Working Hours on Board: Regulations, Limits, and Seafarers’ Rights

Working Hours on Board: Regulations, Limits, and Seafarers’ Rights

Working hours on board a vessel are one of the key elements that determine maritime safety, crew well-being, and compliance with international standards.
Although life at sea is a 24-hour operation, where navigation, maintenance, and cargo handling never stop, international law strictly defines how long a seafarer can work and how much rest they must have.
These rules protect crew members from fatigue and shipowners from violations that could result in detentions and heavy fines.

1. Legal Framework

The main document governing working hours for seafarers is the Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006).
Additional standards are found in the ILO Convention No.180 (Seafarers’ Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996) and the STCW Convention (Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers),
which sets the minimum requirements for watchkeeping schedules and rest periods.According to MLC Regulation 2.3, every flag State must establish a system that ensures safe organization of working hours and adequate rest for all seafarers on board.

2. Definition of Working and Rest Hours

• Working hours are the time during which a seafarer is required to perform duties for the ship, including:

  • navigation, watchkeeping, and technical operations;

  • cargo handling, bunkering, and mooring operations;

  • preparation for voyage, drills, and emergency duties.

• Rest hours are the periods during which a seafarer is free from all duties and responsibilities.

It is important to note that drills and training carried out during work hours must not excessively reduce rest time.

3. Maximum Working Hours and Minimum Rest Hours

According to MLC 2006, Regulation 2.3 and Standard A2.3, two systems of compliance are permitted:

1. By working hours:

   • not more than 14 hours in any 24-hour period, and

   • not more than 72 hours in any seven-day period.

2. By rest hours:

   • at least 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period, and

   • at least 77 hours of rest in any seven-day period.

Each flag State and company may choose either system, but the watch schedule must ensure operational safety and minimize fatigue.

4. Division and Scheduling of Rest Hours

As per MLC Standard A2.3.5,
rest hours may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which must last at least six consecutive hours.
The interval between consecutive rest periods must not exceed 14 hours.For officers in charge of navigation and engineering watches, uninterrupted rest is essential to maintain alertness and decision-making ability.
Shipowners must maintain records of hours of work and rest (MLC Record Form) for each crew member for a minimum of three years.

5. Exceptions and Emergency Situations

Temporary deviations from normal working hours are permitted only in cases of:

• emergencies such as fire, collision, rescue operations, or mooring;

• urgent inspections, drills, or passage through high-risk areas.

However, once the situation has been resolved, shipowners must provide compensatory rest at the earliest opportunity.
Repeated or systematic overwork without justification is considered a serious MLC violation and may result in PSC detention and fines.

6. Responsibilities of Shipowners and Masters

Shipowners are required to:

• develop an effective work/rest schedule;

• ensure that the vessel is properly manned for safe operations;

• prevent excessive workloads on any crew member.

The Master is responsible for enforcing and recording compliance.
Any falsification of rest hour records is considered a major breach of MLC and may lead to the withdrawal of the ship’s MLC Certificate of Compliance.

7. ITF and Flag State Enforcement

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) treats violations of work/rest hours as a form of crew exploitation.
If a complaint is filed, an ITF inspector has the authority to:

• review the official records of hours of work and rest;

• cross-check data with AIS tracking, logbooks, and engine room records;

• demand payment or compensation for excessive working hours.

Flag Administrations such as Malta, Liberia, Panama, and the Marshall Islands require strict compliance with MLC standards as part of ship certification and audit procedures.

8. Practical Advice for Seafarers

• Always keep your own personal record of work and rest hours.

• Never sign falsified logs or records.

• If you feel fatigued, report it to the Chief Officer or Master.

• In case of repeated violations, contact the ITF or the flag administration.

• Remember: fatigue is one of the leading causes of maritime accidents and human error.

9. Conclusion

Working hours at sea are not just a formality — they are directly linked to safety, health, and human dignity.
The MLC 2006, ILO Convention No.180, and STCW together establish clear, enforceable limits designed to protect seafarers from fatigue and exploitation.Compliance with these standards is both an obligation for shipowners and a fundamental right of every seafarer.
Maintaining a fair balance between work and rest is not a privilege — it is the foundation of sustainable, safe, and professional maritime operations.