Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Regulations
Regulation · Transport
Regulations implement standards for safe manning levels and working hours on vessels. They target ship owners, operators, and seafarers to enforce rest periods and competent crew. This prevents fatigue-related incidents at sea.
Merchant Shipping (Safe Manning, Hours of Work and Watchkeeping) Regulations
What Is This Policy?
Regulations implementing international standards on safe manning levels, maximum working hours, minimum rest periods, and watchkeeping arrangements on board vessels.
Who Does It Target?
Ship owners and operators Seafarers and maritime professionals Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Port authorities
What Does It Aim to Achieve?
Prevent fatigue-related incidents by ensuring vessels are adequately manned with properly rested and competent crew.
Key Features
Safe Manning Document: NIMASA-issued document specifying minimum manning for each vessel Working Hours: Maximum 14 hours in any 24-hour period and 72 hours in any 7-day period Rest Periods: Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period Watchkeeping: Standards for bridge, engine, and radio watchkeeping
Current Status
Rollout Stage: Active Coverage: All Nigerian-flagged vessels and vessels in Nigerian waters Lead Agency: NIMASA
How to Access
Ship owners and operators must comply. Obtain Safe Manning Document from NIMASA Maintain work and rest hour records for all seafarers Comply with watchkeeping standards
Official Resources
Website: nimasa.gov.ng Contact: NIMASA, Lagos
Legal Framework
Issued under the Merchant Shipping Act 2007 and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency Act 2007. Implements the STCW Convention (Chapter VIII on Watchkeeping), the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (Standard A2.3 on hours of work and rest), and relevant ILO instruments ratified by Nigeria.