Between 1 May and 17 June 2022, AMSA conducted a focused inspection campaign on hours of work and rest. The results of the campaign were positive and showed general compliance with the work and rest requirements. Most of the inspections conducted during this period, resulted in no hours of work and rest related deficiencies.
The Hours of Work and Rest Focused Inspection Campaign (FIC) focused on:
- The level of compliance with the maximum hours of work/minimum hours of rest for seafarers in accordance with the requirements of International Conventions;
- The familiarity of the master and officers with implementing the provisions when working onboard ships.
The FIC was scheduled for two months commencing on 1 May 2022. AMSA ceased the campaign on 17 June 2022 as the target inspection level of 200 inspections was reached. During the inspection period a total of 282 inspections were recorded (22 inspections were recorded after 17 June 2022).
Results
The FIC results showed general compliance with the work/rest requirements. The results were as follows:
- 281 ships were inspected during the FIC (one ship having the FIC carried out twice in this period);
- From those initial inspections, 27 ships were detained during the period of the FIC campaign, two of which were directly attributed to this FIC. This shows 7.4% of all detentions during the FIC campaign related to the Hours of Work and Rest FIC topic.
Key results of the FIC included:
- A vast majority of inspections conducted during this FIC resulted in no deficiencies related to this FIC;
- Even though the COVID-19 pandemic is well into its third year, ship owners are still making seafarers stay on board for more than 11 months (continuous service), as evidenced by 13 affirmative answers to question 4 – Do any seafarers have periods of shipboard employment exceeding 11 months?
- The majority of ships conducted drills in a manner as to not fatigue crew;
- Nearly all ships are posting their table of shipboard arrangements.3
The most positive results were:
- Table of shipboard working arrangement available (99%);
- Drills have been conducted in a manner that minimizes the disturbance of rest periods and does not induce fatigue? (98%).
Ship operators, Masters and crew are strongly encouraged to review these documents and take steps to improve compliance with resting hours
AMSA stated.
As a result of this campaign, AMSA intends to:
- Continue to focus attention on rest hours;
- Continue our focus crew who have served on board continuously for more than 11 months.
