MAN-004 - Manning Requirements For Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs)

Marine Notice

MAN

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004

Rev. 0

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2

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TO: ALL VESSEL OWNERS, OPERATORS, MASTERS AND OFFICERS OF MERCHANT

VESSELS, AND AUTHORIZED CLASSIFICATION SOCIETIES

The following changes have been included:

Revised manning requirements for different MODU/MOU operations.

PURPOSE:

This Notice is issued to update the Liberian requirements for the manning of Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs), to include Floating Petroleum Storage Vessels and non-self-propelled MOUs while on fixed locations and when manned and under tow following the guidance found in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28), IMO Resolution A.1047 (27), MEPC Resolution 186 (59) and MSC Resolution 353 (92) as applicable.

RLM 118, provides the standards and information on Training, Qualifications, Examinations, Certification and Documentation for all Merchant Marine Personnel required for compliance with STCW 1978, as amended and other related conventions. Please Refer to RLM 118 for personnel certification requirements.

This Marine Notice is issued without prejudice to the rights of coastal States under international law to impose their own additional National requirements relating to training, qualifications and certification of personnel on board units engaged or intending to engage in exploration for and/or exploitation of, the natural resources of the sea-bed and subsoil over which those States are entitled to exercise their sovereign rights.

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Inquiries concerning the subject of this Notice should be directed to the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Republic of

Liberia, the Liberian International Ship & Corporate Registry, 22980 Indian Creek Drive., Suite 200, Dulles, VA 20166,

USA. The most current version of all Marine Notices are available in the Online Library at: http://www.liscr.com

APPLICABILITY:

This Notice is applicable to all MOUs as defined in this Marine Notice under Liberian Flag.

• 1. DEFINITIONS:

• 1. Administration means the Government of the State whose flag the MOU is entitled to fly.

• 1. Ballast Control Operator (BCO) is a person assigned responsibility for the normal day-to-day control of trim, draught and stability of a MOU.

• 1. Barge Supervisor (BS) is a person who may provide support to the Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) in certain essential marine matters. The Barge Supervisor on some MOUs may be referred to as the stability section leader or barge master. The BS must hold a Certificate of Competency issued in accordance with the provisions of IMO Resolution A.1079 (28).

• 1. Certificate of Competency (CoC) means a certificate issued and/or endorsed by the Administration for offshore personnel in accordance with the provisions of the recommendations and requirements found in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28). The STCW Convention, IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) and RLM 118 as appropriate.

• 1. Certificate of Proficiency (CoP) means a certificate, other than a CoC , issued to offshore personnel that the relevant requirements of training, competencies, and/or seagoing service in accordance with the provisions of the recommendations and requirements found in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28). The STCW Convention, IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) and RLM 118 as appropriate.

• 1. Coastal State Administration means the Government of the coastal State concerned in cases where a MOU is engaged in exploration for, or exploitation of, the sea-bed and subsoil thereof, adjacent to the coast over which the coastal State exercises sovereign rights for the purposes of exploration and exploitation of their natural resources.

• 1. Company means the owner of the Mobile Offshore Unit (MOU) or any other organization or person such as the manager, or the bareboat charters, who has assumed the responsibility for operation of the MOU from the owner and who, on assuming such responsibility, has agreed to take over all the duties and responsibilities imposed on the company in accordance with the recommendations and requirements found in in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) when appropriate.

• 1. Documentary Evidence means documentation, other than a CoC or CoP, used to establish the relevant requirements of the applicable regulations and resolutions have been met.

• 1. Drillship is a self-propelled vessel-shaped mono hull surface mobile offshore drilling unit.

• 1. Dynamic Position Operator (DPO) is a person competent in the principles of the dynamic positioning system, including capabilities and limitations of thrusters, power systems and maximum allowable position offsets. The DPO must hold a Certificate of Competency issued in accordance with the provisions of Liberian Notice RLM -118.

