Enclosed space fatalities: a united industry response

Published: 05 September 2024

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Despite the ongoing incidents and fatalities in enclosed spaces, the shipping industry has not been complacent. It has responded to the challenge with a united front, with many industry, governmental and intergovernmental bodies issuing rules, regulations, and guidance. The collective efforts, such as the review of IMO guidelines on entry to enclosed spaces and the update of tshe United Kingdom’s Code of Safe Working Practices (COSWP), have been complemented by several individual industry initiatives. This collective action has led to the formation of a pan-maritime industry group and Enclosed Space Entry – Joint Industry Workshop meetings, demonstrating the industry's commitment to addressing this issue.

OCIMF hosted two Enclosed Space Entry—Joint Industry Workshop meetings this year. These brought leading organisations, governmental departments, and specialists together to undertake a root-and-branch review of this challenging issue. More in-person and virtual meetings are planned for later this year and beyond.

The group undertook a holistic review of all contributory factors across operational, commercial, technical, and training functions with all parties involved in the decision-making process across the two workshops. The initial workshop helped to build a deeper appreciation of the issue, and during the second one, Intermanager provided data and analytics on enclosed space accidents and fatalities. It was also noted that unintended pressure on seafarers, including third-party contractors, could be detrimental from a Human Factors perspective on how they might react and perform.

Several break-out sessions were held to brainstorm causal factors and to think about how they can be addressed, possibly through a greater understanding and clarity on the expectations of those with a say on safe operation, commercial voyage performance and the functioning of a ship. Discussions covered the need for practical and comprehensive enclosed space entry training, review of existing guidance and regulations, design of enclosed spaces, human factors, psychological drivers, and other initiatives. Consistent Leadership from the CEO, Owner, Manager and Operator at the very top through the organisation to the seafarer remains critical. This is a key component to set expectations and ensure that everyone knows that safety is a key priority, alongside managing seafarers’ care and wellbeing.

The output of these two workshops has not just been a set of actions, but a roadmap for the future of the maritime industry enclosed space issue. The industry group has agreed to meet again in Q4 to review progress and continue to develop specific outputs. Involvement is crucial to the success of these actions, and we look forward to continued active participation.

To undertake this work more inclusively, the group is interested in gathering information on accidents that have occurred within enclosed spaces, to find effective solutions for the well-being of seafarers and third-party contractors. Information can be sent to enclosedspaceaccidents@intermanager.org along with the approximate date, the ship’s name and a brief description of the accident. Accurate data gathering is essential, and the ship’s name is needed to reduce the possibility of counting an accident several times. The name of the ship will NOT be disclosed publicly.

We understand the sensitivity of the information you may share and want to assure you that your data will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. Further updates will be made in due course.

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