The China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has started a focused inspection campaign from January 15 to October 14, 2025, for a period of 9 months to enhance safety for personnel who access enclosed spaces aboard ships.
It is reported that during the campaign period of 9 months one such inspection will be carried out on any vessel unless some specific circumstances or situation develops onboard any vessel and comes to knowledge of MSA. Such circumstances are:
- If an accident or dangerous situation results from entry into an enclosed space.
- If significant deficiencies are found in during the initial inspection.
- If a ship is reported for severe risks in enclosed space entry management.
- If the MSA or Ministry of Transport mandates additional inspections.
MSA has said to be using a checklist like being used during CIC and following aspects are covered in the checklist
1. Are crew members responsible for enclosed space entry aware of the associated risks?
2. Are the measures in place to permit to work for visitors and crew members for enclosed space entry?
3. Is there a list of enclosed space identified?
4. Are the enclosed spaces marked and for authorized personnel only?
5. Are the atmosphere testing devices regularly checked and calibrated?
6. Are the emergency rescue equipment for enclosed space entry in good condition?
7. Are the personnel familiar with the safe entry and risk assessment procedures for enclosed space?
8. Are the personnel familiar with the operation of safety protective equipment and devices?
9. Is the enclosed space entry and rescue drill in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.3.3?
10. Is the SMS related to enclosed space operations effectively implemented on board?
In view of above all operators must inform their fleet vessel and shall also brief the joiners about the safety precaution and SMS policy for enclosed space entry. Mostly all companies have detailed procedure and checklist but we would like to highlight about one checklist item no 3 which mentions that is there list of enclosed space identified which may not have been there as mostly SMS defines the enclosed space in line with IMO Resolution A.1050 (27) as below and includes, but is not limited to, cargo spaces, double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms, cargo compressor rooms, cofferdams, chain lockers, void spaces, duct keels, inter-barrier spaces, boilers, engine crankcases, engine scavenge air receivers, sewage tanks, and adjacent connected spaces
a. limited openings for entry and exit;
b. inadequate ventilation; and
c. is not designed for continuous worker occupancy,
IMO Resolution A.1050(27) also requires to have list of ship specific list of enclosed space. The IMO resolution wording are as below
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This list is not exhaustive and a list should be produced on a ship-by-ship basis to identify enclosed spaces.
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