VideotelTM, the leading international provider of e-Learning
maritime training programs and a company of KVH Industries, Inc.,
(Nasdaq:KVHI), has backed calls by the UK-based maritime union
Nautilus for the UK Shipping and Ports Minister to lead regulatory
reforms to protect seafarers from the dangers of enclosed spaces.
The general secretary of Nautilus recently wrote to the minister to
point out the high incidence of death when entering enclosed
spaces, where mortality occurs more frequently than during any
other activity onboard.
Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel, says the dangers of seafarers
entering enclosed spaces without the necessary training and
equipment are of the utmost concern. "Seafarers are dying
unnecessarily and we will continue to hammer home the need for the
industry and government to work together to ensure such incidents
are a thing of the past. One death from such a situation is one
death too many," says Mr. Cleave.
According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO),
enclosed spaces are characterized by having limited openings for
entry and exit, inadequate ventilation, or a design not intended
for continuous worker occupancy. Examples include cargo spaces,
double bottoms, fuel tanks, ballast tanks, cargo pump-rooms,
compressor rooms, chain lockers, and any other confined spaces that
may be oxygen deficient or have unsafe atmospheres.
The topic of enclosed spaces has been in the maritime news
recently following the deaths of two senior professional officers
last month on the Sally Ann C, a UK-registered cargo ship. It has
been reported that the chief officer and chief engineer both died
from fumes encountered in a cargo hold containing timber and that
another mariner lost consciousness but survived. Timber is known to
create a toxic atmosphere in a confined space because of the carbon
monoxide released when the wood is oxidized.
The general secretary of Nautilus has requested that the UK
Shipping and Ports Minister take a leading role in ensuring that
training about enclosed spaces becomes mandatory for all seafarers.
Another requirement proposed is that ships carry equipment for
remotely testing the oxygen level in enclosed spaces.
Videotel produces "Entry into Enclosed Spaces," an entire suite
of training programmes in interactive CD-ROM and Videotel on Demand
(VOD) format with supporting booklets. Intended for both onboard
crew and shore-based personnel, the seven-edition series explains
all relevant regulations and guidelines, raises awareness of the
hazards of enclosed spaces entry, explains enclosed space entry
procedures and the equipment required for safe entry into enclosed
spaces, and provides details about emergency procedures, rescue
techniques, and the use of a self-contained breathing
apparatus.
To complement the "Entry into Enclosed Spaces" training series,
Videotel recently launched, in conjunction with the UK's Mines
Rescue Service, the innovative and unique "Enclosed Space
Management System." The system is designed to help effectively
assess, audit, and manage the safety of enclosed spaces and combat
the number of accidents and fatalities that all too often occur
when problem areas are overlooked.
"Enclosed Space Management System" is currently the only
computer-based system available that enables vessels and
installations to comply with the IMO's adopted Resolution
A.1050(27) "Revised Recommendations for Entering Enclosed Spaces
Aboard Ships," Section 3 – Safety Management for Entry into
Enclosed Spaces, as well as the latest SOLAS recommendations for
enclosed spaces. "Enclosed Space Management System" provides an
auditing process to follow, allowing safety risks to be identified
and solutions to be put in place. The system is intended for
contractors, surveyors, port state inspectors, office staff, and
onboard staff. All crew members can contribute to this
'living' system by adding their own comments, photographs, and
experiential data to each space record, ensuring that knowledge is
retained and safety risks are lowered even if onboard personnel
change. It also provides ready access to all essential information
needed to enter and work within an enclosed space as safely as
possible. Gathered information can be viewed ashore as well as on
the vessel and a PDF report can be sent directly to any third party
by email, as required. The system itself is updated at regular
intervals to reflect changes in laws and regulations.
"Given the unacceptable number of fatalities recorded in recent
years, the 'Entry into Enclosed Spaces' series was considered so
vitally important that we produced not one, but seven programs,"
says Videotel's Nigel Cleave. "The series plus the 'Enclosed Space
Management System' all rate at the very top of our 'must see'
training programs."
Note to Editors: For more information about Videotel's training
programs, please visit www.videotel.com. High-resolution images of
KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library,
www.kvh.com/press-room/image-library.
About KVH Industries, Inc.
KVH Industries is a leading provider of in-motion satellite TV
and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold
more than 175,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on
vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH is also a leading news, music,
and entertainment content provider to many industries including
maritime, retail, and leisure. Videotel, a KVH company, is the
market-leading provider of training films, computer-based training
and e-Learning. KVH is based in Middletown, RI, with research,
development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and
Tinley Park, IL. The company's global presence includes offices in
Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, the
Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
KVH and Videotel are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc.
CONTACT: Jill Connors, Media & Communications Manager
KVH Industries, Inc.
Tel: 401-851-3824
jconnors@kvh.com
or
Phil Page, Elaborate Communications
Tel: +44 (0) 1296 682104
ppage@elabor8.co.uk
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