Lessons learned: No rest for the weary

Mars Reports 2015

The Nautical Institute has issued a Mars Report related to the problems in complying with STCW and MLC regulations on work and rest hours.

A Master has sent MARS the following real-life example of the difficulties of getting enough sleep on certain vessels, in this case a livestock carrier:

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0400: Controls tested and Master informed

0500: Crew called for stations for picking up anchor and berthing.

0600: Pilot on board.

0730: Vessel alongside and all made fast.

0800: Authorities including PSC and quarantine board vessel.

1000: Quarantine inspection of the vessel and cargo spaces completed.

1030: Port state authority preload inspection commences as is requires prior to loading livestock.

1900: Vessel inspection compeleted. A few deficiencies were identified during the inspection which required class attendance.

2000: Class surveyor attends vessel.

2200: All deficiencies closed and vessel cleared for loading.

In the meantime, crew are also busy attending other activities such as fodder loading, receiving stores, spares and provisions. While the inspection is in progress, the entire deck crew, Master, chief officer, cadets and duty officer along with engine room personnel are attending the inspection. After the vessel is cleared for loading, the chief officer and his team are busy preparing the vessel to receive the livestock. The Master is busy with emails, communicating to all parties the results of the inspection and forwarding all relevant documents.

Readers will understand the problems in complying with STCW and MLC regulations on work and rest hours.

Lessons learned and recommendations

Commercial managers, including exporters should be informed/educated about shipboard work/rest requirements.

If we are to comply with hours of work/rest, there has to be a shoredriven effort to ensure this can be done.

Suggest allowing a ‘cooling off’ period for at least four hours after completion of cargo work prior to commencement, allowing ship’s crew to take some rest, meals etc.

Source: Nautical Institute

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