A regulated procedure for entering confined or enclosed spaces aboard a vessel, such as cargo holds, ballast tanks, and void spaces, where the atmosphere may be oxygen-deficient or contain hazardous gases. Strict protocols including atmospheric testing, ventilation, and standby personnel are required to prevent fatalities.
Category: Safety & Emergency
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Abandon ShipThe order given by the master to evacuate a vessel when the ship is in imminent danger of sinking or when conditions aboard pose an immediate threat to life.AISAutomatic Identification System, a tracking system that uses VHF radio transponders on ships to automatically exchange vessel identification, position, course, speed, and other data with nearby ships and shore-based systems.Collision RegulationsThe International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), a set of rules published by the IMO that establish navigation protocols for vessels to follow in order to avoid collisions.EPIRBEmergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, a distress alerting device that transmits a signal on 406 MHz to satellites in the Cospas-Sarsat system, providing the vessel's identity and GPS position to search and rescue authorities.Fire DrillA mandatory practice exercise conducted at regular intervals on board ship to train crew members in fire prevention, detection, and firefighting procedures.GMDSSGlobal Maritime Distress and Safety System, an internationally agreed-upon set of safety procedures, types of equipment, and communication protocols used to increase safety and make it easier to rescue distressed ships, boats, and aircraft.
Back to DictionaryEntry updated May 2026