Emergency Response and Rescue Planning: Preparing for Enclosed Space Incidents

Enclosed spaces are inherently dangerous and hazardous environments, even with proper training and leadership, with most oversights and casualties occurring during entry and extraction.

To prevent these incidents, the correct preparations prior to entry and extraction are essential. At the Maritime Skills Academy, our Entry into Enclosed Spaces course is the best solution for training your crew in planning and preparation, thereby minimising casualties and accidents.

Why is rescue planning important?

Statistically, over 60% of enclosed space casualties are crew members who have entered an enclosed space incorrectly in an attempt to rescue a peer. This is indicative of the importance of knowledge and training in equipment, team roles, communication and best practice. At the Maritime Skills Academy, we instruct crew on the necessary steps before entering enclosed spaces. This is exercised in a controlled, simulated scenario where delegates can enter an enclosed space, putting their training into practice and rescuing a casualty.

Enclosed space delegate conducting rescue planning practice before extracting a casualty

“During our last enclosed space drill, I was part of the standby team. The training helped me stay calm and follow procedures. I feel confident that if a real incident happened, we could respond safely and efficiently.” – Junior Safety Officer who attended MSA Dover Enclosed Space Training course.

What are the five most important elements of rescue planning?

Enclosed Space Risk Assessment Before Entry

As emphasized in STCW standards and MNTB guidance, every enclosed space entry must begin with a thorough evaluation of hazards. Identifying hazards before entering will reduce the risk of unexpected situations and create a clear plan that crew can follow.

Dedicated Standby Personnel

During enclosed space entry, it is important to have a standby team on hand, should an accident occur. This group should also be fully competent in their abilities.

As identified, the majority of enclosed space casualties result from attempted rescues. Consequently, having a trained team on standby means that more than one crew member will be available to assist with the extraction, leading to a higher survival rate.

Oxygen Resuscitators and Medical Equipment

It is an industry requirement for ships to be equipped with oxygen supplies, tanks, and breathing apparatus, as well as resuscitation equipment. Crew should be trained and confident of the use of which. Enclosed space entry can increase the risk of being exposed to hazardous gases, so standby teams will need to be prepared to handle resuscitation.

Rescue Equipment Familiarisation

During enclosed space entry, crew will be required to deploy lifelines, harnesses, and breathing apparatus. At our training centre in Kent, we simulate a realistic environment where crew can practice techniques and familiarise themselves with industry-standard equipment.

Clear Communication Protocols

Enclosed spaces can be dark, long, and winding, so standby teams will not be able to see what is happening inside. Using radio or wired communication will mean standby teams can evaluate the situation and guide the rescuer through the operation. Our training course allows delegates to practice clear radio communication and effective teamworking skills.

Drills and Training

In order for training to be efficient and beneficial, drills must be conducted under time constraints and with similar simulated conditions. Using the correct PPE, equipment, and procedures will ensure crew are as prepared as possible for an onboard emergency.

Officers and authorised personnel should be involved in the training to give instruction and allow crew to understand their leadership style. Recreating an emergency and completing training in full will prepare crew and give them the confidence to step up in unforeseen situations.

enclosed space delegates extracting a casualty

By adhering to international standards and following industry leadership, crew will be trained in how to respond to the unexpected while keeping themselves and their peers safe. A consistent and well-structured rescue plan alongside regular drills and training will help the maritime industry reduce the number of tragedies that can be attributed to enclosed space entry.

At the Maritime Skills Academy, our Enclosed Space Entry and Rescue Training courses are designed to equip safety officers, senior officers, and crew with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills they need. We provide STCW and MNTB-recognised training that supports ship operators in meeting compliance requirements while building a stronger safety culture onboard.

Investing in proper training with the Maritime Skills Academy ensures crew are better prepared to prevent incidents and respond effectively when emergencies occur.

Elevating Safety & Efficiency with Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

One of the most important aspects of maintaining high standards in maritime operations is thorough training. An inclusive approach enhances the skills and knowledge of officers and crew while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with industry standards.

The Maritime Skills Academy (MSA) is pivotal in providing top-tier training for maritime professionals. The MSA helps clients elevate their operational capabilities and safety standards by utilising state-of-the-art facilities, expert trainers, and world-class simulators.

Captain Josip Kulas Bridge Simulator MSA Portsmouth | Maritime Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

Training is an ongoing process that encompasses various aspects of shipboard life, from technical skills to safety protocols. At the MSA, clients can benefit from hands-on training in navigation, engineering, and communication systems using the latest technologies.

Our bridge simulators offer realistic scenarios, so crew can better prepare for emergencies and crisis situations, in accordance with the maritime regulations set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).

Accident Investigation

Accident investigation is critical for improving safety standards in any industry. Using our expert analysis, instructors guide clients in identifying causes of accidents and implementing preventative measures.

