New thinking on enclosed spaces management essential to saving lives says Ocean Technologies Group

PRESS RELEASE

A recently updated title launched by the Group will help seafarers manage enclosed spaces and their safe entry.

New initiatives are in motion to give greater emphasis to the ongoing problem of enclosed spaces onboard ships. UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch’s (MAIB’s) has proposed changes to regulations on commercial fishing vessels following the death of a crew member aboard the UK registered Sunbeam. It has made a recommendation, that was accepted by the MCA, to apply the Merchant Shipping (Entry into Dangerous Spaces) Regulations 1988 to all commercial fishing vessels.

Work is also ongoing at the IMO being carried out as part of an initiative within the HEIG (Human Element Industry Group), comprising leading NGOs and chaired by The Nautical Institute’s John Lloyd who commented:

“Every year the shipping industry suffers appalling loss of life in enclosed spaces.  We need a massive effort to address these shocking deaths; deaths that can and should be avoided.  Better design, more effective time management, alternative options to space entry and proper training are all ways that can help improve safety in these spaces.  The HEIG regards this as the single most important area for seafarer safety and we welcome every initiative that can help raise awareness, improve safety and save lives.”

Against this backdrop Ocean Technologies Group (OTG) has created a new programme on the management of enclosed spaces which gives new advice to seafarers on how to manage these notoriously dangerous areas. It has been created to highlight new requirements in accordance with the International Safety Guide for Oil Tankers and Terminals (ISGOTT), edition 6.

The key learning outcomes of the title include making sure enclosed spaces onboard are appropriately labelled, imposing controlled access to enclosed spaces at all times, ensuring entry to these areas are only made when absolutely necessary and being aware of the additional guidelines referenced in ISGOTT, edition 6, which are currently not included in SOLAS.

One of the key contributors to the HEIG group spearheading this initiative is Capt. Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General, of InterManager, who commented, “I have been championing a greater focus on Enclosed Space Entry for many years and I am impressed with OTG’s Management of Enclosed Spaces e-learning. Not only is it very well presented but it also provides up to date and extremely important new thinking on enclosed spaces and their management. Our next challenge is how to make sure the whole industry takes this on board, not just in the tanker sector but the rest of the global commercial and leisure fleets.”

OTG believes the maritime industry needs to put greater emphasis on improvements in this area as enclosed spaces present one of the biggest hazards to those working on board ships.

“Our training brands have a long track record of developing training materials to benefit seafarer safety and Enclosed Spaces have remained in constant focus,” said Raal Harris, OTG’s Group Creative Director.

We are committed to working closely with regulatory bodies, trade associations and of course our clients, to continue to innovate and update our titles to ensure they stay in step with the latest thinking on these important subjects,” he continued

The title is available on The Ocean Learning Platform the groups new best of breed learning management system available on vessel and in the cloud to ensure seamless alignment of ship and shore training initiatives.

laptop Th

Unparalleled breadth and quality of content

We offer the most comprehensive library of maritime blended learning content ever assembled, with the full spectrum of learning needs covered.

We take a blended approach to content, including e-learning, videos for group viewing, interactivity in assessments and exercises to test the application of knowledge.

Discover Ocean Learning

Transform your business today with the power of e-learning.

Explore our solutions

Competency Management System

Rapid E-Learning

Performance Appraisal

Pulse Survey

OLP App

The ultimate in maritime e-learning. Accessible, repeatable, measurable – a learning solution for the 21st century vessel, available wherever you are in the world.

Virtual Classroom

Cloud Simulation

Training formats explained

Pricing

Unparalleled breadth and quality of content. We offer the most comprehensive library of maritime blended learning content ever assembled.

Explore Ocean Learning Library

Certified Maritime Training Courses

Powered by the most recognised providers of e-learning in the maritime world.

Get peace of mind selecting teams you can entrust with the care of your people, the environment, cargo and vessels.

Assessment Solutions

Crew Evaluation System (CES)

Marlins English Language Testing

Facet5 Personality Testing

Ability Profiling APRO

Remote Proctoring AI

Our crew management solutions provide comprehensive coverage of the entire maritime HR function of today’s commercial vessel operator.

Crew Management Solutions

COMPAS

Our fleet management solutions empower operational teams with insights and workflows that drive improved vessel performance.

Fleet Management Solutions

TM Master

Resources

News

Insights

Events

About us

Who we are

Our Solutions

Why choose us?

Board of Directors

Executive Team