IMO Resolution A.890(21) adopted on the 25th November 1999
defines the principles of Safe Manning to ensure the safe operation
of, and prevention of pollution from, ships to which the Convention
applies. Convention 180 of the International Labour Organization(ILO)
(Seafarer’s hours of work and the manning of ships) came into
force on the 10th January 2003 and applies to all commercially operated
vessels.
The underlying principles of safe manning are considered to
extend to Large Yachts within the context of the Code. In this respect
an Administration may choose to adopt these arrangements in full,
or modify these arrangements to meet particular operational circumstances.
All sea going commercially operated yachts and sail training
vessels of more than 24 metres Load Line Length should carry an appropriate
number of qualified Deck and Engineer Officers to ensure a degree
of safety at least equivalent to that established by the IMO guidelines.