Deaths resulting from crew or shore personnel entering holds without observing enclosed space entry precautions remain unacceptably high. The crew on this entered vessel were alert to the hazard and have provided a warning at the access hatches to check the oxygen content before entering the space. Numerous cargoes may cause oxygen depletion of the hold atmosphere and/or can emit flammable or toxic gases. Such warnings may therefore be enhanced by making it clear that full enclosed space entry procedures should be observed at all times prior to entry.