leftover traces of
discharged cargoes with such properties will affect the atmosphere
A the rusting of metal, e.g. corrosion of the spaces parts, scrap metal cargo and
other oxygen-reactive cargoes, or the anchor and chain
A the build-up of hydrogen or other gases, for example in battery lockers
A inert gas escaping from a purge pipe through leaking valves or inefficiently
blanked connections
A the displacing of oxygen by other gases. For example, carbon dioxide may

16

CASE STUDY
OXYGEN DEFICIENCY
An experienced seafarer died on board a passenger cruise ship after he entered an
almost empty ballast tank.
The tanks manhole cover, which was inside a small cofferdam accessed from within the
engine room, had been removed and the seafarer had been instructed to confirm the tanks
contents. As it was not intended for him to enter the tank, no Permit To Work was issued.

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 2 THE HAZARDS

17

When the seaman was found to be missing, an experienced motorman was sent into
the cofferdam to check on his wellbeing. He found the seafarer lying at the bottom
of the empty tank and raised the alarm. The motorman then entered the tank but
collapsed when trying to recover the seaman.
After the ships emergency response team provided air to the stricken crew via inline breathing apparatus, the motorman recovered and was able to leave the tank.
However, the seafarer never regained consciousness. He had been asphyxiated in the
oxygen depleted atmosphere of the tank, which had not been inspected for several
years and was heavily corroded. It is not certain why he had entered the tank but it is
likely that it was to determine whether a small amount of water in the tank bottom was
salt or fresh water.

Toxic gases
The effects of inhaling toxic gases can vary from headaches
and eye irritation, to dizziness, paralysis, unconsciousness
and death. Sometimes there is no warning. Many toxic
and most hydrocarbon gases are odourless and invisible,
heavier than air, and dangerous concentrations may even
build up in the open air.
In enclosed spaces you should always expect pockets of gas,
which is why you should continue to test regularly for gas
while working in the space and especially when you change your position in the space.
Make sure the alarm on your gas tester works and is set properly before entering, and
leave the unit switched on to continuous operation while you are working in the space.
Be sure to take it with you when changing position and keep it within hearing range.
Otherwise you may miss the alarm and the result could be fatal.

Trainers notes

The absence of smell should NEVER be taken to indicate the absence of gas!

Case study discussion:

What precautions should have been taken?
What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

Too much oxygen

Less commonly, enclosed spaces can contain too high a level of oxygen for example,
if an oxygen cylinder is inadvertently left open. As with the lower oxygen limit, there is
no internationally recognised safe upper limit, and different countries legislative acts
set it at between 21-24%. Above this, there is a risk that the oxygen rich atmosphere
could be rapidly ignited by a spark.
Oxygen in itself will not burn or explode but it will aid combustion. It therefore follows
that in an oxygen enriched environment, combustibles such as clothing will absorb that
extra oxygen and burn more violently if ignited.

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19

insufficient cargo and this tank was subsequently not loaded.

Hazards from exposure to toxic gases

Name of gas

Source

When a person is exposed to

these gases in high
concentrations they may become
unconscious and even die.

Benzene
Hydrocarbon
gases

Hydrogen
sulphide (H2S)

Petroleum cargoes

Some crude oils,

naphtha, fuel oil,
bunker fuels, bitumens
and gas oils.
Also from organic
cargoes such as
fishmeal if it should
become damp or wet.

Mercaptans

Effect

Present in the vapours

of pentane plus cargoes
and some crude oils.

Benzene is a known cause of

cancer. Even small concentrations
of benzene vapours can affect
bone marrow and may cause
anaemia and leukaemia.
First detectable by the smell of
rotten eggs.
At low concentrations it starts
to cause nausea and eye
irritation, but as it rises, you
may lose your sense of smell,
and at high concentrations you
may become unconscious and
die in only a few minutes.
The symptoms are similar to
H2S and at high concentrations
it may be necessary to
administer oxygen.

Other toxic gas risks are:

A carbon monoxide from coal cargo
A escaping gas from a damaged controlled atmosphere container
A fumes from paint thinners or chemicals used for cleaning

CASE STUDY

For unexplained reasons, the tank remained connected to the ships common line
where the last cargo parcel was benzene. The common line had not been properly
drained and liquid benzene remained in the line. Within two minutes of the Chief Officer
entering the cargo tank he was overcome by fumes leaking and he collapsed.
The person standing by at the point of entry to the space witnessed the officer collapse
and raised the alarm. The crew responded quickly, and rescued the Chief Officer from
the tank within 15 minutes, after which he was evacuated to hospital.

