Industry Survey Seeks Seafarer Insights on Enclosed Space Safety

InterManager, in collaboration with The Nautical Institute and IMarEST, has launched a comprehensive industry-wide survey to gather feedback from seafarers regarding enclosed space risks. The online survey, which can be completed anonymously, aims to identify the specific aspects of enclosed space entry that pose risks and assess the level of seafarers’ involvement in safety procedures. InterManager Secretary General, Captain Kuba Szymanski, highlighted the importance of understanding and addressing fatal mistakes in enclosed spaces, emphasizing the need for effective measures to save lives.

Since 1998, InterManager has been gathering statistics on enclosed space accidents within the shipping industry and sharing them with partners and the International Maritime Organization. Despite industry interventions, the number of fatalities in enclosed spaces has not significantly decreased, with a concerning increase in casualties in recent years. The survey aims to provide a more in-depth understanding of the situation and enable collaboration with industry colleagues to address this ongoing issue.

Analysis of the statistics compiled by InterManager reveals that the majority of enclosed space accidents involve senior ranks or stevedores, with bulk carriers and tankers being the most common vessel types involved. The survey seeks to gather insights on the specific locations and circumstances where life-threatening incidents or deaths occur, with a focus on areas such as the hold and cargo oil tanks. Seafarers are encouraged to participate in the survey to contribute valuable feedback on enclosed space risks and safety procedures.

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