Enclosed space entry Recently the Association noted a crew fatality incident caused by entering an enclosed zinc concentrate cargo hold. A chief officer of a bulk carrier was found lying unconscious in the cargo hold after he entered the hold alone without ventilation and tragically lost his life. It was later established that the cause of death was asphyxiation. Measurements performed the day after the accident showed that the level of oxygen in the air at the stairwell was 2.6%. Lessons learned Due to the cargo's nature of oxidation, ventilation and atmosphere tests are vital before entering holds and breathing apparatus is needed. At sea-level, humans require air that contains minimum 19.5% oxygen. Below that an environment will be unsafe for human life. Where oxygen in an enclosed space was consumed by oxidation the oxygen quantity will be replaced by carbon monoxide and when this happen a person may fall unconscious within a few breaths, and death may follow within three minutes. Regulatory compliance (i)  It is stressed that the procedure in the company SMS for entry into enclosed space shall be strictly complied with, and the master should ensure that all crew members are well trained and fully familiar with the procedures. This Association has published an article to discuss the mandatory drill for entering into an enclosed space . (ii)  SOLAS Regulation III/19 requires mandatory enclosed space entry drills as well as rescue drills to be conducted every two months. All crew members who have responsibilities for entry in to enclosed spaces, or rescue therefrom, will have to participate in these drills. Crews are to remember: a.  Always read and plan for all risks that are highlighted in the MSDS documentation b.  Always ventilate and test hazardous gases and oxygen content before entering enclosed space c.  Always have companions when entering enclosed space. Supervisor(s) to be present at the entrance and keep continuous communicatio