• 1. Dynamically-Positioned System (DPS) means a system whereby a self-propelled MOU’s position and heading is automatically maintained by using its own propulsion units.
  2. Emergency preparedness training means training, which prepares individuals to respond adequately and safely to emergency situations.

• 1. ISPS Code means the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code adopted on 12 December,

2002, by Resolution 2 of the Conference of Contracting Governments to the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), 1974, as amended (see Marine Notice ISP001).

• 1. Maintenance Supervisor (MS) is a person assigned responsibility for the inspection, operation and testing, as required, of all machinery and equipment as specified by the owner of the MOU. The Maintenance Supervisor on some MOUs may also be referred to as the chief engineer, technical section leader or rig mechanic. The MS must hold a Certificate of Competency issued in accordance with the provisions of IMO Resolution A.1079 (28).

• 1. Maritime crew comprises the Master, or OIM, Chief Mate or Barge Supervisor (BS), Officer in Charge of the Navigation Watch or Ballast Control Operator (BCO), and Chief Engineer or Maintenance Supervisor (MS) as defined IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and when applicable, other deck and engineering officers, radio operators and ratings as defined in regulation I/1 of the STCW Convention, as amended.

• 1. Maritime safety training means training with respect to safety of life at sea, including personal and group survival.

• 1. Mobile Offshore Accommodation Unit is a unit, the primary purpose of which is, to accommodate personnel working offshore.

• 1. Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit (MODU) is an MOU capable of engaging in drilling operations for the exploration for, or exploitation of, resources beneath the seabed such as liquid or gaseous hydrocarbons, sulfur or salt.

• 1. Mobile Offshore Units (MOUs) are vessels, which can be readily relocated and which can perform an industrial function involving offshore operations other than those traditionally provided by vessels covered by Chapter I of the 1974 SOLAS Convention. Such MOUs include at least one of the following:

.1 Column-Stabilized Unit: an MOU with the main deck connected to the underwater hull or footings by columns or caissons;

.2 Non-Self-Propelled Unit: an MOU not fitted with mechanical means of propulsion to navigate independently;

.3 Self-Elevating Unit: an MOU with movable legs capable of raising its hull above the surface of the sea;

.4 Self-Propelled Unit: an MOU fitted with a mechanical means of propulsion to navigate independently;

.5 Submersible Unit: an MOU with a ship shape, barge-type or novel hull design (other than a self-elevating unit) intended for operation while bottom bearing; and

.6 Surface Unit: an MOU with a ship, or barge-type displacement hull of single, or multiple-hull configuration intended for operation in the floating condition.

1.20 Mode of operation means the condition or manner in which a unit may operate or function while on location or in transit. The modes of operation of a unit include the following:

.1 Operating conditions are conditions wherein a unit is on location for the purpose of conducting operations, including drilling and production activities, and wherein combined environmental and operational loadings are within the appropriate design limits established for such operations. The unit may be dynamically positioned, moored, or supported on the sea-bed, at the operating location as applicable.

.2 Survival conditions are conditions wherein a unit may be subjected to environmental loadings in excess of those established by the unit's operations manual for performing routine operations. It is assumed that routine operations will have been discontinued when the unit is placed in survival conditions as defined in the operations manual. The unit may be dynamically positioned, moored, or supported on the sea-bed, whether moored or dynamic positioned over the operating location as applicable.

.3 Transit conditions are conditions wherein a unit is moving from one geographical location to another.

.4 Combined operations are operations in association with, or in close proximity to, another mobile offshore unit or offshore installation, where conditions on the other unit or installation may have an immediate impact on the safety of the unit. For example, a dynamically positioned drill rig working next to a construction unit.

1.21 Offshore Installation Manager (OIM) means a competent person, certified in accordance with the requirement found in references (a) to (g), and appointed in writing by the company to manage the offshore activities of the MOU. The OIM must hold a Certificate of Competency issued in accordance with the provisions of IMO Resolution A.1079 (28).

