201904 Enclosed space entry abroad

A tanker was in port to undergo a class survey. Cargo and ballast tanks had been opened and cleared for entry and inspection. A class surveyor, a crew member and an ultrasonic measurement technician entered Ballast Tank No 4 Port. Inspection work was in progress when water started to enter the tank from the opened deck manhole.

The persons inside the tank tried to call the attendant officer, but without success. Accordingly, inspection of the water ballast tank was aborted and the three persons exited the tank without any injury. The company investigation found that the enclosed space attending officer had been called to the cargo control room. While he was away from his assigned post, ballast water overflowing from the air vent of another tank had spilled along the deck and then drained down the open manhole of Ballast Tank No 4 Port.

 

 

Lessons learned

• Never leave the entrance to an enclosed space unattended if there are people inside.
• Simultaneous operations such as ballasting and deballasting while also inspecting ballast tanks can introduce unnecessary risks to the operation.