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Hello, I hope you all are having a fantastic day. This week’s newsletter brings you the latest industry news and essential insights for yacht crew. Stay informed on the evolving superyacht landscape, discover valuable training resources, and gain expert advice to elevate your career. Let’s dive in!

Fact of the day

The superyacht Radiant, originally built for a Russian oligarch, is equipped with sonic guns capable of bursting eardrums and water cannons that can sink ships up to 91 metres away.

In today’s email

• What are hours of work and rest

• Recent news

Hours of Work and Rest in the Maritime Industry

Hours of work and rest were implemented to protect seafarers in 1999. After years of accidents, it was first applied to navigational personnel and then later to the rest of the crew. The enforcement of hours of work and rest has led to a reduction in accidents and human-related errors onboard ships and remains essential in reducing accidents at sea.

International Maritime Organization (IMO) and International Labor Organization (ILO) regulations govern the hours of work and rest for seafarers. These regulations aim to ensure the well-being and safety of crew members.  

Key Requirements

• Minimum Rest:

  • Daily: Seafarers are entitled to a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.  

  • Weekly: They should receive at least 77 hours of rest in any 7-day period.  

• Rest Periods:

  • Division: The rest period can be divided into no more than two periods.  

  • Minimum Length: One of these periods must be at least 6 hours long.  

  • Maximum Interval: The interval between consecutive rest periods should not exceed 14 hours.  

Exceptions

Exceptions to these rules may be granted in certain circumstances, such as:

• Emergencies: In cases of emergency or drills.

• Overriding Operational Conditions: When the safety of the ship or its crew is at risk.  

Importance of Adherence

Strict adherence to these regulations is crucial for several reasons:

• Fatigue Prevention: Adequate rest helps prevent fatigue, which can lead to accidents and errors.  

• Crew Well-being: Sufficient rest is essential for the physical and mental health of seafarers.  

• Safety: Fatigue can compromise the safety of the ship, its crew, and the environment.

   

  More info on hours of work and rest can be found “Here”

Reducing fatigue

Fatigue is a natural part of life, and naturally, throughout our day, we will get tired. The problem with excessive fatigue is that it can cause dangerous symptoms, especially when it affects those in charge of safety, such as a navigating officer. To help reduce fatigue, it is important to log hours of work and rest accurately. It is especially important to report those who ask you to lie about hours of work and rest, as this is not only putting yourself in danger but could also be putting the rest of the crew and the vessel at risk.

Prevention Strategies

• Adequate Rest Periods: Ensuring that seafarers have sufficient rest periods, including both daily and weekly rest,is crucial.

• Proper Sleep Hygiene: Promoting good sleep habits, such as maintaining a regular sleep schedule and creating a comfortable sleep environment, can help improve sleep quality.

• Fatigue Management Training: Providing seafarers with training on fatigue management techniques can help them recognize and cope with fatigue.

• Risk Assessment: Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential fatigue-related hazards and implement preventive measures.

• Monitoring Fatigue: Using tools and techniques to monitor fatigue levels, such as fatigue risk management systems (FRMS), can help identify and address fatigue-related issues.

  If you feel pressured to lie about your hours, it's important to:

  • Speak Up: Directly address the person asking you to lie and explain why it's wrong and dangerous.

  • Seek Help: If you're uncomfortable confronting the person directly, consider speaking to a supervisor, management company, flag state, or a trusted colleague.

  • Report the Incident: In extreme cases, you may need to report the incident to relevant authorities, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) or the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Recent news

• Watch: 90m Lürssen superyacht Ice collides into 31m Numarine yacht in Turkey

• Seven dead in 56m superyacht Bayesian sinking tragedy

  
  

This weeks to-do list

1. Find one way to reduce fatigue onboard

2. Improve your sleep hygiene

3. Speak out against lying about hours of work and rest

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