PENGEMBANGAN DRONE UNTUK PENGUKURAN ATMOSFER & VISUAL INSPECTION DI ENCLOSED SPACE TANPA HUMAN ENTRY

Abstract

This research aims to analyze the potential utilization of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones in conducting atmospheric measurement and visual inspection in enclosed spaces on board ships without human entry, as well as to identify the technical and operational challenges in their implementation. This study employs a descriptive qualitative method with a case study approach based on observation, interviews, and literature review conducted during sea practice on board MT. Hafnia Bobcat. The results show that enclosed space entry activities still pose a high risk of accidents due to the presence of hazardous atmospheric conditions such as oxygen deficiency, toxic gases, and flammable gases. In addition, conventional inspection methods still require crew members to enter confined spaces, which increases exposure to hazards and the possibility of human error. Analysis using a Fishbone Diagram indicates that the limited implementation of drone technology is influenced by several factors, including the lack of crew competence in operating drones, the absence of standardized operational procedures for UAV use in enclosed spaces, technical limitations of drones such as flight stability and battery endurance, and environmental conditions inside enclosed spaces such as poor lighting and complex structural layouts. Therefore, improvements are needed in drone operator training, the development of standardized operational procedures integrated into the Safety Management System (SMS), technological enhancement of drones to better adapt to enclosed environments, and gradual evaluation of this technology to improve occupational safety and reduce the risk of accidents during enclosed space entry activities on board ships. Keyword: Drone, Enclosed Space, Atmospheric measurement, Visual inspection, Ship safety , Technology Development