MPA Singapore No 22 of 2013
The MPA Singapore has issued circular to remind shipowners, shipmanagers, operators and masters of Singapore ships about the revised safe manning requirements for Signapore ships.
All Singapore ships are required to be safely manned and hold an appropriatesafe manning document (SMD) issued under the provisions of Regulation V/14 of theInternational Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) 1974, as amended.The purpose of the SMD is to ensure that the manning of seagoing ships from asafety standpoint, includes the minimum number and grades of personnel necessaryfor the safe operation and security of the ship, and for the protection of the marineenvironment.
Resolution MSC.325(90), adopted by the Maritime Safety Committee of theInternational Maritime Organisation (IMO) on 24 May 2012, made amendments toSOLAS Regulation V/14. The amendments will enter into force on 01 Jan 2014 The amendments require the appropriateminimum safe manning of each ship to be established taking into account the”Principles of Minimum Safe Manning” adopted by the IMO by Resolution A.1047(27).
IMO Resolution A.1047(27), adopted on 30 Nov 2011, provided updatedprinciples of minimum safe manning. Companies should ensure that the master and crew do not work more hoursthan in relation to the performance of their duties necessary for the safe operationand security of the ship, and for the protection of the marine environment. The sameresponsibility is placed on the master in relation to deployment of the ship’scomplement. Manning levels should be adequate as to ensure that the time andplace available for taking rest periods are appropriate for achieving a good quality ofrest.
In relation to this, companies are reminded that the minimum safe manningindicated on the SMD serves as the minimum level that should be maintained onboard at any one time. This is to fulfil the objectives that a ship shall be sufficiently,effectively and efficiently manned to provide safety and security of the ship, forprotection of the marine environment, and for dealing with emergency situations.
Work requirements and conditions on board should be taken into account,when a company is determining the actual manning for its Singapore ship. Theactual manning should be periodically reviewed to address changing operations.This is with the view that the actual workload situation on board the ship may varywith time due to various factors, for example – changes in voyage patterns or statusof the ship’s machinery. The companies’ review should be in accordance with theInternational Safety Management (ISM) Code and IMO Resolution A.1047(27), toensure safe operations on board Singapore ships.
Find more information by reading MPA Singapore Circular No.22/ 2013