Trainers notes
Case study discussion:
What precautions should have been taken?
What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

Impulsive rescues
Far too many accidents have occurred when seafarers have entered a space to rescue
one of their fellow crew members who is injured or unconscious. It is human nature to
want to save a colleague, but too many casualties have occurred when the rescuers
rush in without taking the proper precautions, because they have been overcome by
panic and have stopped thinking clearly.
If anyone who goes into an enclosed space appears to be in trouble (e.g. they
collapse, stagger, shout for help or are not contactable by the agreed method of
communication), the alarm must be raised immediately.
STOP before you go in, and stop to assess the risks.

OVERCOME BY BENZENE FUMES

The Chief Officer on a chemical tanker entered a cargo tank to inspect it, after it had
been washed and cleaned from the previous cargo. The ship was to load a cargo
of benzene in this cargo tank at the previous load port. However, the load port had

20

If you need to rescue someone from an enclosed space that has an atmosphere which
is known or suspected to be dangerous, ALWAYS put on a BA (breathing apparatus)
set before you go in.
Rescue is dealt with in detail in Part 5 of this series.

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 2 THE HAZARDS

21

Other hazards

After the inspection of the tank had been completed by the shipyard and company
representatives, the ships bosun sent an ordinary seaman (OS) to collect some debris
that had collected on the upper access ladder platform, which had no safety railings on
all three sides.
The OS descended to the platform and requested for a brush and dustpan to be
lowered in order to sweep the platform clean. He was not wearing a safety harness
with lifeline.
While an able seaman (AB) was sent to fetch the cleaning gear, the bosun observed
that the OS inside the tank appeared to be kneeling, but assumed that this pose was
to facilitate better cleaning of the platform. A few minutes later, the bosun called out
to the OS and lowered the cleaning gear on a rope. The OS rose from the kneeling
position, with his hands extended above his head in order to collect the equipment
being lowered. At this point he either suffered a black out or just lost balance and fell
backwards 12 m down to the tank bottom from the platform. The platform was only
provided with guard rails on two of its sides, and the unprotected side happened to be
the one behind the OS.

Other types of accident may occur in enclosed spaces when:

A crew members fall from height
A a barrier fails and a flood of water or free-flowing solid enters the space
A there is a fire or explosion in the space, which may be caused by equipment
that is not intrinsically safe (such as digital cameras brought in for the
purposes of inspection)
A gas testing equipment is insufficient or fails to operate, perhaps because the
units have not been replaced when expired, or because the battery is flat
A an unstable cargo collapses

An emergency alarm was immediately raised and the Chief Officer, bosun and the AB
entered the tank wearing breathing apparatus. At the same time, the Master informed
the emergency services via the yard foreman. The shipyard rescue team arrived
promptly and joined the ships team in the tank. The OS was brought on to the deck,
but regrettably was pronounced dead by the doctor.
The autopsy report stated external and internal injuries as the cause of death and
confirmed that the fall was not as a result of asphyxiation, alcohol or drugs. Tank
atmospheric checks immediately after the accident showed that there was sufficient
oxygen in the space, and the OS had probably had a momentary black out when he
stood up from the kneeling position.

CASE STUDY
FALL BACKWARDS INTO TANK
A crew member lost his life while working in a fuel oil tank at a time when the ship was
undergoing repairs in dry dock.
The tank had been prepared for entry on the previous day and was tested and passed
by the Chief Officer and shipyard chemist prior to entry for inspection. An appropriate
enclosed space entry permit was issued.

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23

Trainers notes

Trainers notes

Case study discussion:

Case study discussion:

What precautions should have been taken?

What precautions should have been taken?

What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

What other lessons can be learned from this incident?

CASE STUDY
EXPLOSION ON BULK CARRIER
A ballast tank on a bulk carrier exploded killing eight crew members.

Trainers notes

Exercise:
From the list you made in Chapter 1 of six enclosed

The explosion occurred when the ship was anchored and waiting to load a cargo of
scrap metal. Before the explosion, eight crew members had spent two hours spray
painting inside a topside ballast tank.
The explosion occurred when volatile paint fumes inside the inadequately ventilated tank
were ignited, probably by the (not intrinsically safe) electric lead light the men were using.
Three of the crew were killed when the tank ruptured. Four other members of the crew
were blown over the side of the ship. The search and rescue operation mounted by
local authorities recovered one body 23 hours later. The eighth crew member, who
was probably working inside the tank, survived the explosion but died of his injuries in
hospital 16 days later.
It emerged that the crew were not provided with adequate instructions or equipment for
the painting work and were unaware of the dangers associated with the task.