.

1.22 Offshore Personnel means personnel on board the MOU.

1.23 Other mobile offshore unit is a unit, which may be involved in any single activity or combination of activities such as:

• Construction,
• maintenance (including the maintenance of wells),
• lifting operations,
• pipe-laying and related operations,
• emergency/contingency preparedness, including fire-fighting,
• production systems,
• accommodations, • storage systems, and/or
• diving.

1.24 Other offshore vessels not included in the definition of MOUs:

• supply vessels,
• standby vessels,
• anchor-handling vessels,
• seismic vessels,
• ship-shape mono hull diving support vessels, and
• special purpose ships.

• 1. Person in Charge (PIC) means the person on each MOU to whom all personnel are responsible in an emergency. The person shall be designated in writing (by title) by the company. The PIC may be either the Master or OIM depending on the nature of the incident. The PIC must hold a Certificate of Competency issued in accordance with the provisions of IMO Resolution A.1079 (28).

• 1. Security Duties: See Marine Notice ISP-001.

• 1. Ship Security Officer: See Marine Notice ISP-001.

• 1. Special Personnel means all persons carried on board a mobile offshore unit in connection with the special purpose of the unit, or with special work being carried out on the unit, and who are neither seafarers nor directly or indirectly paying passengers.

• 1. Station Bill (may also be called Muster list) is the list prescribed by an international convention or recommendation which applies to the unit. If no Code, Convention, or resolution applies, it means a similar list, which indicates essential information on actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, in particular the station to which each person should go to, and the duties which that person should perform including the designation of individual responsibilities for the safety of others. Also, the use of bunk cards at each bunk which reminds personnel on the rig of the meaning of each alarm signal and their lifeboat/liferaft assignment.

• 1. RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 1. The Company:

• • 1. Every company employing personnel assigned to duty on a MOU is responsible for ensuring that the requirements set out in references (a) to (g), are met.

• • 1. The company shall provide written instructions to the PIC setting forth the procedures to be followed:

.1 Training records are to be maintained on the MOU for the crew on board.

.2 The company shall ensure that those responsible for training and assessment of competence of all trained personnel on the MOU are appropriately qualified for the type and level of training and assessment involved.

• • 1. Provide appropriate documentation of the training for all personnel working on the MOU, which indicates the training required in references (a) to (g), have been met.

• • 1. The company is responsible for making sure the vessel is appropriately manned in order to encompass all aspects of maintaining safe operations on board (see reference (g). The Company should periodically verify whether all those undertaking delegated ISM related tasks are acting in conformity with the Company's responsibilities under the ISM Code for those MODUs which are ISM compliant.

2.2 The PIC:

• • 1. Shall designate a knowledgeable individual who will be responsible for ensuring the opportunity is provided to each newly assigned individual to receive essential information in a language that he or she understands.
    2. Ensure every crewmember receives the required training and instruction in types of emergencies which might occur on the particular MOU on which they now serve.

2.3 The Maritime Crewmembers on self-propelled MOUs and where required on other units, shall:

• • 1. Meet the applicable requirements of the STCW Code, as amended, and
    2. Receive on board training and instruction in types of emergencies, which might occur on the particular MOU on which they now serve.

2.4 Operators of MOUs should note that the provisions of RLM 118 describe how personnel with training and experience in MOU operations may qualify for the officer and rating grades required for service on a Liberian MOUs and fill positions required by a specific MOU manning certificate. RLM 118 also includes instruction for Medical Standards on MOUs.

• 1. REQUIREMENTS:

• 1. Standards Regarding Watchkeeping for self-propelled MOU’s when underway:

• • 1. STCW 1978, as amended, the COLREGS, and SOLAS, 1974, as amended, have a direct impact on watchkeeping practices on all vessels and the manning requirements for selfpropelled MOU’s when underway (see B-V/d of the STCW Convention).

