Enclosed spaces: managing the risks

The “alarming frequency” of accidents associated with entering enclosed vessel spaces has resulted in the “profoundly distressing” loss of life, according to submissions and discussions supporting the IMO’s review of its enclosed-spaces entry guidance.

The revision of the previous 15-page resolution, adopted on 30 November 2011, was initiated by the IMO’s Maritime Safety Committee, Sub-Committee on Carriage of Cargoes and Containers in September 2023, in response to the regularity of these incidents. The resulting 31-page “Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces Aboard Ships”, IMO Resolution MSC.581(110), was then adopted by MSC on 27 June 2025 and endorsed on 3 December, when Resolution A.1050(27) was formally revoked.

The revised guidelines specifically aim to address a recurring failure to “systematically identify hazards, assess risks and implement an appropriate entry procedure” onboard. They also consider the complex structure of certain vessel spaces that create issues with ventilation, illumination and movement.

Additionally, the guidelines urge greater “organisational leadership” – both on ship and on shore – to maximise safety “by empowering shipboard staff to make the right decisions”.

Professor Dr Damien Cremean, University of Queensland (Australia) Marine and Shipping Law Unit Adjunct, expressed support for the new resolution. Speaking to Ship Repair & Maintenance he says that,