Question 1

A vessel's manning documentation specifies '2 crew minimum for Category 2 operations'. The Master plans a passage meeting Category 6 limits with two crew. Does that statement alone establish that he may depart?

Accepted Answer

No, he must check the applicable code and certificate conditions, although a Category 6 passage is within Category 2 geographical limits.. Two crew may suffice, but the quoted statement does not establish compliance with the applicable code, crew qualification requirements and certificate conditions. Under MCA small commercial vessel operating categories, Category 2 permits operation up to 60 miles from a safe haven. Category 6 permits operation within 3 miles of a nominated departure point and never more than 3 miles from land, in favourable weather and daylight. A Category 6 passage is therefore not inherently outside Category 2 geographical limits or a reason to require additional crew. Category 4 means up to 20 miles from a safe haven in favourable weather and daylight; Category 5 means within 20 miles of a nominated departure point in favourable weather and daylight. These are operating categories, not inland-water classifications. Insurance consequences and criminal liability depend on the circumstances and cannot be inferred automatically from a change of operating category.

Question 2

Under MLC 2006 and STCW, what are the minimum hours of rest requirements for watchkeeping officers?

Accepted Answer

Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24 hours and 77 in any seven days, subject to specifically permitted exceptions.. The normal minimum rest requirements are 10 hours in any 24-hour period and 77 hours in any seven-day period. Rest may normally be divided into no more than two periods, one lasting at least six hours, with no more than 14 hours between consecutive rest periods. STCW permits administrations to authorise specified exceptions to weekly rest and rest division, subject to safeguards. Weekly rest may be reduced to at least 70 hours for no more than two consecutive weeks; these exceptions do not reduce the 10-hour daily minimum. A collective bargaining agreement does not by itself authorise departure from STCW requirements. Separate provisions address emergencies and overriding operational conditions, with compensatory rest where required. Daily rest records must use a standardised format established by the competent authority, taking account of applicable international guidance.

Question 3

The Master is required to maintain records of hours of work/rest. What format must be used and who may inspect them?

Accepted Answer

Individual records in a standardised format approved by the flag state, accompanied by a posted working-arrangements table and available for inspection by Port State Control.. STCW Regulation VIII/1, supported by Code section A-VIII/1, and MLC Standard A2.3 require individual hours of work or rest records in a standardised format approved by the competent authority. The MCA model record of hours of rest is MSF 4619, not MSF 4551. Records must be available for inspection by flag state inspectors and Port State Control. Each seafarer must receive a copy of their records endorsed by the master, or a person authorised by the master, and by the seafarer. The table of shipboard working arrangements must be posted in an easily accessible place; individual records do not have to be posted. The table and record formats must use the ship's working language or languages and English.

Safe Manning, questions and explanations

A vessel's manning documentation specifies '2 crew minimum for Category 2 operations'. The Master plans a passage meeting Category 6 limits with two crew. Does that statement alone establish that he may depart?

Under MLC 2006 and STCW, what are the minimum hours of rest requirements for watchkeeping officers?

The Master is required to maintain records of hours of work/rest. What format must be used and who may inspect them?

Practise this properly

Safe Manning, questions and explanations

Questions

A vessel's manning documentation specifies '2 crew minimum for Category 2 operations'. The Master plans a passage meeting Category 6 limits with two crew. Does that statement alone establish that he may depart?

Under MLC 2006 and STCW, what are the minimum hours of rest requirements for watchkeeping officers?

The Master is required to maintain records of hours of work/rest. What format must be used and who may inspect them?

Practise this properly