Ofcourse I have, why else would I have said that.
Was the 100 ton guy serving as the OICNW? Or was the watch being held by someone with the appropriate qualification, and the 100 ton guy also on the bridge as a DPO?
Minimum safe manning is actually supposed to be manning that will take into account the worst emergency situations. MSMC is supposed to account for that and give a manning that is acceptable for the worst case scenario.
Annotation?
IMO Resolution A.1047(27), Principles of Minimum Safe Manning and MSC.1/Circ.1598, Guidelines on Fatigue will also be used in the review process.
My eventual manning reduction over the years from 12 to 8 men was not based on worst situations. It was $$$, Never sailed with a bean counter, they would be unlucky when and If put them on deck in heavy weather or an engine problem. Wouldn’t get them hurt, just that they don’t have memory loss how hard it is with reduced crew when they return to their comfort zone ashore. My last few port captains/engineers did sail, and under similar conditions. For that I was grateful they “Got it”. We are friends to this day in all of our retirements, early or not.
I guess we’re straying a bit off topic, but… It doesn’t say anything about “worst case scenario.” That would greatly increase the numbers. It generally states safe operation in port and at sea and the “ability to operate firefighting and emergency equipment.” Marshall Islands specifies just enough people for “peak workload conditions; for instance mooring or unmooring, tank cleaning in tankers…”
This part is even written as if its just a suggestion/recommendation by the IMO (should not must):
3.2 The following onboard functions, when applicable, should also be taken into account:
.4 need to undertake emergency duties and responsibilities;
If there was any actual concern for the safe navigation and operation of drillships the Marshall Islands for example might consider including more than two DPOs as a minimum, or perhaps so much as even one single ETO:
When on station and operating in dynamic positioning mode at least two (2) persons on board shall be properly trained in dynamic positioning operations.
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There’s a lot of “recommending” and “urging” in IMO 1047.
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LOL regarding “Fatigue” review. On paper only. Although we made it work, my guys were exhausted with reduced crew in port. Was glad to hit the sea bouy outbound. Thank goodness we had a decent cook to help recharge our batteries for the next port. We did eat well and he helped a lot on deck and engine room. Effing priceless dude. My last cook, hand picked, is an AB Tankerman now nearing retirement. Gosh darn proud of him, taught him to drive the rig if I went down for whatever reason.
Written by an eternal optimist. If one DPO is incapacitated do they stop, unlatch until another one is flown out, weather permitting.
I had a SMC that only required chief engineer, second engineer, master, mate and second mate on transpacific voyages with 19,000 kW burning residual fuel. If any one was incapacitated it would have been a very interesting voyage indeed.
The IMO citation is a “resolution” … correct? No legal authority behind it and as they say, the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
What about the issue that the new DPO flys in after not sleeping for 36 hours and goes straight onto a DP watch for 12 hours?
It’s an issue that has absolutely failed to be addressed. People continue to join vessels or rigs after long flights and are expected to turn to straight away. A 12 hour flight plus the crap at each end then straight into a a 12 hour shift is not conducive to safety but the paperwork will still conform.
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During the latter part of my career I corrected the time sheet presented for me to sign before going home in order fot it to be factual.
Reaction varied.
how about anchor handler work…can be 24hr straight hence the large couches on the bridge for 15min naps
After four weeks on I was in a recovery mode for the first couple of days of leave.
Was always tired from travelling to the vessel. Took two days to recover arriving, and two days after going home. 3 on 3 off helped.