Enhanced Safety Protocols for Enclosed Spaces on Ships

New Safety Measures for Entry into Enclosed Spaces on Ships

The General Directorate of Maritime Affairs has announced new safety measures to prevent accidents that may occur during entry into enclosed spaces on ships. Under Implementation Instruction No. 2026/7, ship personnel and employees working at shore facilities are required to fully comply with the established procedures.

The Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure's General Directorate of Maritime Affairs has presented new practices aimed at ensuring safety during entry into enclosed spaces on ships for the attention of the sector.

In a letter dated August 12, 2026, and numbered 3833877, the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs emphasized the safety measures that must be taken during entry into enclosed spaces such as holds, cargo tanks, pump rooms, fuel tanks, cofferdams, pipeline tunnels, ballast tanks, and similar areas.

IMO Decision Revised

The ministry's information stated that the safety measures to be applied during entry into enclosed spaces on ships have been determined by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and that the relevant regulation has been revised by IMO Decision MSC.581(110).

Insufficient or excessive oxygen levels, the presence of flammable gases, or the release of toxic gases in enclosed spaces pose serious risks. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of the safety of the area must be conducted prior to entry.

Implementation Instruction No. 2026/7 Published

With the publication of Implementation Instruction No. 2026/7 by the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs, it has been reported that personnel involved in entry operations into enclosed spaces must fully implement the designated safety measures.

Ship operators are also held responsible for ensuring that necessary safety measures are taken on their vessels and that relevant procedures are followed. The ministry emphasized that there have been recent accidents related to entry into enclosed spaces, highlighting that these areas should not be entered without taking necessary precautions.

Enclosed Spaces to be Considered 'Hazardous'

In the procedures for entering enclosed spaces, conducting a risk assessment and taking necessary precautions are among the fundamental requirements. During the preliminary assessment phase, the enclosed space must be considered hazardous until proven otherwise. Additionally, the cover or door of the area must not be opened, and entry must not occur without written permission from the captain or an authorized person.

Before entry, the area must be ventilated using natural or mechanical methods, the atmosphere must be tested with appropriate and calibrated devices, sufficient lighting must be provided, and communication must be maintained without interruption throughout the operation.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that a staff member will be present at the entry point, rescue and resuscitation equipment will be kept ready for use, personnel will be equipped with appropriate personal protective equipment, and written entry permission will be available.

Atmospheric Measurements to be Conducted Continuously

Atmospheric testing must be conducted before entering the enclosed space. It is required that the tests be performed by trained personnel using appropriate and calibrated devices, and that different levels of the area be measured and monitored.

According to the specified conditions, the oxygen level in the atmosphere must be 21 percent; if there is a possibility of flammable gas, the lower flammability limit must not exceed 1 percent; and the levels of toxic gases or vapors must not exceed 50 percent of the occupational exposure limits.

A calibrated and tested multi-gas detector capable of showing the levels of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and other necessary gases must also be provided to personnel entering the enclosed space.

During the work, ventilation must continue, atmospheric testing must be repeated after breaks, and in the event of a malfunction in the ventilation system, personnel must be evacuated immediately.

Training for Personnel at Shore Facilities

The new implementation highlights that not only ship personnel but also shore facility personnel who will enter enclosed spaces on ships are included in the safety process.

It is requested that awareness training be provided by the relevant units of the shore facilities regarding the hazards that may be encountered during entry into enclosed spaces and the safety procedures that must be followed, and that these trainings be documented. It is also emphasized that shore facility personnel should not enter enclosed spaces that have not been adequately secured.

With the General Directorate of Maritime Affairs' new implementation, not only the continuity of ship operations but also the safety of personnel and the application of controlled entry procedures are prioritized during entries into enclosed spaces.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye