InterManager Warns Enclosed Space Deaths Demand Urgent Industry Action

The marine safety organization InterManager has issued an urgent call for industry action to address the persistent issue of enclosed space deaths on vessels. Over the past three decades, from 1996 to 2026, InterManager has documented 354 such accidents across various types of ships including tankers, bulkers, general cargo vessels, passenger ships, containerships, and more. Their latest survey of seafarers has revealed several key problems contributing to these incidents.

The survey of over 900 seafarers highlighted several issues. Many respondents found safety procedures to be overly complex, requiring excessive paperwork and lacking sufficient time, manpower, and practical training. There was also concern that inspections often focus on superficial compliance rather than effectively addressing the underlying safety practices.

The survey suggested that real-time gas sensors, wearable technology, digital permits, hands-free communications, and unmanned inspection tools could significantly reduce human exposure to hazardous conditions in enclosed spaces.

InterManager emphasizes the need for continuous professional development for seafarers, rather than just one-off training. The current training often consists of a single exercise when seafarers begin their careers, which is insufficient for developing competence. They argue that enclosed space entry training should be enhanced to ensure thorough preparation, especially as this topic is being considered for review within the STW requirements under the International Chamber of Shipping's leadership.

The organization will discuss these findings further during a webinar on October 27, 2026, in collaboration with The Nautical Institute. The webinar will feature industry experts including Captain Pradeep Chawla, CEO of Marie Pals, Captain Garry Hallett from InterManager, and human factors specialist Richard Cowburn. They will discuss the current state of enclosed space safety, gather insights on the perceptions of seafarers and shore-based stakeholders, and explore practical actions needed to prevent future tragedies.

Captain Kuba Szymanski, Secretary General of InterManager, stresses that while the industry already knows many of the factors contributing to these accidents, the missing element is consistent action. He advocates for simpler procedures, improved training, stronger leadership, better ship design, and more comprehensive sharing of accident data. According to InterManager, enclosed space deaths are not inevitable given the existing knowledge; the industry must now take decisive action to prevent these incidents.