• • 1. The Master of every vessel is bound to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements are adequate for maintaining safe navigational watches. If the Master is also the OIM for on location activities, he shall also hold an OIM endorsement to include well control indicating he has the necessary training and experience.

• • 1. Under the general direction of the Master, as applicable, the officers of the watch are responsible for navigating the vessel safely during their periods of duty, and they will be particularly concerned with avoiding collision, stranding or any vessel accident.

• • 1. The Chief Engineer of every vessel is bound, in consultation with the OIM or Master (as applicable), to ensure that watchkeeping arrangements adequately maintain safe engineering watches.

• • 1. The officer in charge of the navigation watch is the Master’s representative and is primarily responsible for the safe navigation of the vessel and for complying with the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea, 1972.

3.2 Fitness for Duty

• • 1. All persons who are assigned duty as officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of a watch shall be provided a minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24-hour period.

• • 1. The hours of rest may be divided into no more than two periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length.

• • 1. The requirements for rest periods laid down in paragraphs 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 need not be maintained in the case of an emergency or in other overriding operational conditions. Musters, fire-fighting and lifeboat drills, and drills prescribed by national laws and regulations and by international instruments, shall be conducted in a manner that minimizes the disturbance of rest periods and does not induce fatigue.

• 1. Protection of Marine Environment: The Master, OIM, and all officers and ratings shall be aware of the serious effects of operational or accidental pollution of the marine environment and shall take all possible precautions to prevent such pollution, particularly within the framework of relevant international and port regulations.

• 1. Vessel Security: When applicable, the Master, OIM, officers, and ratings shall be aware of their Security Duties as defined in the Vessel’s Security Plan, which will require completion of the Ship’s Security Officer Course, and the vessel owner and operator are to ensure the vessel is adequately manned to meet its security needs.

• 1. Principles of Safe Manning: The following outlines the Administration’s requirements for the principles of safe manning addressed by IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) and the training requirements for MOUs as found in reference IMO Resolution

A.1079 (28).

• • 1. Sufficient Number of Qualified Persons: There should always be sufficient number of qualified persons on board to deal with peak workload conditions. The vessel’s complement shall include the grades/capacities and number of persons required for safe operation of the vessel and the protection of the marine environment with due regard to the number of hours of duty and rest periods assigned.

• • 1. There should be on board a nucleus of marine personnel to deal with routine maintenance of marine-related equipment and marine-related emergencies.

• • 1. A proper look-out shall be maintained at all times in compliance with Rule 5 of the COLREGS.

• • 1. Marine personnel should not normally be employed on non-marine duties.

• • 1. The OIM and all crew on board a MOU shall have successfully completed the training requirements appropriate to their position as identified in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and RLM 118 regarding but not limited to:
• Survival Craft,
• Fire prevention,
• Fire fighting,
• First Aid,
• Personal Safety,
• Social responsibilities,
• Security Awareness, and
• Dynamic Positioning Systems, if applicable.

• • 1. Certificated (Licensed) personnel shall have received the specialized training identified in references IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) and RLM 118 related to their position on board the MOU.

• • 1. The MSMC will only identify the marine crew. For example, the tool pusher, roustabouts and others in the crew needed for the industrial operation of Mobile Offshore Drilling Units will not be identified in the MSMC but shall be assigned to the MOU by the company as needed.

• • 1. For fixed MOUs the company shall ensure that there are a sufficient number of personnel, following the guidance provided in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) to meet all of the applicable requirements. This includes; responding to emergencies such as fighting fires and abandonment of the unit, operating the unit, caring for the persons on board, radio communications, and training.

3.6 Watches

• • 1. On self-propelled vessels when underway, there shall always be a sufficient number of qualified persons standing watch to maintain safe navigation, engineering and radio communication in accordance with regulation VIII/2 of the STCW Convention, as amended, and also maintain general surveillance of the vessel.

