Special Campaign against Illegal Entry into Enclosed Spaces onboard Ships (China MSA)

With thanks to our correspondents Huatai Marine, who have prepared Circular PNI [2025] 01, the Club would like to bring to the attention of Members’ a nine-month special campaign that China Maritime Safety Administration (China MSA) has recently launched against “Illegal Entry into Enclosed Spaces onboard Ships”

Period of the Special Campaign - From January 15 to October 14, 2025. 

Frequency of Inspection - In principle, only one special inspection shall be carried out onboard the same ship during the special campaign period, except:

• Where an accident or dangerous situation is triggered due to illegal entry into the enclosed space onboard a ship
• Where serious deficiencies or potential risks in the management of entering enclosed spaces onboard the ship are identified during on-site ship supervision.
• Where a ship is reported under real name for serious problems or potential risks in the management of entry into the enclosed spaces.
• Where special inspections are required as designated by the MSA of the Ministry of Transport

Members are encouraged to bring the Circular to the attention of their Masters and ship staff, to prepare for the onboard inspections, implement the relevant procedures within the vessels SMS documents whilst have due regard to the guidance provided within the Circular. 

Members are reminded that the Club has published a number of Risk Alerts and other supportive material on the dangers of entry into enclosed spaces, these are detailed with appropriate links below in the Resources. In addition, available through the Donate & Train library, there are two programmes “Enclosed Spaces are Dangerous Places” and “Entry To Enclosed Spaces”.  The programme look at how the oxygen levels in such spaces can be depleted and the procedures that should be followed to minimise the possibility of injury to personnel.