China MSA launches a nine-month inspection campaign on ships’ enclosed spaces

Entering ship's enclosed spaces can pose various risks, including asphyxiation, poisoning, fire, explosion, and work-related injuries. The Marine Safety Administration (MSA) will conduct an inspection campaign on ships' enclosed spaces from January 15, 2025, to October 14, 2025.

Definition and Typical Locations of Ship's Enclosed Spaces Ship's enclosed spaces meet any of the following conditions:
1. Restricted entry or exit.
2. Insufficient ventilation.
3. Not designed for continuous human occupancy.

Typical enclosed spaces on ships include:
- Cargo hold
- Double bottom tank
- Fuel tank
- Ballast tank
- Cargo pump room
- Cargo compressor room
- Empty isolation compartment
- Chain locker
- Empty compartment
- Box keel
- Protective interlayer space
- Boiler
- Engine crank box
- Engine scavenging box
- Sewage tank
- Adjacent unventilated spaces

Key Points of MSA's Inspection
- Are crew members responsible for enclosed spaces entry aware of the associated risks?
- Are measures in place to control visitors' and crew members' entering into enclosed spaces?
- Is there a complete list of enclosed spaces?
- Are the enclosed spaces marked and for authorized personnel only?
- Are the atmosphere testing devices regularly checked and calibrated?
- Are the emergency rescue equipment for enclosed spaces entry in good condition?
- Are the personnel familiar with the 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 implemented on board?

Focus of the MSA's inspection
1. Documentation and records check
2. Ship structure and equipment inspection
3. Crew member's competency and practical operations check