SOLAS amendments to mandate enclosed space entry and rescue drills agreed by IMO Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid cargoes & Containers.

Draft amendments to SOLAS regulation III/19 to mandate enclosed space entry and rescue drills were agreed by the Sub-Committee on Dangerous Goods, Solid cargoes and Containers (DSC), when it met for its 16th Session.

 The draft amendments will be forwarded for review by the Sub-Committees on Bulk Liquids and Gases (BLG) and Standards of Training and Watchkeeping (STW) and then finalized by DSC 17 before submission to the Maritime Safety committee (MSC) for adoption.

The draft amendments are aimed at reducing fatalities linked with enclosed space entry and would require crew members with enclosed space entry or rescue responsibilities to participate in an enclosed space entry and rescue drill at least once every two months.

Each enclosed space entry and rescue drill should include the  checking and use of personal protective equipment required for entry; checking and use of communication equipment and procedures; checking and use of rescue equipment and procedures; and instructions in first aid and resuscitation techniques.