UK to impose new safety rules for enclosed spaces on board vessels

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) said seafarers will be better protected as new rules come into force to tighten up safety for those who work in enclosed spaces on board vessels.

The MCA said the updated legislation goes further than that currently required under international maritime law and is part of the ongoing commitment by the UK to seafarer welfare.

Enclosed spaces include chain lockers, cargo holds, duct keels and water tanks – or any area that has been left closed for any length of time without ventilation. Six people have died over a ten-year period from 2009 to 2019 in UK ports while working in such spaces, which has led to this legislation being introduced.

The MCA added that although carrying out assignments in enclosed spaces is a necessary part of working on ships, the agency is committed to reducing the risks and will continue to review how best to protect people in those environments.

The changes will replace previous legislation, requiring ships to protect workers from the risks of entry into enclosed spaces through measures such as regular safety drills and providing atmosphere testing equipment.

Given the serious risk to seafarers’ health and safety, the MCA has also extended the new measures to a wider range of vessels than just those covered by the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS). Fishing vessels will now also be required to implement safe systems of work for enclosed space entry.

The regulations come into force for vessels that come under SOLAS on May 14, 2022. For all others, it will apply from May 14, 2023.