Author: Alexandra Cayzer

Maritime Skills Academy Announces Strategic Partnership with BZ Maritime Leadership to Deliver Bespoke Maritime Leadership Training 

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA), a leading provider of maritime training and simulation, is proud to announce a new strategic partnership with BZ Maritime Leadership, specialists in developing leadership and human capabilities in the maritime sector. This collaboration will provide high-impact leadership training programmes tailored specifically for maritime professionals worldwide. 

BZ Maritime Leadership and MSA mission

With a shared vision of raising standards across the industry, the MSA and BZ Maritime Leadership are combining their expertise to offer a unique suite of courses that focus on enhancing leadership and human capability development capabilities at sea and ashore. The training will cover critical areas, including emotional intelligence, decision-making, team management, crisis leadership, and communication, all tailored to the unique demands of the maritime environment. 

Mark Jaenicke, Operations Director at the MSA, said: 

“Strong leadership is key to staying safe and working efficiently at sea. Teaming up with BZ Maritime Leadership means we can offer powerful training that builds confidence in people and help organisations succeed in today’s challenging maritime world.” 

Karl Santrian, Co-Founder of BZ Maritime Leadership, added: 

“BZ Maritime Leadership are delighted to be teaming up with the MSA as together we recognise that leadership effects every activity and outcome onboard.  Our joint programmes will elevate leadership and human capabilities with the aim of inspiring a culture of excellence in maritime safety and operations.  Focused on practicality and the unique nature of leadership and teamwork at sea, the training will have an enduring impact that will provide a great return on investment.”

Training will be available in-person, onboard, online or blended to accommodate the diverse needs of our global maritime clients. This partnership strengthens both organisations’ commitment to safety, performance, and continuous development in the maritime sector. 

For more information about the Maritime Leadership Training programmes, visit our Leadership Training Page. 

External shot of the Maritime Skills Academy now in partnership with BZ Maritime

The Maritime Skills Academy, part of Viking Maritime Group, has been a maritime leader in STCW training since 2016, providing delegates near and far with the necessary training to work at sea. 

With training centres in Dover, Portsmouth, and Gibraltar, they offer flag state-recognised courses to over 5,000 delegates annually. 

BZ Maritime Leadership specialise in maritime consultancy, leadership development, and human capability training and support.  The founders, who had successful careers as officers in the British Royal Navy, also have extensive experience delivering Leadership and Human Capability training in the maritime domain including shipping, cruise, and superyacht sectors.

All of BZ’s Training Consultants are former maritime leaders, hold high level professional qualifications, and have considerable expertise in delivering maritime leadership training.

 

Understanding the Dangers of Enclosed Space Entry on Ships: Why Training and Awareness Matter

Enclosed space entry remains a significant contributor to seafarer fatalities and poses a hidden danger on board many vessels. 

Without proper training and precautions, crew members face serious threats, including asphyxiation, toxic exposure, and entrapment in confined spaces such as ballast tanks, cargo hold and other compartments with inadequate ventilation. 

The Statistics Behind the Risk

According to the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB), “nearly 60% of fatalities in enclosed space incidents involve would-be rescuers.” These are often colleagues who rush in without protective equipment or proper procedures, attempting to save an incapacitated crewmate, putting themselves also at risk. 

Delegate climbing ladder in enclosed space

According to the IMO, enclosed space incidents account for approximately 15% of all shipboard fatalities. Over the past decade, the industry has recorded more than 100 fatalities linked to these extreme environments.

A 2020 report by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) identified insufficient training, complacency, and a lack of safety protocols as key factors in most incidents. There are regulatory frameworks in place to prevent these fatalities, which outline safety measures for entering enclosed spaces. However, the risk remains high due to lapses in training, education, and onboard culture.

 Reinforcing the Message at the Maritime Skills Academy 

At the Maritime Skills Academy (MSA), Operations Director, Mark Jaenicke, attended the UK Chamber of Shipping’s Safety Culture Conference, held in Newcastle earlier this year, where it was highlighted that enclosed space entry is a critical safety issue. 

The conference emphasised the urgent need to embed a culture of safety at all levels of maritime operations. Key discussions from industry speakers focused on the role of leadership in shaping attitudes towards risk, the value of reflective learning from incidents, and the need for stronger accountability systems on board.

The conference emphasised that safety culture encompasses not only policies and training, but also mindset, communication, and empowerment. Enclosed space entry has been cited as a prime example of where gaps in culture can lead to fatal consequences, making it essential that safety initiatives address both technical training and behavioural change.

Why Enclosed Spaces Are So Dangerous

The atmosphere inside an enclosed space can quickly become hazardous and even deadly. Possible threats may arise from reduced oxygen levels, the presence of flammable or toxic gases, and the potential for sudden shifts in pressure or contents. 

Delegate entering trap door into enclosed space

Gases, such as hydrogen sulfide or carbon monoxide, are odourless and lethal even in small concentrations. Without proper testing and monitoring, crew members may unknowingly enter an environment that is immediately harmful.

Industry Recommendations and Best Practices

To mitigate these risks, the maritime industry emphasises:

  • Robust Training – Crew members must receive MNTB or flag-state-recognised training in enclosed space entry and rescue. Training should include hazard recognition, use of gas detection instruments, proper PPE, and emergency procedures.
  • Strict Permit-to-Work Systems – No one should enter an enclosed space without a properly completed entry permit, confirming that the atmosphere has been tested and deemed safe.
  • Use of Monitoring Equipment – Continuous gas monitoring and ventilation systems must be in place before and during entry.
  • Drills and Emergency Planning – Regular emergency response drills should be conducted, including scenarios involving enclosed spaces.
  • Safety Culture and Leadership – Companies must foster a culture where safety is prioritised over speed or convenience, and crew members are empowered to stop unsafe operations.

Enclosed space entry remains a persistent and deadly risk onboard ships. Although the industry has made progress in implementing safe practices, real change comes from up-to-date training, leadership commitment, and crew vigilance.

Mark Jaenicke and Matt Horton attending the UK Chamber of shipping Safety Culture Conference

Both the UK Chamber of Shipping Safety Culture Conference and the Joint Industry Workshop reinforced the same message: 

“Investment in safety education and embracing an educational culture onboard will improve enclosed space safety and reduce fatalities.” 

 

How the MSA is Helping Reduce Enclosed Space Entry Fatalities

Through continual learning and training, our centre in Dover is equipped with a custom-built enclosed space hatch, allowing delegates to practice safe entry and exit into enclosed spaces.

With available dates for 2025, and 2026 dates soon to be released, you can view the full course details here. 

 References and Further Reading:

UK Chamber Of Shipping – Summer Lunch 2025

Join VMG Founder, Dieter Jaenicke and Operations Director, Matt Horton in Edinburgh.

Date: Tuesday 24th June 2025

Time: 12:00 – 16:45

Location: The Signet Library, Parliament Sqr, Edinburgh

Alongside approximately 220 other industry professionals, Dieter and Matt will be participating in the events activities and networking.

The lunch is a perfect opportunity to meet other industry experts, enjoy a wonderful three course meal and discuss recent maritime affairs.

Tickets are limited, so book today and join us at the UK Chamber Of Shipping Summer Lunch.