spaces on your ship, write down the hazards that you

are most likely to encounter there.
1 Space
Hazard(s)
2 Space
Hazard(s)
3 Space
Hazard(s)
4 Space
Hazard(s)
5 Space
Hazard(s)
6 Space
Hazard(s)

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25

MANAGING ENCLOSED
SPACE ENTRY

How to manage enclosed space entry

A range of safeguards exist to protect against accident and injury in enclosed spaces,
many of which are dealt with in more depth in the other programmes in this series. In
summary, they are:
A crew awareness. The Master and/or Safety Officer should hold regular meetings
with the crew to make them aware of the enclosed space hazards on board ship,
and a further meeting before each enclosed space entry
A training and drills. Training and drills should be carried out not only for normal
enclosed space entry but also for rescue from enclosed spaces, as per SOLAS
and flag State requirements. Full enclosed space entry exercises should take
place once a month
A regulations and guidelines. Guidance is available through SOLAS (the
International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea), MNTB (Merchant Navy
Training Board), ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and
Terminals), COSWP (UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen)
and many other organisations, associations, and training providers. (See Section
5: Resources)

When do seafarers have to go into an enclosed space?

It is best if possible not to enter an enclosed space at all. But there are tasks that can
only be carried out within the space, and which may be required by the company or
classification society.

A marking/tagging of the enclosed spaces. All enclosed spaces must have clearly
visible signs, indicating that they should not be entered without the proper
preparation and procedures. However, crew members should make their own
assessments and not rely entirely on signage. You will not be criticised for being
over-cautious, though you may be asked to explain your actions, or non-actions
A securing unattended spaces. It is the head of departments responsibility to
ensure that all the entrances to enclosed spaces are kept closed or otherwise
secured against entry

Crew members enter enclosed spaces for a number of reasons, including:

A inspecting the coating of a double hull or double bottom tanks (usually ballast)
A checking for the build up of mud from ballast changes
A checking whether a tank is dry before loading
A the routine inspection of ballast tanks and cofferdams
A cleaning
A maintenance: painting, repairing

A entry procedures: The ship will have procedures laid down in the SMS (Safety
Management System) for risk assessment, Permit To Work, Action Plan (also
known as the Safe System Of Work), emergencies, inspection and maintenance
of the safety equipment needed for enclosed space entry
A equipment: Depending on your type of ship and on your flag State requirements,
this may include equipment for atmosphere monitoring, respiratory protection,
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), rescue, escape, and first aid

A rescue drills
Surveyors or inspectors may also have to enter enclosed spaces to inspect and report
on their condition.

26

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 3 MANAGING ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY

27

Trainers notes
Ask the group:
What drills in enclosed space entry have you taken part in?
Was there anything that surprised you about the
experience?
What would you say is the most important thing you
learned from the drill?

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ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 3 MANAGING ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY

29

EXERCISE: RECOGNISING
AN ENCLOSED SPACE

Recognising an enclosed space

1. Using a camera (intrinsically safe if on a tanker or chemical carrier), take a series
of photos of enclosed spaces on your ship, including obvious spaces such as
cargo tanks but also more unexpected spaces such as the deck. They should
have a variety of possible hazards, unknown as well as foreseeable.
2. Hold a session with your group and start it by opening a general discussion
on enclosed spaces. You could ask:
A what are the main characteristics of an enclosed space?

Trainers notes

A what makes enclosed spaces dangerous?

A what feedback do you have on enclosed space entry on this ship or from your
experience elsewhere?
3. Give one picture to your group to discuss. Ask:
SHIPS SPACES

A is this an enclosed space?

A what is it that makes it an enclosed space?
A what are its hazards?
4. Continue, as above, with the other photos.
5. Sum up:
What have we learned?
What more could be done to identify these spaces as hazardous?

This is a suggested exercise that you (the trainer) could do before you start a new task
involving an enclosed space, or as a general session to raise awareness even if no
enclosed space entry work is currently planned. It is designed to help your team:
A recognise and identify the variety of enclosed spaces that they might
encounter
A understand what constitutes a enclosed space and why it is dangerous
A give feedback on issues involving enclosed space entry on your ship

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ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 4 EXERCISE: RECOGNISING AN ENCLOSED SPACE

31

RESOURCES

Related Videotel training programmes

Accident Files. Code 987
Breath of Fresh Air - Portable Gas Detectors. Code 650
Dont Gamble with Safety on Chemical Tankers. Code 595
Elementary First Aid. Code 832

Regulations, guidance and further training

Elementary First Aid Part 1. Code 989

International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), as amended

Emergency Response on Container Ships. Code 1112

UK Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations 1988

Hazard Series Vol 1 and Vol 2.