• • 1. A three two-watch system should be adopted for both navigational and engine room watches for self-propelled MODUs, FPSOs, FSOs and MOUs underway. although Exceptions may be granted for engineering watches on vessels certified for unattended machinery operations or for navigation watches on vessels on short voyages not more than [72 hours] duration

3.7 GMDSS

• • 1. For vessels fitted with GMDSS, but without a radio maintainer on board, at least two (2) deck officers are required to hold the GMDSS-General Operator Certificate. One (1) of the operators shall be designated as having primary responsibility for radio communications during distress incidents. In this case, the duplication of on board equipment and shore-based maintenance must be employed by the vessel owner/operator.

• • 1. For vessels fitted with a GMDSS but without two deck officers on board holding GMDSSGeneral Operator Certificates, a dedicated radio maintainer must be on board who holds either a GMDSS-1st Class or GMDSS-2nd Class Radio Electronic Operator and Maintainer Certificate and shall be designated as having primary responsibility for radio communications during distress incidents.

• • 1. For vessels without GMDSS, there shall be at least two persons certified to operate the radio equipment on board.

• 1. MOU Catering Staff: MOU Catering staff personnel will not be included in the Minimum Safe Manning complement.

• 1. Unattended Machinery Operations: For vessels certified for unattended machinery operations, a sufficient number of qualified personnel must be carried to provide a continuous watch, and control of machinery should there be an emergency or failure of the UMS/AUT systems.

• 1. Manning Principles for different vessel types:

3.10.1 Drill Ships, Self-Propelled Mobile Offshore Drilling Units and other Self-Propelled offshore storage units will have to meet the watchkeeping certification requirements specified in the STCW Convention, i.e. officers and ratings must meet the applicable Convention requirements.

• • • 1. A Master (STCW II.2) must be in charge when a self-propelled unit is underway.

• • • 1. When operating on-location, the Master is still in charge for maritime purposes, but an OIM can be in control of the industrial operations. The Master, if

properly qualified, can also serve as the OIM. The OIM should be certified in accordance with the guidelines in Resolution A.1079(28).

• • • 1. When operating on-location, only one officer in charge of navigation watch is required in addition to the Master

• • • 1. For the chain of command for a self-propelled DPS unit the following order of authority should be implemented:

.i When underway – Master, Chief Mate, Officer in charge of a navigation watch, ballast control operators, DPS operators, when applicable

.ii When On location - Master/OIM, Officer in charge of a navigation watch, ballast control operators, DPS operators, when applicable

3.10.2 Non-self-propelled Self-Elevating and Column Stabilized Mobile Offshore Drilling Units (MODU), FSOs, FPSOs and other non-self -propelled mobile offshore units need not meet the seagoing watchkeeping certification requirements specified in the STCW Convention unless otherwise required by the coastal state.

• • • 1. For non-self-propelled units when undertow and on location, an OIM must be in charge of the unit at all times

• • • 1. On non-self-propelled MOUs a Barge Supervisor certified in accordance with the guidelines in Res A. 1079(28) shall be designated as the second in command of the unit.

• • • 1. For the chain of command for a non-self-propelled unit, including a non-selfpropelled DPS unit, the following order of authority should be implemented:

.i When undertow – OIM, Barge Supervisor, ballast control operators, DPS operators

.ii When on-location – OIM, Barge Supervisors, ballast control operator, DPS operators

• • 1. For units fitted with DPS, at least two persons on each watch shall hold a Certification for Dynamic Position Operator (DPO) as per Liberian Registry RLM 118. In addition, when assigned to a unit operating in DP mode, the Master, OIM, DPOs and other DP trained personnel should be familiarized with the characteristics of the unit, the specific DP equipment fitted on board, as well as all relevant documentation, logs and manuals.

• • 1. Non Self-Propelled Units fitted with Dynamic Positioning Systems if, when on location, the DP mode is used to hold location or when the unit is undertow, the DPS mode is used to provide towing assistance, at least two persons on each watch shall have passed a Dynamic Position Operators course applicable to the equipment and hold certificates indicating such. In addition, the OIM and Barge Supervisor shall undergo familiarization training on the operation of the DPS.

