Refers to: Ship Owners / Managers/ Operators, PHRS Representatives/ Surveyors             

Action Date: N/A

PHRS would like to recall ship-owners, managers and operators of the importance of availability of effective procedures and measures for Crew Familiarization for Enclosed Space Entry to safeguard seafarers on board ships when entering and working in enclosed spaces.

These procedures have to be incorporated into the company's SMS procedures according to the ISM Code.

Since 2016, SOLAS Regulation III / 19.3 as amended requires enclosed space entry and rescue drills to be carried out at least once every two months on board all Cargo & Passenger ships of 500 GT and above.

Enclosed space entry and rescue drills should be planned and conducted in accordance with the recommendations developed by IMO as per Resolution A.1050(27) which can be found here .

Crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities shall participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill at least once every two months.

Each drill shall address the following important crew' familiarization functions:

• Checking and use of personal protective equipment required by entry

• Checking and use of communication equipment and procedures

• Checking and use of instruments for measuring the atmosphere in enclosed spaces

• Checking and use of rescue equipment and procedures

• Instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.

Persons responsible for the implementation of Safety Management Systems, have to ensure that they contain a comprehensive program of familiarization training of the crew with the Procedure for Entry into Enclosed Space on board ships, and also that the procedures are implemented on board each ship for the scope of ensuring crew members are aware of their duties. Especially those on board with enclosed space duties, must be familiar with relevant equipment and trained accordingly in order to carry out their duties and identify and understand the hazards associated with entry into enclosed spaces.


In addition, Phoenix Register of Shipping requires the relevant procedures for entry into enclosed space to be thoroughly implemented  on surveys of enclosed spaces to be carried out by PHRS Surveyors.


For any further information you are free to contact PHRS Head Office or any other PHRS office near you.

February 15th, 2019 - PHRS Head Office