Enclosed-space entry
What is being checked
The inspector is checking whether the permit, risk assessment, isolations, competence and supervision create an effective control system for enclosed-space entry, and whether recent work followed that system.
Ready onboard
0/6 completePractice questions
Answer aloud, then open the preparation point.
1What makes this enclosed-space entry safe to start?
Confirm the approved permit, competent team and physical controls for space identification, isolation, ventilation, representative atmosphere testing, attendant, communications, rescue readiness and entry limits.
2Who can stop or suspend the permit?
Anyone may stop unsafe work. The authorising officer must suspend it if conditions, scope, personnel or simultaneous operations change.
3How are isolations proved?
Identify every energy source, isolate, lock and tag, dissipate stored energy and prove the safe state at the worksite.
4What change requires reassessment?
A change in scope, atmosphere, weather, equipment status, personnel, nearby operations or validity period requires suspension and review.
5Show that the last job was properly restored.
Trace permit closure to removal of tools and personnel, guard replacement, isolation removal, testing and operational handover.
Where an observation may arise
The risk assessment did not address space identification, isolation, ventilation, representative atmosphere testing, attendant, communications, rescue readiness and entry limits.
Physical inspection did not confirm all connected systems are isolated, readings cover different levels and rescue equipment is ready.
An energy source, stored pressure, gravity, temperature or automatic start was not isolated and proved safe.
The permit was expired, pre-signed, issued away from the worksite or inconsistent with the actual job.
A conflicting operation or permit was not identified and controlled.
The job was closed despite unrecorded entry, inadequate testing, lost ventilation, absent attendant or incomplete restoration.
Past observations for practice
The electro-chlorination water ballast treatment plant was retro fitted in the cargo pump during the last dry docking period. The operator's enclosed space entry permit for had a matrix requiring chlorine and chloride dioxide check only for the WBT. No such atmosphere tests were required for the cargo pumproom, cargo tanks, void spaces, pipe ducts which were adjacent to ballast tanks or had fittings related to the management of the water ballast.
Company required that all the enclosed spaces are marked with "ES" symbol, however some of the marks are missed or over painted.
OP was not aware of the frequency of testing (20 minutes) and agreed upon reporting intervals (5 min) required during the working in the enclosed space for which enclosed space entry permit was required.
Master's practical note
Audit one completed permit backwards from equipment restoration to initial isolation. Most weaknesses appear at scope change, shift handover or return to service rather than on the front page.
Equipment boundary and references
Equipment boundary: The permit is an administrative control and does not replace physical isolation, competent supervision or continuous reassessment at the worksite.
References
- OCIMF SIRE 2.0 Question Library Part 1, Version 1.0, Question 5.5.1
- SOLAS Chapter XI-1 regulation 7
- IMO resolution A.1050(27)
Last reviewed: 2026-09-13