The below incident took place on a tanker vessel while at drydock.
Vessel in dry dock and dry dock procedures followed for man entry in confined/Enclosed spaces
• Manhole access was barricaded, and tag holder placed at entrance
• Tags put in holder when person entering tankDock workers using this system
• Ship staff did not have tags. Ship staff informed chief officer on entry and exit from enclosed space.
One day before departure: Plan for Last day
• Two team of ship staff to inspect ballast tank with one dock worker
• Purpose of inspection to check no material left behind
• Pilot booked for 1200 hours.
Final day – Day of departure
• 2/O and cadet were one team and entered 5 Port ballast tank. Dock worker for inspection did not turn up. Inspection commenced without dock worker due time pressure.
• Dock men clearing the barricades and stanchions around the man hole of ballast tanks as entry made
• Dock men closed the manhole with 2/O and cadet in tank
• 2/O called Chief officer when they noticed that manhole cover was closed
• 2/O called Chief officer who had the cover opened. Exit made without injury.
Lessons to be learnt
o Are staff aware of the dock procedure for enclosed space entry and ships enclosed space entry procedure
o Are staff aware of importance of not coming under time pressure for safety critical operation like enclosed space entry.
o Enclosed space entry procedures in yard to be discussed and followed during stay of vessel in yard.
o Change from dock enclosed space entry procedure to ships enclosed space entry procedure to be clearly defined and communicated.
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