SAFE MANNING MANUAL

For a 26,000 GRT Bulk Carrier

1. Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to ensure that the vessel is safely manned in accordance with:

• International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.1047(27)
• SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 14
• STCW Convention
• Maritime Labour Convention (MLC)
• ISM Code

This manual also takes into account:

• Frequent port calls
• Rest-hour management
• High-risk/piracy areas
• Cargo and emergency operations

2. Ship Particulars

3. Safe Manning Objectives

Safe manning arrangements shall ensure:

1. Safe navigation and watchkeeping
2. Safe cargo handling operations
3. Safe engine-room operation
4. Pollution prevention
5. Compliance with rest-hour regulations
6. Emergency preparedness
7. Security duties during high-risk area transit

4. Minimum Manning Scale

Deck Department

• Master – 1
• Chief Officer – 1
• Second Officer – 1
• Third Officer – 1
• Bosun – 1
• Able Seaman – 3
• Ordinary Seaman – 1
• Deck Cadet – 1

Engine Department

• Chief Engineer – 1
• Second Engineer – 1
• Third Engineer – 1
• Fourth Engineer – 1
• Electro-Technical Officer (ETO) – 1
• Oilers/Motormen – 3
• Engine Cadet – 1

Catering Department

• Chief Cook – 1
• Steward – 1

Total Crew: 20

Additional manpower is maintained due to:

• Cargo loading and discharging operations
• Frequent port calls
• Fatigue prevention
• High-risk area transit

5. Watchkeeping Arrangement

Bridge Watches

The same watch schedule is repeated for the next 12 hours.

• An Able Seaman (AB) lookout shall be posted at all times.

Engine Watches

• UMS operation shall be maintained at sea.
• Duty engineer shall remain on call.
• Additional engine staff shall be available during manoeuvring and cargo operations.

6. Rest Hour Management

As per STCW requirements:

• Minimum 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
• Minimum 77 hours rest in any 7-day period
• Rest hours may be divided into a maximum of two periods
• One period of rest must be at least 6 continuous hours

Fatigue Control Measures

• Rest hours shall be recorded daily.
• Overtime shall be monitored by the Master.
• Compensatory rest shall be provided after heavy cargo operations.
• Drills shall be planned to avoid excessive fatigue.

7. Frequent Port Call Management

Frequent loading and discharging operations increase crew workload due to:

• Mooring operations
• Cargo watchkeeping
• Ballast operations
• Hatch cover operations
• Documentation work

Control Measures

• Extra deck ratings shall be assigned during mooring operations.
• Cargo watch rotation shall be carried out every 6 hours.
• Additional engine attendance shall be maintained during port stay.
• Non-essential maintenance work shall be postponed during busy operational schedules.

8. High-Risk Area Procedures

During transit through piracy-prone or high-risk areas:

• Additional bridge lookout shall be posted.
• Engine room shall be kept on standby condition.
• Security patrols shall be increased.
• Access control measures shall be strictly maintained.
• Emergency anti-piracy procedures shall be kept ready for immediate use.

9. Emergency Preparedness

The vessel shall carry sufficient crew for effective response to:

• Firefighting
• Lifeboat launching
• Flooding and damage control
• Medical emergencies
• Pollution response

Regular emergency drills shall be conducted without causing excessive disturbance to crew rest hours.

10. Master’s Responsibility

The Master shall:

• Ensure compliance with safe manning requirements
• Monitor crew fatigue levels
• Maintain proper watchkeeping standards
• Report unsafe manning conditions to the company

11. Company Responsibility

The company shall:

• Provide qualified and certified crew
• Ensure proper relief planning
• Prevent excessive crew workload
• Support fatigue management systems

12. Conclusion

Safe manning on a 26,000 GRT bulk carrier is essential for:

• Safe navigation
• Efficient cargo handling
• Emergency response
• Pollution prevention
• Crew welfare