Between 15 January and 14 October 2025, Chinese port authorities will inspect visiting vessels to ensure that personnel involved in enclosed space entry activity understand the risks involved and are properly trained and equipped to control them.
According to our Chinese correspondents Huatai Marine and Oasis P&I, the China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has launched a special safety inspection campaign aimed at preventing enclosed space accidents onboard vessels. The campaign targets all visiting vessels and runs from 15 January until 14 October 2025. loradata enclosed
During the campaign period, Chinese port state officers will conduct special enclosed space entry inspections when onboard, and the correspondents report that inspectors will pay particular attention to topics such as:
Crew training and hazard awareness, including identification of all onboard locations/spaces in which a hazardous atmosphere could develop.
Permit to work system, including barriers and markings to prevent unauthorized entry.
Availability of relevant and well-maintained atmosphere testing and rescue equipment, as well as crews’ familiarity with the equipment.
Conducted enclosed space entry drills in accordance with SOLAS Reg.III/19.3.3.
For additional information and advice concerning the inspection campaign, please refer to Huatai Marine’s circular No. PNI[2025]01 and Oasis’ circular No. 2501 .
As highlighted in our recent alert “ Improved safety recommendations for entering enclosed spaces onboard ships ”, enclosed space entry accidents occur on all types of vessels and involve people of all ranks. There appear to be certain recurring patterns in how these accidents continue to occur in the same way and in the same onboard locations. However, the underlying causes are not always evident, as a number of operational, commercial, technical, and training-related factors may impact these types of accidents.
We therefore encourage vessel operators to use China MSA’s special safety campaign as a timely reminder of the necessity of ensuring that persons involved in enclosed space entry activity are aware of the risks and are properly trained and equipped to manage them. Operators and masters should review their enclosed space entry procedures to verify compliance with SOLAS, the ISM Code, relevant IMO and Flag State recommendations, and industry best practices. It is also important to verify that the procedures are fully understood and followed by those working onboard.
Gard's enclosed space entry safety awareness campaign provides additional guidance and links to videos and other training materials at https://www.gard.no/document/enclosed-space-entry-training/ .
We are grateful to Huatai Marine and Oasis P&I for providing this information.
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