In its latest report, InterManager has stressed the need for immediate action regarding the safety of enclosed spaces and pointed out existing problems and inefficiencies in this area. According to this report, the organization has recorded 354 incidents related to enclosed spaces from 1996 to 2026 among various types of vessels, including tankers, cargo ships, and passenger ships.
Safety Gaps and Operational Realities
The results of the latest survey of seafarers indicate a persistent gap between safety procedures and operational realities on ships. More than 900 respondents pointed to issues such as unnecessary bureaucratic complexities, lack of time and manpower, commercial pressures, and inadequate practical training. The survey also found that inspections tend to focus more on the superficial compliance with regulations rather than the actual effectiveness of safety procedures.
Proposed Actions for Improving Safety
In this report, InterManager has identified two clear priorities. First, the need for continuous professional development instead of one-off training, and second, the necessity for greater involvement of seafarers in the systems and resources they are expected to use safely. According to Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, current training on entering enclosed spaces mainly focuses on a one-time exercise at the beginning and needs to be enhanced to lead to real competency.
The organization also highlighted the need for greater use of modern technologies such as real-time gas sensors, wearable technology, digital permits, contactless communications, and unmanned inspection tools to reduce human risks.
InterManager will hold a webinar on October 27, 2026, featuring industry experts, including Captain Pradeep Chawla, CEO of Marie Pals, and Captain Gary Halt from InterManager. This webinar aims to review the current state of safety in enclosed spaces and understand the sentiments of seafarers and coastal stakeholders regarding current practices.
Captain Szymanski concluded by stating, "We know many of the factors behind these incidents. What is missing is continuous action. The priority now should be on simpler procedures, better training, stronger leadership, improved ship design, and greater sharing of incident data. Deaths resulting from enclosed spaces are not inevitable, and the industry must take practical and effective actions in this regard."
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