Prevention of
fatigue
1 In observing the rest period requirements,
“overriding operational conditions” should be construed to mean only essential
shipboard work which cannot be delayed for safety, security or environmental
reasons or which could not reasonably have been anticipated at the commencement
of the voyage.
2 Although there is no universally accepted
technical definition of fatigue, everyone involved in ship operations should be
alert to the factors which can contribute to fatigue, including, but not
limited to, those identified by the Organizationfootnote, and take them into account when making decisions on ship
operations.
3 In applying regulation VIII/1, the following should be taken into
account:
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.1 provisions made to prevent fatigue should
ensure that excessive or unreasonable overall working hours are not
undertaken. In particular, the minimum rest periods specified in section A-VIII/1 should not be interpreted as
implying that all other hours may be devoted to watchkeeping or other
duties;
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.2 the frequency and length of leave
periods, and the granting of compensatory leave, are material factors in
preventing fatigue from building up over a period of time; and
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.3 the provisions may be varied for ships on
short sea voyages, provided special safety arrangements are put in
place.
4 Exceptions provided for in section A-VIII/1, paragraph 9, should be construed to
mean the exceptions laid down by the ILO Convention on Seafarers’ Hours of Work
and the Manning of Ships, 1996 (No.180) or the Maritime
Labour Convention, 2006, when it enters into force. The circumstances
under which such exceptions are applied should be defined by the Parties.
5 Based on information received as a result of
investigating maritime casualties, Administrations should keep their provisions
on prevention of fatigue under review.
Prevention of drug and
alcohol abuse
6 Drug and alcohol abuse directly affect the
fitness and ability of a seafarer to perform watchkeeping duties or duties that
involve designated safety, prevention of pollution and security duties.
Seafarers found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol should not be
permitted to perform watchkeeping duties or duties that involve designated
safety, prevention of pollution and security duties, until they are no longer
impaired in their ability to perform those duties.
7 Administrations should ensure that adequate
measures are taken to prevent alcohol and drugs from impairing the ability of
watchkeeping personnel and those whose duties involve designated safety,
prevention of pollution and security duties, and should establish screening
programmes as necessary which:
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.1 identify drug and alcohol abuse;
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.2 respect the dignity, privacy,
confidentiality and fundamental legal rights of the individuals
concerned; and
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.3 take into account relevant international
guidelines.
8 Companies should consider the implementation of
a clearly written policy of drug and alcohol abuse prevention, including
prohibition to consume alcohol within four hours prior to serving as a member
of a watch either by inclusion in the company’s quality-management system or by
means of providing adequate information and education to the seafarers.
9 Those involved in establishing drug and alcohol
abuse prevention programmes should take into account the guidance contained in
the ILO publication Drug and Alcohol Prevention Programmes in the Maritime
Industry (A Manual for Planners)
footnote, as may be amended.