The Republic of Marshall Islands (RMI) Maritime Administrator has issued a a safety advisory giving update regarding the number of enclosed space entry incidents since 2020.
Since 2020, 12 enclosed space entry incidents on RMI-flagged vessels have occurred, resulting in the loss of 16 lives. A recent incident, the report of which was recently published, resulted in the loss of three seafarers.
The Administrator has noted some similarities between these enclosed space entry incidents, including:
- Blatant disregard of the risks that exist within enclosed spaces;
- Lack of awareness of the hazards associated with enclosed space entry;
- Failure to use necessary instruments for measuring continuously the atmosphere in an enclosed space;
- Failure to notify senior crewmembers of the need/intention to enter an enclosed space;
- Failure to conduct an enclosed space rescue in accordance with established rescue procedures;
- Stop-Work Authority not properly exercised on board; and
- Entry into enclosed spaces by shore personnel without prior notification and without permission or assistance from the ship’s crew.
The Administrator strongly recommends that ship managers review and amend, as necessary, their enclosed space entry procedures to ensure they comply with the requirements outlined in RMI Marine Notice 7-041-1.