Update 20 Oct 2026, 20:34 UTC:
A comprehensive survey conducted by InterManager reveals critical deficiencies in enclosed space safety protocols within the maritime industry, underscoring an urgent need for reform. Since 1996, the association has documented 354 accidents in enclosed spaces across diverse vessel types, including tankers, bulk carriers, containerships, and passenger ships, leading to calls for more effective measures to protect seafarers.
The Survey Findings
InterManager surveyed over 900 seafarers, identifying a consistent disconnect between safety regulations and the practicalities of life at sea. Among the most pressing concerns raised by respondents were overly complex procedures, insufficient manpower, commercial pressures, and inadequate practical training. The survey articulated that current inspection practices often prioritize paperwork over genuinely assessing safety protocols’ effectiveness on board.
“Enclosed spaces have been killing seafarers for decades,” said Captain Kuba Szymanski, secretary general of InterManager. He emphasized the need for tangible measures rather than administrative formalities, asserting that if a procedure cannot realistically be executed given available resources, the system itself warrants scrutiny.
Proposed Solutions
InterManager calls for a paradigm shift towards regular, hands-on training, encompassing more frequent drills and the involvement of crews in procedures’ development. The association advocates for the adoption of modern technologies, such as wearable gas monitors and remotely operated inspection tools, to enhance safety. Improved ship designs, with strategic placement of equipment and robust materials, are also highlighted as essential to reducing the necessity for entering hazardous spaces.
The move aligns with ongoing efforts by the International Maritime Organization (IMO) to bolster seafarer safety standards. In June 2025, the IMO adopted revised recommendations addressing the complexities of hazard identification, risk assessments, and the establishment of safe entry protocols into enclosed spaces. The organization is simultaneously reviewing the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Convention, with a focus on enhanced training specific to enclosed spaces.
The Need for Accountability
In addition to procedural reform, InterManager criticized the industry’s inadequate accident reporting and insufficient information dissemination. The association noted that incomplete investigations impede learning from past incidents, a critical aspect of preventing future accidents. “We already understand the many factors leading to these accidents,” Szymanski stated, stressing the need for decisive, consistent action to foster a safer working environment.
Moving forward, InterManager will delve deeper into these findings in a joint webinar with The Nautical Institute scheduled for October 27. This webinar aims to unite maritime safety and human factors experts to propose actionable changes both on board and ashore to prevent enclosed space tragedies.
The Operational Read
The persistence of enclosed space accidents highlights profound operational challenges facing the maritime industry. With the historical data indicating a lack of substantive progress despite extensive regulatory frameworks, the need for a shift in safety culture is evident. Operators and management must prioritize practical, real-world training solutions over bureaucratic compliance, fostering an environment where crew input directly influences safety protocols. As technology advances and the industry continues to adapt to new safety standards, the focus should remain on creating resilient systems that protect seafarers while ensuring operational efficiency.
