maritime skills academy | The Maritime Skills Academy

Do I Need Confined Space Training?

Is confined space training a legal requirement?

In accordance with the Confined Spaces Regulations of 1997, confined space training is mandatory for those who may need to enter or supervise a confined space. This training is the responsibility of employers and ensures risks are monitored and casualties are minimised.

The Health and Safety at Work Act of 1974 highlights employers’ responsibility to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees and anyone present on their business premises. This act is vast and can be applied in every aspect of a business’s operations, including confined space entry.

Delegates extracting a casualty during confined space training

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we have introduced a new series of confined space training courses, to ensure your team is well-trained, your duty as an employer is fulfilled, and incidents in the workplace are prevented.

Low, Medium, and High Risk Confined Spaces

Confined spaces are categorised by their level of risk and require more in-depth training the higher the entry risk. Here is how to identify a confined space risk as low, medium or high:

	Characteristics	Hazards	Training
Low-Risk	Low-risk confined spaces are well-ventilated with non-toxic air. Usually well-lit and easy to navigate with minimal obstacles.	Although hazards in a low-risk confined space are minimal, entry and exit can be dangerous, especially if a team lack the appropriate training. Using confined space equipment and emergency procedures can be hazardous without training.	Basic entry and exit. Equipment usage and emergency procedures must be taught in order for staff to legally enter a confined space.
Medium-Risk	Medium-risk confined spaces can have hazardous atmospheres. This may require breathing apparatus or PPE. There is also an increased risk of poor visibility and physical hazards.	Medium-risk environments have a higher risk of poor visibility and difficult navigation in return. This can increase the likelihood of casualties, meaning staff will need higher levels of training.	Risk assessment prior to entry is essential in medium-risk spaces. Staff must also be trained in BA set and PPE operation, communication between teams and navigation in poor visibility.
High-Risk	High-risk environments are guaranteed to have life-threatening air quality, making BA sets essential for safe entry. There is also an increased risk of engulfment and entrapment, and the need for casualty recovery and evacuation.	High-risk confined spaces are guaranteed to have poor visibility, dangerous air conditions and physical obstacles. Staff entering such conditions will require in depth training.	Given the nature of the environment, staff will need training in safety equipment, crisis management, communication, emergency evacuation and casualty recovery.

What is classed as a confined space?

In order for an area to be deemed an enclosed space, there must be either full or partial enclosure, making entry and access limited. An enclosed space will have one or more of the following hazards:

Free-flowing solids
Increased temperature
Increase in liquids
Fire or explosion
Toxic gases or lack of oxygen

Delegates exiting confined space using winch during confined space training

Common confined spaces include sewers, pipes, tunnels, confined boilers, trenches, and vaults. If you are unsure if your environment includes a confined space, get in touch with our team to discuss your training needs.

How long does a confined space training certificate last?

Confined space training generally needs renewing every three years. This ensures a company’s protocols are up to date, and staff are using the most efficient technologies to operate. However, more frequent training can reduce risks further and reduce the chance of staff letting standards and protocols slip.

Confined space training Kent

All new confined space training at the Maritime Skills Academy in Dover, Kent, covers all the essential teachings for those who may need to enter confined spaces. By utilising our state-of-the-art facilities, which include a simulated enclosed space entry way, your team will receive training that is as close to real-life experience as possible. Get in touch today to find out how our training could help you.

Damage Control Training: Practical Drills & Onboard Exercises That Work

In order for damage control training to have a valuable and lasting effect on crew, a mixture of classroom teaching and practical exercises is required.

In the heat of the moment, with high-pressure water streams pouring in every direction, logic and composure can be compromised.

Damage control delegates holding up paratech in simulation container

That’s why, at the Maritime Skills Academy, we host our training in four stages: classroom learning, dry practice, external practice, and a final exercise with a fully simulated hull breach and burst pipes.

Damage control training drills and exercises

Flooding Response and Scenarios

Using our damage control simulation container, we can replicate onboard emergencies that require crew to practice closing watertight doors, isolating compartments, and performing counterflooding and ballast adjustments.

With progressive flooding, crew will be able to manage prioritisation, evaluating which area is the greatest contributor and which will become submerged first.

Shoring and Patching Drills

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we simulate realistic water flows to train crew in the use of shores, timber, box patches and collision mats, all whilst operating under growing pressure. Putting crew in a simulated environment allows a deeper understanding of equipment capabilities and limitations.

Damage control delegates practicing leak management. Using a simulation box

Creating scenarios like this not only prepares teams for the worst but also improves cross-department cooperation and teamwork.

Communication and Command Drills

Damage control training puts a team’s communication skills to the test. Operating under loud, stressful and uncomfortable conditions can disrupt clear, effective communication and put the vessel at risk of further damage.

This is why a clear hierarchy and action plan are a necessity in emergency situations like this. If team members are all aware of their roles and who they answer to, there is no need to delegate in response to an emergency.

Four damage control delegates fitting paratech in a container during their final exercise

Similarly, using equipment to communicate across departments and to shore is essential for managing a damaged ship. Shore-based professionals will need to be aware of the ship’s condition to prepare emergency services for rescues and clear space for the vessel if an emergency stop is required.

Abandon Ship and Casualty Triage Rehearsals

If the damage is beyond management, crew will be required to organise an abandon ship scenario. At the Maritime Skills Academy, we train delegates on safe handover practices that reduce confusion and casualties.

Damage Control Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

We believe in training crew to manage damage control scenarios, using industry-standard equipment and technology that will be accessible when on board. Simulating multiple real-world scenarios that will prepare crew to work as a team to manage flooding and further damage.

Investing in regular damage control training is essential for vessels carrying valuable cargo, whether it be goods or passengers, and can save lives.

To find out more about our facilities’ damage control capabilities, find the full course details here, or to book contact our team today.

The MCA has announced new requirements for PSSR: Here’s how the changes will affect you

New changes to the STCW PSSR (Personal Safety and Social Responsibility) course have been introduced in 2026, to include more training and awareness on sexual harassment and assault.

PSSR students in classroom, learning about latest updates

New modules will be added to the course structure to ensure all crew members are educated in the prevention of violence and harassment, including bullying. Although not mandatory, it would be beneficial for all crew to be trained in the updated course structure to ensure conduct on board is to the highest standard.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for passengers?

The intention of introducing further learning to PSSR, to educate crew on violence and harassment, is to improve the social experience on board a vessel, for crew and passengers alike. Crew will be better equipped to handle onboard conflicts, manage relationships and behave appropriately. Promoting respectful, dignified conduct will result in a better passenger experience and improve the reputation of industry workers.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for crew?

For crew members updating their training, there will be little change to the course they took previously, apart from the duration being slightly longer to accommodate the new topics.

Cruise Ship sailing on a clear sunny day

Violence and harassment have always been against policy on board a vessel; however, the new training in PSSR will give crew the skills they need to de-escalate a situation and manage relationships on board.

What will the changes to PSSR mean for training companies?

Any course change requires extensive research and training. Instructors will need to become well-versed in the updated course content so that they can confidently deliver the training to the crew. It is also important for a maritime training centre to contact its clients, ensuring they are well aware of the changes and advising them on how best to proceed.

STCW students in classroom learning about PSSR

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we can help your training company stay up to date with ever-evolving course and industry regulations. If you’d like to book PSSR training for yourself or your crew, then please contact our team today to find out more.