Home⇛International Journal of Multidisciplinary: Applied Business and Education Research⇛vol. 7 no. 5 (2026)

Enhancing Safety of PCG Personnel Working on Vessel’s Enclosed Spaces through Capacity Building Program

Denis R. Rapal

Discipline: engineering (non-specific)

 

Abstract:

The rising cases of shipboard enclosed space accidents and deaths has increased the significance of providing the safety of maritime person- nel. This paper evaluates awareness and knowledge levels of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) staff on enclosed space entry, in three key areas, namely, regulations, equipment, and competence. It seeks to suggest an organized capacity-building initiative to improve safety measures and operational readiness on PCG ships. The paper is designed as a mixed research with a concurrent triangulation design. It gathers both quanti- tative data by surveying 312 PCG personnel on board ships with the help of a structured examination tool and qualitative information by conducting in-depth interviews with five veteran seafarers of the com- mercial ships. The researcher analyzed the results of the examination with the help of descriptive statistics and frequency distribution and conducted thematic content analysis of the transcript of the interviews. The results indicate that despite the majority of PCG respondents ex- pressing overall knowledge of the dangers of enclosed spaces, there are still considerable knowledge gaps. Regarding regulations, most re- spondents demonstrate a minimum level of knowledge and are not fa- miliar with the applicable international regulations. The level of knowledge of equipment is generally satisfactory, but the respondents lack the skills of using and preparing special tools needed in rescue and emergency cases. Competence is considered the weakest area, and the percentage of the personnel that exhibits poor knowledge of hazard identification, electrical safety, and emergency responses is significant. These findings emphasize the importance of standardized regulatory training, practical training with equipment, and ongoing evaluation of competency. To counter this, the study recommends an all-round ca- pacity building initiative incorporating compulsory training, simula- tion-based exercises, and safety drills conducted in an enclosed space to enhance the safety practice of enclosed space among PCG staff.



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