Based on the investigation, the client will then receive documented recommendations to improve safety protocols on board, enhancing the safety of crew and passengers.

HR and Policy Creation

Effective Human Resources (HR) management and policy creation are crucial for successful operations.

Clients will receive expert advice on developing clear policies and strategies around working hours, rest periods, and crew welfare. As a result, the client will be better equipped to support their crew and increase staff retention.

Safety Procedures Advice and Design

Designing robust safety procedures is a cornerstone of onboard training. As part of our training package, the MSA can provide clients with guidance by creating tailored Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for daily operations and emergencies. Our expert trainers will work with clients to identify potential hazards and establish effective mitigation strategies to accompany this. Involving the crew in safety planning will foster a safety culture, increasing crew engagement.

Man in hi-vis orange jacket, holding a clipboard | Maritime Training with the Maritime Skills Academy

Safety Audits

Clients will benefit from thorough assessments, guaranteeing their vessels comply with safety standards. This can then be supported by actionable advice to enhance existing measures and practices. But the support doesn’t stop there. We believe in “Setting New Standards Together,” which is why, at the MSA, our clients can receive ongoing support to maintain high safety standards through regular audits and assessments.

Port Studies

Port studies are crucial for understanding local conditions and regulations. With the assistance of our bridge simulator, crew can gain insights into port layout, and specific regional rules for efficient navigation and operations. This progressive approach will help crew to anticipate and mitigate potential risks specific to each port.

Image of simulator screens | Maritime Training at the Maritime Skills Academy

Independent Officer and Crew Skill Set Assessments

Utilising bridge and engine simulators, regular assessments of officers and crew are vital for maintaining high standards on board. The MSA offers skill evaluations, in which clients receive detailed assessments of crew and officer skills, knowledge, and performance. With regular evaluations, clients can promote accountability and excellence in their operations.

How can the Maritime Skills Academy support you with Maritime Training?

As stated, training is critical in elevating safety and efficiency in the maritime industry. The MSA is a leader in providing high-quality training, assessments, and audits, utilising our state-of-the-art facilities.

Book with us today to enhance your operational capabilities and maintain the highest standards of excellence.

To learn more about these training courses, please email Director of Training and Simulation, Plamen Marinov at: plamenm@vikingmsa.com

STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels

The MCA approved STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels provides training for seafarers responsible for designated safety duties associated with the care, use, or in emergency response to the fuels on board ships subject to the IGF code (International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels).

In our latest article, we look at the many reasons why this course is so important.

Safety:

The International Code of Safety for Ships using Gases or other Low-flashpoint Fuels (IGF Code) sets out safety standards for ships that use alternative fuels, such as liquefied natural gas (LNG) and other low-flashpoint fuels.

This code aims to ensure the safe design, construction, and operation of ships using these fuels.

The STCW Basic Training covers the essential knowledge and skills required to handle and respond to emergencies related to these fuels, ensuring the safety of the crew, passengers, and the environment.

Competence:

The training ensures that seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels are competent in handling the specific challenges and hazards associated with such fuels.

It covers topics like fuel characteristics, safe fuel handling procedures, firefighting techniques, and emergency response protocols.

By completing the training, seafarers acquire the necessary skills to effectively operate and respond to incidents involving alternative fuel systems.

Compliance:

The STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping) is an international maritime treaty that establishes minimum training, certification, and watchkeeping standards for seafarers.

The training on ships using fuels covered within the IGF Code is mandated by the convention, ensuring compliance with international regulations.

Ship operators and seafarers must adhere to these regulations to meet the required standards and maintain a valid certificate of competency.

Prevention of accidents and pollution:

Ships using alternative fuels pose unique safety challenges due to the characteristics of these fuels. They have different ignition properties and may require specific handling procedures.

The STCW Basic Training equips seafarers with the knowledge to identify potential hazards, prevent accidents, and respond effectively to emergencies.

By ensuring that crew members are well-trained, the training helps minimize the risk of accidents, mitigate their consequences, and prevent pollution incidents.

Industry standards and best practices:

The STCW Basic Training reflects industry standards and best practices related to the use of fuels covered within the IGF Code.

These standards are developed through extensive research, analysis of incidents, and collaboration among maritime experts and organisations.

By incorporating these standards into the training, seafarers gain access to the latest knowledge and practices in the field, enhancing the overall safety culture within the shipping industry.

In summary, the STCW Basic Training for Service on Ships using Fuels covered within the IGF Code is important because it ensures the safety, competence, compliance, and pollution prevention of seafarers working on ships using alternative fuels.

It helps them acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to handle emergencies, follow industry standards, and maintain high safety standards in their operations.

To find out more about this course and to register your interest, please click here.