InterManager Calls for Safety Improvements After Surge of Enclosed Space Deaths on Ships

InterManager, the international trade association for the ship and crew management sector, is urging the shipping industry to work together to enhance safety of enclosed spaces following eight deaths occurring in enclosed spaces on ships over the past week.

Three seafarers and five shore workers tragically lost their lives in accidents in enclosed spaces in the last seven days, bringing the total number of known deaths this year to 31, InterManger reported.

As a non-governmental organization (NGO) member of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), InterManager keeps records of theses types of incidents on behalf of the wider shipping industry and shares its finding with regulators. The records reveal that since 1996, a total of 310 people, including 224 seafarers and 86 shore personnel, have lost their lives in enclosed spaces due to 197 accidents.

“One death is too many, but eight in seven days is ridiculous,” said Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager. “This is not an isolated issue, but a problem that requires collective action from the entire shipping community. Crew members and shore workers are often placed under unrealistic time pressures to perform high-risk tasks, such as tank cleaning, and there is a lack of consistent instructions regarding procedures and protocols across ships.”

Szymanski emphasized the need for accident investigations to delve deeper into the reasons behind individuals’ decision-making and to consider the external pressures that influence those decisions. He also called for ship architects and builders to make greater efforts in designing out hazardous spaces whenever possible, stressing that no one should lose their life while performing their job.

The IMO has committed to reviewing and strengthening regulations pertaining to enclosed space entry aboard ships.

The IMO subcommittee responsible for the Carriage of Cargoes and Containers is currently revising Resolution A.1050(27), which aims to ensure the safety of personnel entering enclosed spaces on board ships. The revision is expected to be completed next year.

InterManager strongly believes that the scope of the revision should encompass both the human element and ship design factors that have contributed to past enclosed space incidents. “This comprehensive approach is necessary to mitigate and, hopefully, prevent such incidents from occurring in the future,” said Captain Szymanski.

Unlock Exclusive Insights Today!

Join the gCaptain Club for curated content, insider opinions, and vibrant community discussions.

Sign Up