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Technical Notices
Resolution MSC.581(110) – Enclosed Space Entry Revised Procedures
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Overview
During summer 2025 and after MSC 110, IMO published the new revised guidelines MSC.581, for Enclosed Space Entry. The previous version resolution A.1050(27), for about 15 years served as the main guidance for entering enclosed spaces. The main guidance included in previous requirements is still in use, however several items have been added and updated.
What’s new?
Some text/expressions used have been changed. New terms like “Attendant:, “Connected Space” , “Adjacent Space”, “Enclosed Space Register” etc have been incorporated.
Sessions and sections have been added (Chapter 10 – Hazards Related to Specific Types of Ships or Cargo, warning signs samples, Example of Enclosed Space Emergency Response Plan, Steel Related Experiments and information on acceptable and unacceptable levels of gases).
Main highlights
The main highlight of the new guidance is that the procedures for enclosed space should be ship specific. The Enclosed space identification may be in generic format in the SMS (eg. Ballast Tanks), but in the ship specific Enclosed Space Register there should be a detailed description of each space.
Enclosed space entry format has been revised as new items incorporated, as per new guidance.
Additionally, guidance to shore personnel (boarding the ship for any reason), should be specific for the spaces considered to be Enclosed.
A brief diagram for identification should be available in gangway for boarding personnel notification.
Actions required
Ship managers and operators should be aware of the revised guidance and MSC 581 (110). In this respect all managed vessels should have ship specific procedures for enclosed space entry and an update enclosed space register.
Furthermore, the Enclosed Entry Permit form should be in accordance with new guidance.
