Enclosed-space fatalities at sea: aligning regulation with practice

Akshat Arora, of the UK P&I Club Singapore, discusses the risks of enclosed spaces for crew and onshore staff, and how owners and operators can minimise those risks

The operational environment onboard a ship is one that is fraught with risk and potential safety hazards. Seafarers are the lifeblood of the maritime industry and their welfare remains a paramount priority. Although much progress has been made in the development of detailed regulatory frameworks and training programmes to support the ongoing safety of personnel, both onshore and at sea, the hidden danger posed by enclosed spaces continues to result in seafarer fatalities.