Ship managers and maritime professionals are collaborating to tackle the ongoing fatalities of seafarers and shore workers in enclosed spaces aboard vessels. InterManager, the international trade association for ship management, has partnered with The Nautical Institute and IMarEST to gather updated information on the hazards workers face in these confined areas. They have initiated a comprehensive industry-wide survey aimed at collecting feedback from maritime personnel to better understand the root causes of these incidents and to identify effective solutions.
The online survey allows participants to remain anonymous and encourages seafarers to pinpoint the specific risks associated with enclosed space entry, as well as their involvement in safety protocols. InterManager Secretary General, Captain Kuba Szymanski, highlighted the association’s previous efforts, noting a widespread survey conducted in 2018 that garnered over 5,000 responses. This earlier work helped illuminate the issues at hand, leading to collaborative efforts with industry partners aimed at saving lives.
Despite these efforts, statistics reveal that fatalities in enclosed spaces have not decreased significantly since InterManager began tracking them in 1998. Reports from both 2022 and 2023 indicated 14 incidents each year, but the number of casualties surged in 2023, with 34 reported deaths compared to 18 in 2022. Preliminary figures for 2024 suggest that 11 accidents resulted in the deaths of eight seafarers and six contractors, although reporting delays often obscure the actual figures.
InterManager’s analysis indicates most enclosed space accidents involve senior crew members and stevedores, predominantly occurring on bulk carriers and tankers. The majority of incidents take place in holds or access areas, with cargo oil tanks presenting significant dangers. Captain Szymanski emphasized the ongoing discourse about enclosed space safety at high levels within the industry, stating that despite numerous regulations and guidelines, fatalities persist.
InterManager is urging all maritime professionals, including seafarers and safety departments, to participate in the survey to contribute to improved safety measures in the industry.