Enclosed Space Training: The Role of Technology in Protecting Seafarers

Enclosed spaces remain one of the most hazardous environments onboard vessels. In our previous blog, it was evident that crew members are most vulnerable to enclosed space emergencies and should be the priority when it comes to training.

Over the past few years, we have witnessed the development of technology both onboard and in training environments. Now we are starting to see technology that can help to reduce risks and improve enclosed space safety, including portable detection devices and remote monitoring systems.

The Growing Role of Technology in Enclosed Space Training

Although traditional safety precautions, such as practice drills, are still essential to onboard safety, the introduction of new technologies can be used on top of these practices to provide an additional level of protection. Modern technology can help responders identify hazards before entering an enclosed space. This can include: Portable multi-gas detectors, Wearable Monitoring Devices, Remote Ventilation and Purging Systems, Drones and Robotics and Communication systems.

Delegate lowering into enclosed space hatch

InterManager has collected statistics showing that since 1996, 310 people lost their lives in enclosed spaces on ships. A large number of enclosed space casualties are caused by asphyxiation or unknown dangerous gasses. Having access to life saving technology and being educated in its use can reduce the risk of casualties and ultimately, save lives.

Alignment With Industry Standards

Regulatory bodies such as The International Maritime Organization (IMO), STCW Standards and The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) all speak on the importance of educating crew on the use and risk assessment of equipment. Crew should be trained and tested to an achievable industry standard level. Similarly, technology should be kept up to date, and users should be regularly trained on how to use the equipment to its full potential.

Despite being a powerful tool, technology should not replace training and traditional safety practices. The combination of industry-standard training, STCW regulations, and education on technological advancements will give seafarers the best possible chance of safe entry into enclosed spaces.

How the Maritime Skills Academy is shaping Enclosed Space Training

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we provide Bahamas, MNTB, Ofqual and MNTB-recognised training that supports ship operators in meeting compliance requirements while building a stronger safety culture onboard. Our enclosed space training ensures your crew are prepared for onboard emergencies and in a position to operate technological equipment safely.

Two delegates aiding a simulated casualty in an enclosed space at MSA

By simulating realistic conditions, crew can be prepared to respond to emergency situations in enclosed spaces. If crew are trained in enclosed space entry and educated on the correct procedures, the risk of panic and confusion in real emergencies is significantly reduced.

Book your MNTB Entry Into Enclosed Space course with the Maritime Skills Academy to find out how we can support your crew.

Enclosed Space Entry: Training and Awareness from the Crew’s Perspective

Enclosed space entry discussions often surround the responsibilities of high-ranking officers and crew. However, younger, less experienced crew are more likely to be tasked with enclosed space entry and tasks in enclosed spaces. Which is why it is essential to gather their perspective on the current procedures and training surrounding enclosed space entry. 

The Crew Experience

For many new seafarers, enclosed spaces represent a hidden risk. Without direct experience, they may underestimate how quickly an environment can become life-threatening. Early training and mentorship are therefore critical to shaping safe behaviour.

Two enclosed space entry delegates at the bottom of a ladder

The International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) mandates that all seafarers receive training in personal safety, which includes awareness of the hazards of enclosed spaces. The Merchant Navy Training Board (MNTB) provides detailed guidance and model training frameworks that complement STCW, ensuring that crew are aware of the risks and equipped with the practical skills to manage them.

“When I first started working onboard, I didn’t fully realise how dangerous enclosed spaces could be. The training with the Maritime Skills Academy really opened my eyes – I learned how to check gases, use the equipment, and work with my team safely. It gave me the confidence to speak up if something didn’t feel right.” – Crew member who attended MSA Dover Enclosed Space Training course.

Key Challenges for Crew Members

Junior crew members can often feel the need to prove themselves to more experienced, older crew mates. This can result in rash decision making and enhanced danger in enclosed space emergencies. Proper, regular training will reduce stigma surrounding the experience hierarchy and give less experienced crew the knowledge they need to be able to perform their duties safely.

two masked delegates rescuing a casualty in an enclosed space

A lot of ships employ crew from all around the world. This is excellent for creating a multicultural, diverse workforce. However, such diversity can cause communicative barriers. By instilling universal, standard training, we can ensure that crew are prepared for an emergency.

Finally, a common disadvantage of any experienced crew, is complacency. Without regular training on changing regulations and updating certifications, crew can become complacent to emergencies onboard. Although an emergency should be, and often is, an anomaly, crew should always be prepared and trained for such cases. To ensure crew are not becoming complacent, regular training and training standards can be enforced, educating crew on regulations and emergency procedures.

Empowering Crew Through Training

At the Maritime Skills Academy, our focus is on empowering crew through training. Helping them feel comfortable and confident with their duties. Our top-class training offers:

Crew involvement in realistic drills that include them as entrants, standbys, and rescuers, aligned with STCW requirements and MNTB best practice guidance.
Encouragement of questioning and reporting unsafe practices without fear of reprisal, embedding a culture of safety accountability.
Refresher training at regular intervals, as recommended by MNTB, to combat complacency and reinforce safe practices.

