The Republic of Marshall Islands(RMI) has published a marine notice on Safe Manning Requirements and policies for RMI flagged vessels, including the establishment of minimum manning levels.
The requirements on safe manning incorporate the principles of minimum safe manning addressed by IMO Resolution. This Notice supersedes Rev. 3/15 and includes the addition of manning levels for passenger yachts (PAXYs), private yachts limited charter (PYLCs), and yachts engaged in trade (YETs).
Minimum safe manning levels shall address the number of seafarers required to ensurethat a ship is sufficiently, effectively and efficiently manned in accordance with MI-108 sections 7.38 and 7.51, taking into consideration the guidelines contained in IMO Resolution
Vessel operators shall ensure there are sufficient qualified personnel on board the vessel to safely handle all expected operations in addition to watchstanding duties. These operations include, but are not limited to, mooring or unmooring, tank cleaning, preparation of cargo holds, and cargo operations, especially those relative to short-sea voyage of 24 hours or less.
Vessel operators shall ensure there are sufficient qualified personnel on board to make up required watch schemes plus the general surveillance of the vessel, such as fire and security patrols and investigation of unusual noises.
The issuance of a minimum safe manning certificate does not imply that a vessel may not be towed, or where appropriate for safety reasons, moored or anchored in an unmanned condition.
Form of MSMC
The minimum safe manning level will be included in the minimum safe manning document issued by the Administrator:
- a clear statement of the vessel’s name, port of registry, distinctive number or letters, IMO number, gross tonnage, main propulsion power, type and trading area and if the vessel is classed for periodically unattended machinery spaces
- a table that shows the number and grades/capacities of the personnel that will be required to be carried, together with any special conditions or other remarks
- a formal statement by the Administrator that, in accordance with the principles and guidelines set out in Annexes 1 and 2 of IMO Resolution A.1047(27), reference (d) above, the vessel named in the document is considered to be safely manned if, whenever it proceeds to sea, it carries not less than the number and grades/capacities of personnel shown in the document, subject to any special conditions stated therein
- a statement that outlines any limitations on the validity of the document by reference to particulars of the individual vessel and the nature of service in which it is engaged and the date of issue of the document together with a signature for and the seal of the Administrator.
The MSMC will be drawn up in a form corresponding to the model provided in the Appendix to IMO Resolution reference
Due to the unique operation of MOUs and Oil Storage Vessels, separate manning schedules have been developed for these units/vessels.
Further information may be found in the marine notice below
Source: RMI
