Technical Circular No: 008/2025
1. China Maritime Safety Administration (MSA) has announced a nationwide Focused Inspection Campaign on Enclosed Space Safety.
2. The Focused Inspection Campaign which commenced from 15th January 2025, will continue until 14th October 2025, and will apply to all vessels calling any China ports, regardless of type, sizes, or flags of the vessels.
3. The purpose of the campaign is to enhance safety for personnel who access “enclosed spaces” aboard ships.
4. A maximum of one special inspection will be conducted per ship during the campaign period. However, additional inspections may be carried out under specific circumstances:
a. If an accident or dangerous situation results from illegal entry into an enclosed space.
b. If significant deficiencies are found in the management of enclosed space access.
c. If a ship is reported for severe risks in enclosed space entry management.
d. If the CMSA or Ministry of Transport mandates additional inspections.
5. The Focused inspection will include verification, but are not limited to, the following:
a. Are crew members responsible for enclosed space entry aware of the associated risks?
b. Are the measures in place to permit work for visitors and crew members for enclosed space entry?
c. Is there a list of identified enclosed spaces?
d. Are the enclosed spaces marked and “for authorized personnel only”?
e. Are the atmosphere testing devices regularly checked and calibrated?
f. Are the emergency rescue equipment for enclosed space entry in good condition? g. Are the personnel familiar with the safe entry and risk assessment procedures for enclosed space?
h. Are the personnel familiar with the operation of safety protective equipment and devices?
i. Is the enclosed space entry and rescue drill in accordance with SOLAS Chapter III, Regulation 19.3.3?
j. Is the SMS related to enclosed space operations effectively implemented on board?
6. The above instructions will remain in force during the nine months of the focused inspection Campaign on Enclosed Space Safety.
7. Ship owners/ operators and masters of the vessels are advised to be guided by above and ensure compliance.
Enclosure:
Disclaimer:
This Technical Circular and the material contained in it is provided only for the purpose of supplying current information to the reader and not as an advice to be relied upon by any person. While we have taken utmost care to be as factual as possible, readers/ users are advised to verify the exact text and content of the Regulation from the original source/ issuing Authority.