The global merchant fleet is essential to modern life. Vessels transport immense volumes of goods, raw materials, grains, and more across vast distances. Shipping also provides the most environmentally efficient method of moving cargo over long distances, supporting economies worldwide.
However, the labour on these vessels is demanding, and potentially dangerous. While seafarers can be exposed to risks while at sea, the shipping industry has made significant strides to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries, thanks to continuous improvements in regulations, training, and onboard safety standards.
The industry is now safer than ever before, but safety should never be taken for granted. Particularly pressing is the need to address hazards related to enclosed spaces onboard ships – a problem that has persisted despite the industry’s dedicated efforts to eliminate it. The ICS and other leading maritime organisations are committed to working together to find solutions to the dangers posed by enclosed spaces. Addressing this issue, representatives from key maritime organisations gathered on 8 July 2024, at the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) office for the second Enclosed Space Entry – Joint Industry Workshop. This workshop provided an essential platform for stakeholders across the industry to assess progress and identify gaps in current practices, with the shared goal of eliminating enclosed space-related deaths.
The shipping industry has never been passive in the face of safety challenges. In the case of enclosed spaces, the response has been decisive, with industry bodies, governments, and international organisations implementing an array of rules, regulations, and best practices. For example, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) has reviewed and updated its guidelines for entering enclosed spaces, while the United Kingdom has revised its Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP) to provide clearer, more effective guidance. These efforts are augmented by individual initiatives from shipping companies, operators, and national regulatory agencies.
Following the first Enclosed Space Entry workshop, one key action item for the ICS was to identify inconsistencies and gaps in mandatory training standards related to enclosed space entry under the STCW (International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers) Convention and Code. ICS undertook this challenge, conducting a thorough analysis of current requirements and identifying areas where improvements were urgently needed. Armed with these insights, ICS presented its findings at the second workshop, underscoring the need for reviewing the mandatory training standards in relation to entering and working within enclosed spaces that reflects the reality of modern ship operations.
ICS have also taken the next step by submitting a proposal to the IMO to address these gaps in the ongoing STCW comprehensive review process. As we look forward to greater clarity and guidance on best practices for enclosed space procedures, we remain committed to working with IMO and other stakeholders to enhance the safety framework for seafarers around the world. The maritime industry is stronger and more resilient when we act together. Only by uniting our efforts can we continue to improve safety standards, safeguard seafarers, and maintain global trade.
