| Bilgi Giriş Tarihi | 26.10.2017 |
VERY SERIOUS MARINE CASUALTY: FATALITY FOLLOWING ENTRY OF AN ENCLOSED SPACE
What happened?
A 24,000 GT general cargo ship was discharging a bulk coal cargo. When the cargo discharge from one of the cargo holds had been completed, the second deck officer (the 2/O) decided to check the structural integrity of the cargo hold and entered the space without informing others. When an able seaman (the AB) failed to received feedback to his portable radio call to the 2/O, he decided to look for him.
When the AB noticed that the cargo hold access hatch cover was open for no apparent reason, he entered the space through the hatch access. Before the AB could call the chief officer about his finding the 2/O, who had lost consciousness inside the space, he collapsed with the 2/O.
When the missing 2/O and AB came to the mind of the chief officer and they failed to respond to his portable radio call, the chief officer instructed a sailor to look for them.
The sailor eventually managed to discover from outside the cargo hold access hatch that the AB was lying inside the space, and he decided to rescue him by entering the space. Once inside the space, he felt dizzy but managed to call the chief officer before fainting.
When the chief officer went to the cargo hold access hatch and realized the situation, he returned to the accommodation, triggered the general alarm to summon a rescue team and notified the port authority, requesting help.
The rescue team successfully brought out the three crew members from inside the space. They were then taken to hospital ashore. The 2/O was later certified deceased. The sailor and the AB recovered on the same day.
Why did it happen?
Safety procedures for entry of an enclosed space (Safety Management Manual, SOLAS regulation III/19 and resolution A.1050(27)) were not followed.
There was a communication breakdown among working crew on board. The 2/O failed to use a safe alternative access to the cargo hold, which was a ladder used by stevedores for cleaning the cargo hold throughout that day. · The victims did not use personal protective equipment suitable for enclosed space entry, and they did not have permission to enter the space.
What can we learn?
Numerous enclosed space accidents are the result of non-compliance with safety procedures for entering an enclosed space.
Never enter an enclosed space unless safety procedures for entering an enclosed space are in place, including arrangements for dealing with emergencies and rescue.
No attempt should be made to rescue someone unless safety procedures for entering an enclosed space are followed.
The atmosphere in an enclosed space can quickly become hazardous.
Within an enclosed space, if a person perceives changes to their well-being, or suspects an emerging serious and imminent risk, the space should be vacated immediately.
Enclosed space entry and rescue drills must be conducted and participated in as required by SOLAS regulation III/19.
Use of “Atmosphere testing instrument for enclosed spaces” in accordance with SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7