Release to Third Parties by Special Authorisation of Management only
Entering Confined Spaces
1.	Purpose
	Incorrect behaviour when entering enclosed spaces, especially tanks, is repeatedly the cause of serious accidents. Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG has therefore established a policy to rule out such accidents.
2.	Application
	This Documented Procedure applies to the Shorebased Organisation and all ships managed / operated by Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG.
3.	Definitions and Abbreviations (refer to VA-001)
4.	Responsibilities
	First and foremost each member of staff having business in enclosed spaces is themself responsible for observance of accident prevention regulations.
	Staff, who give the order to enter an enclosed space, personally take care of observance of accident prevention regulations and are personally present.
	Permission to enter enclosed spaces can only be given by the master, the first officer or the chief engineer.

5.	Description of Routines
	Confined spaces are tanks, cofferdams, void spaces; in a certain sense also C02 chambers and cold storage chambers. When entering cold storage and C02 chambers, care is to be taken; if in doubt ventilate first. Should it be intended to enter tanks, this is to be discussed first amongst those responsible. At the end of this discussion the master, the first officer or the chief engineer gives his consent, provided that he is convinced it can be carried out without danger. The tank to be entered is empty, all manhole covers are open and secured. The tank is sufficiently mechanically ventilated; oil tanks will be made free from gas (test with measuring apparatus). The tank is sufficiently illuminated (Ex-lamps). The 'Entering Confined Spaces' check list CL-020 is worked through. The master, first officer or chief engineer gives written permission to enter the confined space. In case of any doubt the tank is to be entered using compressed air breathing apparatus. The first entrance takes place using a safety line. Communication signals are agreed (signals with the line, whistling, if necessary by walkie-talkie so long as there is no danger of explosion). A maximum stay period in the tank is agreed. Before starting, all those concerned are instructed by the superior responsible of the dangers involved. As long as somebody is in the tank, a ship's officer is always present at the manhole. Nobody should be assigned to enter a tank against his will. The tank is entered in protective clothing (hardhat, etc.), carrying an Ex-lamp. As a matter of principle rescue attempts are made using breathing apparatus. Nobody goes to attempt rescue in the tank, without previously alarming further crew members for supporting action. As a matter of principle, absolutely all relevant accident prevention regulations will be observed to the letter.
6.	References and Remarks
6.1	Document Reference
	VA-026 Safety at Work NP-004 Rescue of Injured / Seriously Sick Persons Accident Prevention Regulations Training Manual
6.2	Bibliography
	SOLAS Schiffssicherheitsvorschriften
6.3	Remarks
	This documented procedure applies by analogy when entering further enclosed spaces, such as cargo holds which have not been ventilated for a long time, those with a controlled atmosphere, and those with open dangerous cargo, etc..
7.	Documentation
	CL-020 Entering Confined Spaces Further documentation only occurs when there is reason to complete a deficiency / accident report.

8.	Revision of Documents
	Party responsible for the editorial revision of this procedure:
	Fleet Manager / Designated Person
9.	Distribution
	All Safety Management Manuals
	Additional Copies: none
10.	Attachments
	none

Procedure

Schiffahrtskontor tom Wörden GmbH & Co. KG Wilhelm-Schröder-Str. 3 D-21726 Oldendorf

VA-025

Revision 1

17.12.02

Page 1 of 2

Procedure

Reederei Heinz Corleis Kampweg 4a D-21706 Drochtersen

prepared: 20.09.02	approved: 20.09.02	released: 20.09.02	Revision 1
			Procedure No.: VA-025
M. Blohm	H.Corleis	H.Corleis	Page 1 of 2

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