M2125

This reporter is to be praised for raising this matter and for showing a high level of safety awareness. Enclosed spaces kill an average of 10 seafarers every year.

The definition of an enclosed space can be found in SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7 as well as The Code of Safe Working Practice (COSWP) chapter 15:

A space which is not designed for continuous worker occupancy and has either or both the following characteristics: limited openings for entry and exit and/or inadequate ventilation.

Enclosed spaces do exist on super yachts, and can include areas such as chain lockers, bunker tanks, paint lockers, battery lockers, peak tanks, cofferdams, sail lockers and void spaces. Arguably non-tank spaces are more dangerous as crews are less aware of the risks. Never assume that a space is not an enclosed space- always check!

If access to any of the above spaces is required, then proper entry procedures must be followed. These include a risk assessment (RA), a test of the atmosphere using properly calibrated portable atmosphere testing equipment and the completion of a permit to work (PtW). If the testing equipment is not on board, then entry must not be attempted. The testing equipment should be capable of testing and displaying the amounts of oxygen, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and flammable gases. Vessels which do not have properly approved and calibrated gas measuring equipment and portable gas-freeing fans should obtain them before any enclosed space entry is undertaken, and in any case the compartment should be thoroughly vented for several hours prior to entry.

Although there are some exemptions to the rules for carrying gas measuring equipment, CHIRP’s Superyacht Advisory Board were united in their belief that it should always be used, particularly as it is relatively cheap (many models cost less than $500 USD). The crew must also receive training in calibrating and using the equipment. Calibration can usually be carried out on board, although some models can only be calibrated ashore. The importance of proper recording of the maintenance of the equipment is essential and cannot be overstated.

Concerning gas-freeing fans, they should be sourced to ensure that the largest space can be thoroughly vented with enough force ventilation to ensure that no pockets of atmosphere with insufficient O₂,, toxic and/or flammable gases remain. When sampling the atmosphere, always make sure that the sampling is representative of the space to be entered- several sample points must be obtained, often at different heights off the deck.

The Advisory Board lso recommended that the 2-monthly entry and rescue drills required by SOLAS should not only focus on the physical drill and the rescue but raise awareness during the drill of what constitutes an enclosed space. It is best practice to identify these spaces eg with signage or similar (We recommend “Enclosed space – no entry allowed until all entry RA and PtW requirements are met”)