Enclosed space rescue procedure

The atmosphere of any enclosed or confined space may put at risk the health or life of any person entering it. It may be deficient in oxygen and/ or contained flammable or toxic fumes, gases or vapors. Such an unsafe atmosphere may be present or arose subsequently in any enclosed or confined space including cargo holds, double bottoms, cargo tanks, pump rooms, fuel tanks ,ballast tanks, cofferdams. void spaces ,dust keels, sewage tanks. chain lockers and the storage rooms for Co2

Should there be any unexpected reduction in or loss of the means of ventilation of those spaces that are usually continuously or adequately ventilated. then such a space to be considered as a dangerous area.

When it is suspected that there could be a deficiency of oxygen in any space or that toxic gases, vapors or fumes could be present ,then such a space to be considered as a dangerous area.

Important Notice: Personnel must never enter in any dangerous space to attempt a rescue without taking suitable precautions for his own safety since by not doing so he will put his life at risk and almost certainly fail to rescue the person in danger.

Immediate Actions

(a) The responsible person at the entrance of the enclosed space should give the recall signal and summon assistance. He must not enter the space to give assistance.

(b) The Officer on watch should be contacted to sound the alarm and muster assistance.

(c) No one should attempt a rescue without wearing breathing apparatus and a rescue harness and whenever possible use of a life line.

(d) As much preparation as possible should be made in the time available .At the very least, this will consist of:

• ·Adequate lighting ,where appropriate
• Sufficient personnel at or near the entrance to meet foreseeable requirements, replenish equipment.
• Resuscitation/first aid /stretcher, as available Proper checking of breathing apparatus

(e) A responsible person should be appointed as a controller to check Breathing Apparatus set air pressures, calculate times allowed in the space and to organize back-up team entry times.

(f) Two man entry teams may be required:

• Manoeuvre a casualty out of the space
• Search a filled space
• Handle fire hoses

(g) Enter continuously in vessel's Logbook any actions taken.

(h) If the person is found injured, decide if the injuries can be treated on board or if medical assistance should be requested.

(i) If the missing person is found dead or seriously injured, inform Company and complete on Accident Report.

(j) Notify the agent in the next port in case of changed ETA.