• • 1. For Column Stabilized Units, at least two ballast control operators are required when the unit is underway and when it is on location. On a self-propelled column stabilized unit,

the Chief Mate and/or the Officer in charge of a navigation watch, if properly certificated, can serve as the ballast control operators.

• • 1. For vessels or units engaging in, for liquid or gas cargo transfer operations, Owners and Masters should ensure that:

• • • 1. All officers on oil, chemical and/or gas storage units who are in charge of cargo operations, or who have immediate responsibility for cargo handling operations must be certified as Tankerman, Person in Charge, for the cargo to be transferred and must have received advanced training regarding the cargo operations associated with the product, and

• • • 1. That all ratings performing cargo handling duties and responsibilities shall be qualified as Tankerman, Person Assisting and must have received training regarding the cargo operations associated with the product to be transferred.

3.10.7 All required members of the marine crew and engineering crew must be at least 18 years of age.

3.11 Minimum Safe Manning

The required minimum safe manning for each unit will be assessed on a unit by unit basis by the Administration , as applicable. The Administration also considers the following factors when determining the minimum safe manning levels:

• size and type of vessel,
• number, size and type of main propulsion units, if applicable, and auxiliaries,
• construction and equipment of the vessel,
• operations,
• operating areas (s), waters and operations in which the vessel is involved,
• duty assignments during emergencies, and
• the provisions of the approved Security Plan when applicable.

3.11.1 Procedures

In assessing the required qualifications and number of persons needed to fill the positions identified on the minimum safe manning certificate, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner will consider the following duties and responsibilities for the individuals filling those positions on MODUs and MOUs as specified in IMO Resolution A.1079 (28) and Section 3.3 and 3.4 of IMO Resolution A.1047 (27), as applicable:

1. Navigation on self-propelled units, comprising tasks, duties and responsibilities required, inter alia;

• plan and conduct safe navigation;
• maintain a safe navigational watch in accordance with the STCW Code; • maneuver and handle the unit in all conditions; and
• moor and unmoor the unit safely.
  • • • 1. Industrial Operations, comprising tasks, duties and responsibilities required to plan, monitor and ensure the safe operation of the unit during its intended operations.
        2. Operation of the unit and care for persons on board as follows:
• maintain the safety and security of all persons on board, and keep lifesaving, fire-fighting and other safety systems in operational condition;
• operate and maintain all watertight closing arrangements;
• perform operations, as appropriate, to muster and disembark all persons on board;
• perform operations as appropriate, to ensure protection of the marine environment;
• conduct drills and exercises;
• provide for medical care on board; and
• undertake administrative tasks for safe operations of the unit at all times.

4. Marine Engineering, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:

• operate and monitor the unit’s auxiliary machinery, and if applicable main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and evaluate performance of such machinery;
• for self-propelled units, maintain a safe engineering watch in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Code;
• manage and perform fuel transfer and ballast operations; and
• maintain safety of the unit engine equipment, systems and services.

5. Electrical, electronic and control engineering, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:

• operate the unit’s electrical and electronic equipment; and
• Maintain the safety of the unit’s electrical and electronic systems.

6. Radio communications, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:

• transmit and receive information using the unit radio equipment;
• maintaining a safe radio watch in accordance with requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations and the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended; and
• provide radio services in emergencies.

• • • • 1. Management of the safety and security functions of the unit at sea, both underway and when not underway.
        2. Maintenance of applicable occupational health and hygiene standards on board.
        3. The number of qualified and other personnel required to meet peak workload situations and conditions, with regard to the number of duties and rest periods assigned to the crew.
        4. The capacity of the OIM and/or Master and the unit’s compliment to coordinate the activities necessary for the safe and secure operation of the unit and the protection of the marine environment.

