26.2.6 Application for a Safe Manning Document

 Any application for a Safe Manning Document should be made by the owner, or a person authorised to act on their behalf, to the flag Administration of the vessel and include a clear and concise explanation of how:

• .1 the proposed manning level has been determined;

• .2 it takes account of the guidance; and

• .3 it takes account of the hours of work provisions.

A proposal should only be approved and Safe Manning Document issued provided the manning level fully satisfies these principles, recommendations and guidelines.

When the manning level has been agreed, a Safe Manning Document should be issued for that vessel in a format which complies with the requirements of SOLAS, as amended. It should be retained on board and be available for inspection by an authorised person, whenever required.

In the event of any change in equipment, construction or use of the vessel, which may affect the safe manning level, the owner or operator should make an application for the issue of a new Safe Manning Document.

A Safe Manning Document of a vessel may be withdrawn if an owner or operator fails to submit a new proposal where a vessel changes trading area(s), construction, machinery or equipment, or operation and/or method of maintenance have changed, or a vessel persistently fails to comply with the rest hours requirements.