Page 6 - 2025 - Q1 - Minerva in Focus
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MINERVA IN FOCUS
Headlines Interesting news
from the maritime
industry
China MSA launches special The inspection campaign will focus on the
following areas:
inspection campaign on • Are crew members responsible for
enclosed spaces entry aware of the
ships’ enclosed spaces • associated risks?
Are measures in place to control
visitors’ and crew members’ enter-
#InspectionCampaign ing into enclosed spaces?
• Is there a complete list of enclosed
spaces?
The China Maritime Safety Administration • inadequate ventilation; • Are the enclosed spaces marked
(MSA) has launched a special inspection • not designed for continuous worker and for authorised personnel only?
campaign on ships’ enclosed spaces. The occupancy. • Are the atmosphere testing devices
inspection campaign is scheduled to run Common examples on ships include cargo regularly checked and calibrated?
from 15 January to 14 October 2025 and holds, double bottom tanks, fuel tanks, bal- • Is the emergency rescue equip-
targets all vessels and waterborne facilities last tanks, cargo pump rooms, cargo com- ment for enclosed spaces entry in
equipped with enclosed spaces that meet pressor rooms, cofferdams, void spaces, good condition?
the following characteristics: chain lockers, etc. and adjacent connected • Are the personnel familiar with the
• limited openings for entry and exit; spaces that are normally unventilated. safe entry and risk assessment
procedures for enclosed spaces?
• Are the personnel familiar with
the operation of safety protective
equipment and devices?
• Is the enclosed spaces entry and
rescue drill in accordance with
SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation
19.3.3?
• Is the SMS related to enclosed
spaces operations effectively im-
plemented on board?
Although all the above-mentioned focus
areas of inspection are considered stan-
dard shipboard procedures, members are
recommended to conduct thorough self-in-
spections and ensure that the safety man-
agement systems related to enclosed space
operations are effectively implemented and
adhered to by all crew members.
The MSA has indicated that, generally, only
one special inspection will be conducted
per vessel during the campaign period.
However, additional inspections may be
required under circumstances such as
accidents resulting from an unauthorised
entry into enclosed spaces, identification of
significant safety deficiencies, or credible
reports of safety management issues.
Source: UK P&I
4 ISSUE 31 / Q1 2025