• • 1. If an interdepartmental flexibility system of manning is proposed, the Office of The Deputy Commissioner shall require evidence that personnel are competent to perform their additional duties and are not employed in capacities for which they are untrained or unqualified.

• • 1. The Master/OIM cannot reduce the minimum number of crew members or qualified persons required by the MSMC. However, nothing in these recommendations should be deemed to impair the right of the Master, OIM, or Person-in-Charge of the MODU/MOU to require any personnel to perform any hours of work necessary for the immediate safety

or security of the MOU, the personnel on board, to effect crew-changes, or for the purpose of aiding another MOU in distress. The Master/OIM may augmenting the numbers of persons on watch in the event of poor visibility or high traffic density, or for other emergency or operational considerations as may be needed for the safety of the

MODU or MOU

3.12 Manning of Survival Craft

• • 1. For lifeboats designated as the primary survival craft and to which personnel are assigned for evacuation, one survival craft certificated person (or deck officer) shall be provided for each lifeboat rated for less than 40 persons, and lifeboats rated for 40 persons or more shall require 2 survival craft certificated persons.

• • 1. Where two (2) survival craft/rescue boat certificated persons are required for each lifeboat; one person shall be designated the person -in-charge and another designated the secondin-command. Both the person-in-charge and the second-in-command shall be identified by clearly marked life jackets. and have a list of the survival craft crew under their command.

• • 1. In addition to the certified survival craft/rescue boat persons assigned to each motor lifeboat, there shall be a certified engineer or rating capable of starting the lifeboat engine and troubleshooting minor engine problems.

• • 1. Vessels using davit launched liferafts as primary survival craft shall be required to have at least one survival craft certificated person for each davit launched liferaft station.

3.13 Alternative Manning

• • 1. Unit owners and operators may request an alternative manning as applicable, which will be considered by the Office of the Deputy Commissioner. The application for an alternative manning by the vessel operator, must demonstrate that safety and security of the vessel, crew and the environment will not be affected. In all instances of reduced manning, it remains the Master’s/OIMs, Chief Engineer's/Maintenance Supervisor’s and owner's responsibility to provide sufficient personnel to cover additional watchkeeping requirements, fire and safety requirements, industrial applications, and maintenance of the vessel or to make adequate alternative arrangements.

• • 1. The application must include a description of how the vessel can meet the requirements with the proposed reductions in crew, such as: very limited voyages with frequent crew changes, shore side support by visiting maintenance teams, and/or new automated systems that reduce the workload. In the request for a reduction, these operational or equipment advantages must address how the reduced crew can meet all of the tasks and issues presented in 3.11.1.

• 1. Control Procedures

• 1. Port State or Coastal State Authorities

• • 1. Regulation I/4 of SCTW 1978, as amended, enables port State authorities to verify conditions on any vessel, particularly to the qualifications and ability of personnel on board. Port State authorities may pay particular attention to the following:

.1 that all seafarers on board who are required to be certificated hold an appropriate Liberian certificate. Endorsement, or documentary proof that an application for an endorsement has been submitted to the Administration; and

.2 the numbers and certificate types of the seafarers serving on board are in conformity with the requirements found on the Minimum Safe Manning Certificate provided by the Administration.

• • 1. In accordance with section A-I/4 of reference (d), port State authorities may assess the ability of the seafarers of the vessel to maintain watchkeeping standards as required by STCW 1978, as amended, if there are clear grounds for believing that such standards are not being maintained because of any of the following having occurred:

.1 the vessel has been involved in a collision, grounding or stranding;

.2 there has been a discharge of substances from the vessel when underway, at anchor or at berth which is illegal under any international convention;

.3 the vessel has been maneuvered in an erratic or unsafe manner whereby routing measures adopted by the IMO or safe navigation practices and procedures have not been followed; or

.4 the vessel is otherwise being operated in such a manner as to pose a danger to persons, property or the environment.

