Cook Islands updates the MLC Hours of Work and Rest Recordation Tool

20 December 2018 |  C18054

Following Dromon C17051 and the release of the updated MLC Work Rest Tool (WR Tool) by Cook Islands Flag, this circular wish to reminded interested parties on the application of this tool.

NOTICE TO
Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators | Surveyors / Auditors

For the application of MLC standards, you shall take into consideration the danger posed by the fatigue of seafarers, especially those carrying out duties that involve navigational safety as well as the safe and secure operation of the vessel. For these reasons, it is in the common interest of all the parties involved, that the limits fixed by MLC Regulation 2.3 are strictly observed and implemented.

What the Regulation requires?

You need to comply with Regulation 2.3 regarding the work and rest hours of your crew. The table below outlines requirements that shall help in identifying possible gaps to comply with MLC Regulation 2.3.

The use of the MLC Work Rest Tool

The WR Tool allows you to correctly monitor the work on board and will enable users to see immediately any detrimental variation from the limits fixed by the Convention.  The WR Tool refers to year 2019 and is protected by a password that will guarantee the avoidance of any mistakes in the filling. Information completed in the first worksheet, seafarer and vessel name will automatically populate all sheets in the workbook.

A “sample” sheet is available here, as a guideline of how to complete the table.

The hours shall be indicated with the following letters:

“w” means working hours

“r” means rest hours

“n” means neutral hours and shall:

• Be used in case of more than two rest periods in one day, in application of the rule 2.3.6 “hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which shall be at least six hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours”).
• In case of more than two rest periods, indicate the shorter period.

Act now

Ship Owners/ Managers/ Operators of vessels flying Cook Islands flag should utilize this tool in order to ensure compliance.  MLC Inspectors are requested to confirm at upcoming inspections (irrespective of scope) that Cook Island ships have utilized this tool and if this is not the case report alternative methods to comply.