IMO’s Revised Guidelines Aim to Combat Enclosed Space Fatalities

By
Mfame Editor
-
20

 

  • Enclosed shipboard spaces remain a leading cause of fatalities due to hazardous atmospheres, with over 350 deaths recorded since 1996.
  • InterManager statistics reveal alarming trends, with 70 deaths from 43 accidents since 2022, mostly involving experienced personnel and bulk carriers.
  • IMO regulations since 1997 have aimed to mitigate risks, but fatalities persist, prompting revised recommendations in 2024 to address gaps.

Despite decades of regulatory efforts, enclosed space accidents on ships continue to claim lives, often due to hazardous atmospheres and procedural lapses. Recent statistics and case studies highlight persistent challenges, prompting the IMO to propose comprehensive revisions to its recommendations. These aim to improve hazard awareness, operational safety, and emergency preparedness for ship crews and shore personnel alike, reports Gard.

The Persistent Danger of Enclosed Spaces

InterManager data shows that from 1996 to 2025, over 350 individuals have died in enclosed shipboard spaces, with bulk carriers accounting for the highest proportion of accidents.

Alarmingly, many victims are experienced professionals, including Masters and Chief Officers, as well as shore personnel. The root causes of these incidents often involve lapses in risk awareness, procedural adherence, and communication.

A Fatal Case Study

A tragic incident involving a bulk carrier transporting zinc concentrate illustrates how well-intentioned actions can turn fatal. Two stevedores lost their lives after entering a cargo hold with depleted oxygen levels.

Investigations revealed that the crew was unaware of the stevedores’ entry, highlighting gaps in communication and hazard awareness.

Recurring Accident Patterns

Enclosed space accidents often share similar factors, such as:

  1. Disregard for risks and lack of hazard awareness.
  2. Failure to notify senior crew about entry intentions.
  3. Ineffective exercise of stop-work authority.
  4. Unapproved entry by shore personnel without crew assistance.
    Many deaths occur during instinctive rescue attempts, further compounding the tragedies.

IMO’s Regulatory Evolution

Since its first recommendations in 1997, the IMO has implemented various measures, including mandatory drills (SOLAS Reg. III/19.3.6) and portable atmosphere testing instruments (SOLAS Reg. XI-1/7).

Despite these efforts, fatalities remain high, leading to a revised framework presented in 2024.

Enhanced Recommendations and Training

The revised guidelines emphasize:

  1. Hazard awareness, especially for solid bulk cargoes.
  2. Maintenance of a ship-specific enclosed space register.
  3. Comprehensive training for personnel responsible for enclosed space activities.
  4. Improved planning to avoid risks from time pressure or simultaneous operations.
  5. Enhanced atmosphere testing, including carbon dioxide checks.
  6. Clear emergency response plans that discourage unplanned rescue attempts.

Practical Measures for Operators

Ship operators are urged to proactively adopt the new recommendations ahead of their anticipated approval in 2025.

Key steps include reviewing onboard procedures, implementing improved training programs, and ensuring compliance with updated testing and entry protocols.

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Source: Gard