Maritime professionals and ship management companies are collaborating to tackle the ongoing problem of seafarer and shore worker fatalities in enclosed spaces on ships, reports InterManager.
Online Survey
InterManager, in partnership with The Nautical Institute and IMarEST, has launched a survey to gather information on the dangers of enclosed spaces on ships. The survey aims to collect feedback from seafarers to understand the root causes of accidents and identify potential solutions.
This anonymous online survey asks seafarers about the specific risks they face during enclosed space entry and their involvement in safety procedures.
InterManager’s Secretary General, Captain Kuba Szymanski, explained that a previous survey in 2018 revealed insights into why fatal errors were still occurring. Despite ongoing efforts to improve safety, statistics show that deaths in enclosed spaces continue. This new, more detailed survey intends to provide a deeper understanding of the problem and facilitate further industry action to prevent these tragedies.
Enclosed Space Accidents
Despite ongoing efforts, enclosed space accidents on ships have not significantly decreased since 1998, when InterManager began tracking them.
- In 2022 and 2023, 14 enclosed space incidents were recorded each year.
- However, casualties nearly doubled from 18 in 2022 to 34 in 2023.
- Early 2024 data shows 11 incidents with 8 seafarer and 6 contractor deaths, but reporting delays are common.
- InterManager’s data reveals that most accidents involve senior ranks or stevedores.
- Bulk carriers (41%) and tankers (23%) have the highest incident rates.
- Holds and hold access areas (51%) and cargo oil tanks (18%) are the most dangerous locations.
Kuba Szymanski emphasizes that despite numerous safety regulations, deaths continue to occur in enclosed spaces and urges seafarers to participate in the survey to help find solutions.
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Source: InterManager
