Work and rest regulations for seafarers ensure safety, compliance, and well-being. Key frameworks include STCW (fatigue prevention), MLC (seafarer welfare), and CFR (U.S. maritime laws). Each outlines specific rest and work hour limits to maintain operational efficiency and crew health.
STCW regulation VIII/1 focuses on operational safety and fatigue prevention, establishing a global standard for watchkeeping.
MLC Regulation 2.3 emphasizes seafarers' welfare beyond fatigue prevention, covering broader issues like working conditions and medical care.
CFR Title 46, Part 15.1111 aligns with STCW but provides a slightly more lenient weekly rest requirement (70 hours instead of 77) and is specific to U.S.-flagged vessels.
While all three frameworks aim to ensure safety and welfare, the MLC provides the most comprehensive protections, addressing seafarers’ rights, while STCW is more narrowly focused on safe navigation and watchkeeping. CFR ensures compliance for U.S. vessels with both domestic and international obligations.
The MLC, under the International Labour Organization (ILO), provides comprehensive rights and protections for seafarers, often referred to as the "Seafarers' Bill of Rights."
It aims to ensure decent working conditions, safety, and rest for all seafarers onboard ships.
Minimum 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.
Minimum 77 hours of rest in any 7-day period.
Allows splitting rest periods into two, with at least one being 6 hours and a maximum of 14 hours between periods.
Includes additional protections related to seafarers’ health, such as medical care, safe working conditions, and social security.
The STCW Convention, established by the International Maritime Organization (IMO), aims to ensure safety at sea and protect the marine environment by enforcing standardized training and operational practices for seafarers.
Rest hour regulations under STCW are primarily concerned with preventing fatigue among watchkeeping officers and crew members.
Minimum 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.
Minimum 77 hours of rest in any 7-day period.
Rest can be split into two periods, with at least one being 6 hours and no more than 14 hours between rest periods.
Allows exceptions for emergencies, drills, or overriding operational conditions but requires compensatory rest.
The CFR is a set of federal regulations governing U.S.-flagged vessels. Part 15.1111 addresses work and rest requirements, ensuring compliance with STCW for vessels subject to international conventions.
It emphasizes both safety and compliance with domestic U.S. maritime law.
Minimum 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.
Minimum 70 hours of rest in any 7-day period (slightly less rest required weekly than STCW and MLC).
Rest can be split into two periods, with one being at least 6 hours and no more than 14 hours between them.
Requires documentation of rest periods to ensure compliance during inspections.
