In maritime operations, safety is the foundation of all procedures, equipment, and actions. The Health, Safety, Security, Environment, and Quality (HSSEQ) management system serves as the cornerstone of this culture, providing a structured framework to identify, assess, and mitigate risks at sea. It integrates international regulations, company policies, and best practices into a cohesive plan that protects crew, vessel, cargo, and the marine environment. Within this system, specific procedures for hazardous activities like entering enclosed spaces are paramount. These operations carry a significant risk of fatalities from toxic atmospheres, oxygen deficiency, or explosions. The following sections detail the essential HSSEQ protocols and equipment that form our defense against these invisible dangers.

Understanding HSSEQ Section 9.15: Enclosed Space Entry Procedures

This section forms the procedural backbone for one of the most hazardous onboard operations. HSSEQ Section 9.15 establishes a strict, step-by-step protocol that must be followed before and during any entry into a space not designed for continuous occupancy. The core principle is that no entry can occur without a valid permit. The procedure mandates:

• A thorough risk assessment conducted by a responsible officer to identify all potential hazards.
• Complete atmospheric testing using calibrated gas detectors to ensure the space is safe. The atmosphere must be checked for adequate oxygen levels, ideally around 20.9%. Additionally, it is essential to ensure there are no toxic gases like H₂S or CO, and that flammable gas levels remain below 1% of the Lower Explosive Limit (LEL).
• Isolation of the space, including locking out relevant electrical and mechanical systems and blanking off pipelines to prevent the ingress of hazardous substances.
• Appointment of a dedicated Entry Supervisor and Attendant who remains outside the space, maintaining constant communication with those inside.
• Proper preparation of rescue equipment, including SCBA (Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus) and a means of hoisting, which must be ready for immediate use at the entrance.
• Briefing of all personnel involved on the hazards, precautions, and emergency procedures.

This organized method aims to remove any uncertainty. It ensures that all possible risks are managed before any crew member enters a confined space.

The Vital Equipment: HSSEQ Section 9.18 – Gas Detection

Procedures are only as reliable as the tools used to execute them. HSSEQ Section 9.18 defines the critical portable measuring equipment required to make the safety checks mandated by Section 9.15 a reality. It is essentially the “toolkit” for atmospheric safety.

The requirements are clear and vessel-specific. For example, a chemical tanker must carry six personal multi-gas detectors, while an oil/gas carrier needs four. All vessels must have portable multi-gas detectors capable of measuring Oxygen (O₂), Hydrogen Sulphide (H₂S), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Flammable gases (LEL). Notably, new multi-gas detectors capable of measuring five gases, including Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), must now be supplied to all vessels. This requirement also includes the provision of compatible calibration gas, as confirmed with the procurement team.

Maintenance and calibration are non-negotiable. The section mandates:

• A “BUMP” test before each use to verify the instrument’s basic functionality.
• Full calibration at strict intervals: monthly for tanker vessels and quarterly for non-tanker vessels, or whenever a bump test fails.
• Onboard stock of calibration gas, batteries, and maintenance kits, plus at least 20 spare benzene tubes for specific toxic gas detection.

Personal gas monitors, like the GasClip, are issued to each crew member upon sign-on. They must be worn at all times during working hours, providing an essential layer of personal, continuous protection.

Supporting Documentation and Records

The HSSEQ system is heavily reliant on accurate documentation to ensure traceability, accountability, and continuous improvement. Several key forms and logs support the enclosed space entry process:

• HSSEQ Annex 9.6A & S – 9.2C: These are the core permits. Annex 9.6A is a ship-specific sample of an enclosed space register, while S – 9.2C is the actual “Entry into Enclosed Space Permit” that must be filled out, authorizing each entry. HSSEQ Annex 9.7A provides a filled sample of this permit for guidance.
• S-9.28L: This is the “Entry Record Book for Pump Room and Other Spaces,” used to log every entry and exit, providing a historical record of activity in these high-risk areas.
• S-9.2C Others Template: This template adapts the entry permit procedure for other potentially hazardous but non-standard spaces like the CO₂ room, underdeck passageways, or the Ballast Water Treatment System (BWTS) room.

Emergency Preparedness: Rescue Procedures

Recognizing that despite all precautions, emergencies can occur, the HSSEQ provides detailed rescue plans:

• HSSEQ Annex 11.1 details the initial “Rescue from Enclosed Space Response Actions” to be followed when an incident occurs.
• HSSEQ Section 11.7.6.2 outlines the “Rescue from an Enclosed Space Procedures,” providing a systematic approach for conducting rescues safely. It emphasizes that personnel should never enter to attempt a rescue without being equipped with SCBA and a lifeline.

Closing the Gap: Analysis and Implementation

A recent Enclosed Space Entry Procedures Gap Analysis has been conducted to identify areas for improvement against industry best practices and updated regulations. The findings necessitate not only updates to the written procedures but also concrete actions.

The key immediate action is the procurement and deployment of a new, five-gas-capable multi-gas detector fleet-wide. This hardware upgrade, confirmed with our procurement team, directly addresses the evolving nature of atmospheric hazards. It ensures our crews have the most accurate and comprehensive detection tools available, solidifying the critical link between our safety procedures and the equipment that makes them possible.