Web Alert: Caribbean MOU PSC CIC on Crew Familiarisation for Enclosed Space Entry (1)

The Caribbean MOU (member countries: Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, the Netherlands Antilles, Suriname and Trinidad & Tobago) has announced it will be launching a CIC on crew familiarisation for enclosed space entry, to run from 1st September to 30th November 2016.

The aim of this campaign is to ensure that ships comply with the requirements for enclosed spaces detailed in the Annex to IMO Resolution A.1050 (27). Members should ensure that the procedures for entering enclosed spaces are included among the key shipboard operations concerning the safety of the personnel and the ship. The safety management system should elaborate a procedural implementation scheme which provides for training in the use of atmospheric testing equipment in such spaces and a schedule of regular onboard drills for crews.
 
As mentioned under SOLAS regulation III/19 (effective 1 January 2015), crew members are required to participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill on board the ship at least once every two months. Only trained personnel should be assigned the duties of entering, functioning as attendants or functioning as members of rescue teams.
 
Also, in accordance with SOLAS Regulation XI-1/7 (effective 1 July 2016), every ship to which SOLAS Chapter I applies is required to carry an appropriate portable atmosphere testing instrument(s). As a minimum, such instrument(s) shall be capable of measuring concentrations of oxygen, flammable gases or vapours (% LEL), hydrogen sulphide and carbon monoxide prior to entry into enclosed spaces. Members are recommended to refer to IMO’s webpage on enclosed space safety for further details.

A copy of the questionnaire is not publicly available, but port state control officers may use the same questionnaire issued by Paris & Tokyo MOU last year (as attached), to establish that crew members are familiar with the relevant equipment and have received training to identify and understand the hazards associated with enclosed space entry.
 
If a deficiency is found, actions by the port state may vary from recording a deficiency and instructing the master to rectify it within a certain period to detention of the ship until the deficiency has been rectified. Any detention will be published in the monthly detention lists of the Caribbean MOU.