By focusing on the crew’s perspective, we can see that junior crew are in need of training, not only to prevent unsafe enclosed space entry practices but also to foster a feeling of empowerment and confidence on board.

By following STCW recommendations and MNTB guidance, we can train crew in enclosed space entry safety both formally and onboard.

At the Maritime Skills Academy, we aim to provide accurate, realistic, engaging and thorough training to prepare junior seafarers for enclosed space entry and emergencies. 

To find out more about our course and book your space, click here.

Watchkeeping and Bridge Navigational Safety | 5 ways to prevent collision

The latest MCA Safety Spotlight (July 2025) shines a harsh but necessary light on the ongoing risks linked to poor bridge watchkeeping practices. Despite advances in technology and regulation, collisions, groundings, and serious accidents are still occurring due to preventable human errors.

Numerous factors can impact the safety of bridge operations, including fatigue, distraction and misuse of equipment. In accordance with the MCA safety spotlight, vigilance, leadership, and discipline are the makings of good seamanship.

1. Fatigue Is More Common Than We Think

Fatigue is one of the most underestimated risks at sea. It creeps in quietly, reducing concentration and reaction times without the watchkeeper realising. Many recent accidents—highlighted in the MCA’s case studies—can be traced back to an overworked or poorly rested crew, sometimes due to commercial pressures or insufficient manning levels.

What can help:

Ensure accurate records of working and rest hours are maintained, in compliance with STCW and ILO conventions.
Masters should have the authority and company backing to refuse unsafe watch schedules.
Implement practical fatigue management strategies, including rotating watches to allow proper rest.
Promote open reporting of fatigue without fear of blame.

Key takeaway: A well-rested watchkeeper is sharper, safer, and far more effective than a tired one.

2. Keep Distractions to a Minimum

The MCA warns that mobile phones, personal tablets, and non-navigation tasks are increasingly cited as factors in collisions and groundings. In Case 1 of their recent investigation, a fatal collision occurred due to a watchkeeper being distracted by a personal tablet and having consumed alcohol hours before the watch.

Watchkeeper on bridge talking on walki talki

What can help:

Enforce “no personal device” policies during bridge duty.
Establish clear bridge discipline—navigation comes first, always.
Conduct regular briefings on the risks of distractions and complacency.
Make use of bridge resource management (BRM) techniques to keep focus on tasks.

Key takeaway: Navigation requires 100% attention. Staying focused on the task at hand makes all the difference.

3. Watchkeeping Technology Is a Tool, Not a Replacement

Bridge technology—radar, ECDIS, and BNWAS—has significantly improved maritime safety, but it cannot replace a lookout. The MCA has found that navigational aids are sometimes muted, set incorrectly, or relied upon without cross-checking with other methods.

What can help:

Ensure radar and ECDIS alarms (CPA, zones) are set appropriately for the vessel’s environment and traffic conditions.
Train officers not just on how to use these systems, but why settings matter.
Cross-verify electronic data with visual lookout and manual plotting.
Test BNWAS and other alarms to ensure they’re functioning correctly.

Key takeaway: Technology supports safe navigation—but only when used as part of a layered safety approach.

4. Continuous Training Is Essential

The STCW convention sets the standards for watchkeepers and their qualifications. However, to achieve a high level of competency and safety, watchkeepers should participate in ongoing training, practice and refresher courses. With complacency and outdated knowledge continuing to play a huge role in navigational errors.

Watchkeepers training on bridge simulator

What can help:

Refresher training on COLREGs, Bridge Resource Management (BRM), and radar/ARPA systems.
Simulator-based exercises to rehearse collision avoidance and emergency scenarios.
Peer-to-peer learning onboard to ensure everyone understands procedures.
Make training a regular conversation, not a box-ticking exercise.

Key takeaway: Ongoing professional development is the difference between knowing the rules andapplying them instinctively under pressure.

5. Leadership and Culture Make the Difference

As figures of authority and an example for the rest of the crew, Masters, officers, and company leaders must promote a safety-first culture where proper watchkeeping is maintained. The MCA’s case studies show that weaker leadership and commercial pressures often result in best practices being overlooked.

Watchkeeper and engineer on bridge looking out the window

What can help:

Embed watchkeeping standards into your Safety Management System (SMS).
Provide Masters with clear backing from shore management to enforce proper manning and rest periods.
Invest in leadership training to reinforce standards onboard.
Encourage open reporting of near-misses without fear of blame—this builds a culture of learning.
Demonstrate leadership by walking the talk—prioritising safety over speed or cost.

Key takeaway: A strong safety culture, supported by leadership, prevents the erosion of standards.

At The Maritime Skills Academy, we see these lessons as a positive opportunity to keep improving how we train and support watchkeepers. By blending technology, good habits, and strong teamwork, we can create safer, more efficient bridges. What may seem like a small step in developing a skillset will have a much larger impact on the industry, resulting in less incidents and casualties, globally.

If you’d like to learn more about how our training programmes—including Bridge Resource Management and COLREGs refreshers—can help your team, get in touch with us.