Captain Dave Watkins, Deputy Director of CHIRP Maritime, reflects on the tragedy of the ANCO Duke, where seven crew members lost their lives while cleaning a tank nearly 45 years ago. The incident deeply impacted the maritime industry, leading to increased safety measures during tank entries. Despite progress, enclosed space deaths still occur, albeit in reduced numbers compared to the past, as reported by Maritime Professional.
High alertness and avoiding human errors
Captain Dave Watkins, with extensive experience on tankers, emphasizes the importance of strict safety protocols and crew unity during enclosed space entries. He highlights the need for thorough preparations, including proper equipment, ventilation, and testing before entering a tank. Watkins emphasizes the significance of leadership, discipline, and adherence to procedures without shortcuts. Rested and fit crew members, without pressure or overconfidence, are crucial for maintaining high alertness and avoiding human errors. The support of an experienced deck team, trained in emergency response, provides reassurance and ensures quick action if needed during emergencies in enclosed spaces.
Emergency response
Captain Sundeep R Sequeira from OneLearn Global emphasizes the importance of knowledge, training, and proper equipment for responding to casualties in enclosed spaces. He highlights the need for a well-planned and executed response, rather than impulsive reactions, to inspire confidence and reinforce safety protocols. Familiarity with communication procedures and notifying emergency response teams is also crucial. Raal Harris from Ocean Technologies Group emphasizes the human behavioural aspect of enclosed space issues, where individuals may overlook invisible dangers. He suggests utilizing case studies, scenarios, and gaming techniques to test knowledge application and decision-making under pressure. Training can address some factors, but there are also procedural, hardware, and ship design aspects that need attention to minimize risks, which initiatives like those by InterManager aim to address.
Safety management systems
InterManager, a global trade association for ship managers, highlights the lack of consistent recording and reporting of enclosed space accidents in the maritime industry. According to their data, 347 lives have been lost between 1999 and 2023, but the actual number may be higher due to underreporting. InterManager Secretary General, Captain Kuba Szymanski, points out the confusion surrounding the widely used IMO Resolution A1050/27 and Code of Safe Working Practices, which form the basis of onboard safety management systems. The IMO has committed to reviewing guidance on safe working in enclosed spaces, with plans expected to be confirmed in June 2023. InterManager has partnered on a submission that addresses key themes requiring attention, including design and construction, gas evolution, movement and entrapment, and the human element in enclosed space incidents. Szymanski emphasizes the need for better awareness and understanding of the dangers and procedures involved in working in enclosed spaces and calls for tabletop exercises to involve office staff and the entire command chain.
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Source: Maritime Professional