DSC 15/WP.4, 15 September 2010. REVISION OF THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR

ENTERING ENCLOSED SPACES ABOARD SHIPS: AMENDMENT TO SOLAS TO
MANDATE ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY AND RESCUE DRILLS

Personal Safety on Board Ship Series.

ISGOTT (International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals) Chapter 10
ENCLOSED SPACES
ICS (International Chamber of Shipping) Tanker Safety Guide (Chemicals)
Netherlands Code of Safe Working Practices Dat is Juist! (Safety First!), Section
4.1 Entering closed or confined spaces
COSWP (UK Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen) Chapter 17
ENTERING ENCLOSED OR CONFINED SPACES
IMO Assembly Resolution A.864(20) Recommendations for Entering Enclosed
Spaces Aboard Ships (as amended)

Personal Safety on Tankers. Code 970

Permit to Work System. Code 621
Safe Hot Work Procedures. Code 701
Safe Working Practices. Code 1110
Tank Cleaning, Part 3. Code 503

Useful websites
International Maritime Organization (IMO): www.imo.org
Mines Rescue Service (MRS): www.minesrescue.co.uk
Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB): www.mntb.org.uk

Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) Entry into Enclosed Spaces training criteria
Its objectives are for participants, on completion of a course based on these criteria, to
have sufficient knowledge and understanding to enable them to:

Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB): www.maib.dft.gov.uk

i recognise potential dangerous enclosed spaces aboard a vessel

ii complete a typical enclosed space entry Permit to Work
iii carry out the safe testing of an atmosphere prior to enclosed space entry using
typical industry test equipment, including knowledge of its maintenance and
testing/calibration requirements
iv carry out a safe enclosed space entry
v carry out self rescue from an enclosed space
vi carry out safety attendant role
UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency MGN 423 (M) Entry into Dangerous Spaces

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ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 5 RESOURCES

33

ASSESSMENT
QUESTIONS
1. What enclosed space hazard
causes the most deaths among
seafarers?
a)
b)
c)
d)

falls from height

lack of oxygen
toxic gases
fire

2. Which of the listed spaces is

NOT an enclosed space?
a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)

duct keel
engine crankcase
bunker tank
pump room
battery locker
deck
all of the above can become
an enclosed space in certain
circumstances

3. Enclosed spaces are enclosed

on all sides.
True or False?
4. What is generally considered to
be safe air?
a)
b)
c)
d)

air containing 5.5% oxygen

air containing 16.4% oxygen
air containing 20.8% oxygen
air containing 28.1% oxygen

5. What is often the first sign of

hydrogen sulphide (H2S) being
present in a space?
a) the smell of lemons

11. Why is it prohibited to enter a

space that has been inerted?

b) the smell of petrol

c) the smell of rotten eggs
d) the smell of burning

6. What enclosed space hazard is

caused by the rusting of metal?
a)
b)
c)
d)

toxic gas poisoning

anaemia
eye irritation
asphyxiation

a) because it will cause nausea

b) because you will die from lack of
oxygen
c) because there is an explosion
hazard
d) because it will irritate your eyes

12. If you need to rescue someone

from an enclosed space which
has an atmosphere that has
been identified as dangerous,
you must first put on a BA
(breathing apparatus) set.
True or False?

7. The only tasks that require

enclosed space entry are
cleaning and maintenance.
True or False?
8. What will be the effect of being
in an atmosphere containing
less than 6% oxygen for 4
minutes or more?
a)
b)
c)
d)

death
muscle weakness
eye disturbance
nausea and vomiting

9. If there is no unusual smell in a

space, this means that there is
no gas.
True or False?
10. All enclosed spaces must have
clearly visible signs, indicating
that they should not be entered
without the proper preparation
and procedures.
True or False?

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ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 6 ASSESSMENT QUESTIONS

35

ASSESSMENT
ANSWERS
No.

Answer

Found in section no.

False

False

False

10

True

11

12

True

36

NOTES

A space may be considered as enclosed from the point of view

of a hazardous atmosphere even if it is not enclosed on all sides

There are other reasons for going into an enclosed space,

including inspection and rescue drills

Just because there is no smell does not mean that gas is absent

ENTRY INTO ENCLOSED SPACES SERIES / PART 1: AWARENESS / 7 ASSESSMENT ANSWERS

37

NOTES

38