* * * * *

APPLICATION FOR OFFSHORE MINIMUM SAFE MANNING CERTIFICATE (MSMC) MODU and MOU

CLASS SOCIETY: (Check One) ☐ ABS; ☐ BV; ☐ CCS; ☐ CRS; ☐ DNV; ☐ IRS;☐ KR; ☐ LR; ☐ NK; ☐ PRS; ☐ RS; ☐ RINA Other: ________________________

PARTICULARS

OWNERS MINIMUM SAFE MANNING PROPOSAL

Every Company applying for a MSMC with a manning different from the standard provided in Marine Notice MAN-004 must provide written justification (in an e-mail) to support the revised MSMC and shall include the following set of documents:

• the general arrangement plan, with details of the navigational bridge, engine rooms and accommodations details;
• the safety plan;
• the muster list;
• the navigation and engineering watch lists,
• the table showing the working /rest hours for the crew
• a description of tasks conducted by specialized teams or groups to support the crew, such as riding crews for maintenance and specialized operations teams.

Evaluation by the Administration: The Administration will evaluate the submission of the company against relevant national and international regulatory requirements using the guidelines found in Marine Notice MAN-004.

PRINCIPLES OF MINIMUM SAFE MANNING IMO Resolution A.1047 (27) and A.1079 (28).

The following principles should be observed in determining the minimum safe manning of a MOU: A. The following abilities:

1. Navigation, comprising tasks, duties and responsibilities required, inter alia;
   • plan and conduct safe navigation;
   • maintain a safe navigational watch in accordance with the STCW Code; • maneuver and handle the ship in all conditions; and
   • moor and unmoor the unit safely.
2. Industrial Operations, comprising tasks, duties and responsibilities required to plan, monitor and ensure the safe operation of the unit during its intended operations.
3. Operation of the unit and care for persons on board as follows:
   • maintain the safety and security of all persons on board, and keep life-saving, fire-fighting and other safety systems in operational condition;
   • operate and maintain all watertight closing arrangements; perform operations, as appropriate, to muster and disembark all persons on board;
   • perform operations as appropriate, to ensure protection of the marine environment;
   • conduct drills and exercises;
   • provide for medical care on board; and
   • undertake administrative tasks for safe operations of the unit at all times.

1. Marine Engineering, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:
   • operate and monitor the unit’s main propulsion and auxiliary machinery and evaluate performance of such machinery;
   • maintain a safe engineering watch in accordance with the requirements of the STCW Code;
   • manage and perform fuel transfer and ballast operations; and
   • maintain safety of the unit engine equipment, systems and services.
2. Electrical, electronic and control engineering, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:
   • operate the unit electrical and electronic equipment; and
   • Maintain the safety of the unit electrical and electronic systems.
3. Radio communications, comprising the tasks, duties and responsibilities required to:
   • transmit and receive information using the unit radio equipment;
   • maintaining a safe radio watch in accordance with requirements of the ITU Radio Regulations and the 1974 SOLAS Convention, as amended; and
   • provide radio services in emergencies.
4. Management of the safety and security functions of the unit at sea both underway and when not underway.
5. Maintenance of applicable occupational health and hygiene standards on board.
6. The number of qualified and other personnel required to meet peak workload situations and conditions, with regard to the number of duties and rest periods assigned to the crew.
7. The capacity of the OIM and/or master and the unit’s compliment to coordinate the activities necessary for the safe and secure operation of the unit and the protection of the marine environment.

B. In addition to the above, the following functions must also be taken into account:

1. ongoing training requirements for all personnel, including the operation and use of fire-fighting and emergency equipment, life-saving appliances and watertight closing arrangements;
2. specialized training requirements for particular types of ships and in instances where crew members are engaged in shipboard tasks that cross departmental boundaries;
3. provision of proper food and drinking water;
4. need to undertake emergency duties and responsibilities; and
5. need to provide training opportunities for entrant seafarers to allow them to gain the training and experience needed.