Enclosed Space Entry - Shipowners

Appendix 1 The following case studies have been issued by the MAIB
Case Study 1
A 12,000 gross registered tonnage foreign flagged Ro-Ro cargo vessel, operated by British
Officers, was on passage to the UK. The vessel's fuel oil was found to contain water and
during the search to find the cause, tanks were opened and inspected. The Chief Engineer
carrying out the inspection was found by a watchkeeper with his legs protruding out of a tank
manhole. He was removed from the tank and First Aid was carried out immediately, but
without success. The pathologist who carried out the post mortem, confirmed the cause of
death was due to lack of oxygen and exposure to oil fumes.
Observations
1. No forced ventilation of the tanks was used.
2. No test on the tank atmosphere was made, as the oxygen meter's battery was flat.
3. No other person was in attendance at the tank entrance.
4. Breathing apparatus was not made available.
Comment
1. There have been many similar accidents, one was reported in the MAIB Summary of
Investigations 3/93 publication, page 2. For those who have not seen the guidance
regarding safe entry into spaces it is contained in the following:
– The “Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seamen1 ” (1991 Edition),
Chapter 10 – Entering Enclosed or Confined Spaces;
– A MARITIME SAFETY CARD published by the International Maritime Organization which
sets out basic precautions on tank entry and provides a safety check list.
2. It is disturbing that officers who should be aware of the requirements for safe entry to
spaces do not carry out basic checks and take the necessary precautions.
3. For UK vessels the legislation contained in the Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous
Spaces) Regulations 1988 as amended, would apply.
1 Please note that since this case study has been published, the information on ‘Entering Enclosed or Confined Spaces’ can now
be found in Chapter 17 of the 2004 consolidated version of the ‘Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seaman’
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