Maritime Questions › Enclosed Space Entry

A junior officer is under commercial pressure from a charterer to get a hold inspection done quickly, and atmosphere testing has not yet confirmed the space is safe. What is the correct response?

Q: Under MSC.581(110), what is the maximum acceptable CO2 reading (by volume) before an enclosed space can be considered safe for entry?

Less than 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm) Para. 7.4 sets the CO2 exposure limit at below 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm) before entry; if this is not achieved, the space remains unsafe. CO2 is now explicitly addressed as a major asphyxiation hazard alongside oxygen depletion.

A. Delegate the decision entirely to the charterer's surveyor, who is not bound by the ship's safety procedures

B. Allow a "quick look" without full testing since it is only a visual inspection

C. Hold firm — entry must not proceed until testing confirms a safe atmosphere and the permit is properly issued, regardless of commercial schedule pressure; escalate the pressure to the Master if needed

D. Proceed with testing only the entrance, to save time

Under MSC.581(110), what is the maximum acceptable CO2 reading (by volume) before an enclosed space can be considered safe for entry?

A. Less than 0.5% by volume (5,000 ppm)

B. Less than 2% by volume

C. Less than 21% by volume

D. There is no specific CO2 limit, only an oxygen limit

Under the revised recommendations, is single-person entry into an enclosed space ever permitted?

A. No — the company must ensure single-person entry into an enclosed space is not permitted

B. Yes, provided the person carries a personal gas detector

C. Yes, for spaces that have previously tested safe within the last 24 hours

D. Yes, but only for spaces below 5 metres in depth

+45 more Enclosed Space Entry questions available

Create a free account to practise all 48 questions, track your accuracy, and build your Reputation Score.

Create Free Account