Enclosed Space Entry Management Plan (1st Edition, 2026)

This Enclosed Space Entry Management Plan provides a systematic set of procedures, permits and records for enclosed spaces. It covers identifying the spaces, assessing their hazards, testing their atmospheres, controlling entry and responding to emergencies. It is intended to be completed with ship-specific information and adopted into the Company's Safety Management System (SMS) in support of ISM Code Section 7, made mandatory by SOLAS Chapter IX. It follows IMO Resolution MSC.581(110), Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships, which applies to all types of ship. The Plan is not a prescribed statutory format, but rather a tool through which the Company and the Master can demonstrate that the applicable requirements and recommendations are being met.

Assessing Hazardous and Dangerous Conditions: Under MSC.581(110), paragraph 4.3, the competent person's assessment should determine the potential for an oxygen-deficient, oxygen-enriched, flammable or toxic atmosphere, expressly including carbon monoxide (CO) and carbon dioxide (CO2). Paragraph 4.8 requires every space to be treated as hazardous until positively proved safe.

Risk Assessment and Procedures for Safe Entry: ISM Code paragraph 1.2.2.2 requires the Company to assess all identified risks to its ships, personnel and the environment and to establish appropriate safeguards. For enclosed spaces, MSC.581(110), paragraphs 4.1 and 4.2 call for every enclosed space to be identified by risk assessment and recorded in a ship-specific Enclosed Space Register. The Register should be held on board and ashore, kept up to date as cargoes and space contents change.

Testing of Enclosed Spaces: SOLAS Chapter XI-1, Regulation 7 requires every ship to which SOLAS Chapter I applies to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument or instruments. As a minimum, these must be capable of measuring oxygen, flammable gases or vapours, hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide before entry, and suitable means must be provided for their calibration.

Training in the maintenance, calibration and use of testing equipment should be recorded, with competent crew members listed (MSC.581(110) paragraph 3.6).

Entering Tanks and Dangerous Spaces: Once entry is authorised, MSC.581(110), paragraphs 8.1 and 8.3 call for frequent atmosphere testing while the space is occupied and continuous ventilation. After any break, the atmosphere should be retested and the results recorded before re-entry.

Training and Emergencies: SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.3.3 requires crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities to take part in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill on board at least once every two months. ISM Code paragraphs 6.3 and 6.5 require familiarisation and training in support of the SMS. ISM Code Section 8 requires procedures for potential emergencies and programmes of drills and exercises.

This Management Plan offers a structured format for managing these essential components to ensure the safe entry into enclosed spaces on SOLAS ships.

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