Entry into Enclosed Space: 5 Responsibilities of Safety and Senior Officers

Building on the vital discussions from the 2025 Joint Industry Workshop and the UK Chamber of Shipping Safety Culture Conference, it is clear that addressing the risks of entry into enclosed space requires more than awareness – it requires hands-on competency, clear responsibilities, and leadership at the officer level.

Safety officers are responsible for ensuring the ship’s crew is prepared to face emergencies in enclosed spaces. This includes maintaining a safety culture onboard and enforcing industry safety procedures.

three delegates gathered around small trap door preparing for enclosed space entry

Senior Officers’ Safety Responsibility

1. Lead by Example.

Having a Senior Officer who is proactive and educated on industry regulations will encourage crew members to follow suit. Make safety procedures a key topic when onboarding new crew, creating presentations and upskilling to continue the reinforcement of the importance of safety.

2. Coordinating Rescue Plans

Rescue planning must be part of any entry into enclosed space operation. Safety officers should be able to:

Have a written rescue plan prepared before entering an enclosed space.
Identify and brief the standby team.
Make sure rescue equipment is readily available on board. This includes harnesses, retrieval lines, and stretchers.
Confirm the presence of a working oxygen resuscitator and emergency breathing apparatus.

3. Risk Evaluation and Atmosphere Testing

The officer must oversee pre-entry atmosphere checks using calibrated multi-gas detectors to monitor oxygen levels, flammable gases, and toxic vapours. The officer should continue monitoring throughout the operation.

4. Use of the Oxygen Resuscitator

An oxygen resuscitator must be readily accessible, and its use must be familiar to at least two crew members at all times. Oxygen resuscitator safety should be maintained by:

Operating procedures for oxygen resuscitation devices.
CPR in conjunction with oxygen delivery.
Weekly inspection and maintenance checks to ensure readiness.

5. Training and Drills

Safety officers are responsible for running entry into enclosed space drills. These should reflect realistic conditions, including:

Time-limited rescue scenarios.
Communications drills with the bridge and standby teams.
Deployment and operation of recovery equipment.

Creating Competent Leadership Through Practical Training

Effective enclosed space management depends on more than technical knowledge. Officers must be trained in leadership and communication, ensuring crew understand not only the ‘how’ but also the ‘why’ behind each safety step.

Training programmes should include:

Tabletop exercises with scenario-based decision-making.
Peer review of recent enclosed space entries and near misses.
Simulation-based practical assessments.

Safety officers and senior crew have a critical responsibility in the successful planning, execution, and emergency management of entry into enclosed spaces. With practical and scenario-based training, we can begin to maintain the safety of the crew. Training reinforces the safety ethos, reduces risks and saves lives.

two delegates recovering casualty as part of an entry into enclosed space courses

The Maritime Skills Academy offers an MNTB Entry into Enclosed Space training course, which we can tailor to meet the company’s procedures. These sessions, which usually run over three days, will provide officers and crew with the necessary skills to evaluate risks correctly, create safe rescue plans, and gain a better understanding of the hazards and emergency precautions when entering enclosed spaces.

With course availability for 2026, you can book here.

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.

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