The Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) approved during its 90th session in London last month the draft Assembly Resolution on amendments to the Principles of Safe Manning -- based on proposals submitted by the Philippines.  The IMO Council approved the draft Resolution for adoption during the 23rd session of the IMO Assembly which is scheduled from 24 November to 05 December 2003.

The draft Assembly Resolution will introduce those amendments to the Principles of Safe Manning which incorporate new responsibilities of seafarers, shipowners, shipping companies and maritime administrations.  These will arise from the implementation, beginning 01 July 2004, of security measures for ships and ports contained in SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and the International Ship and Port facility Security (ISPS) Code.

The amendments aim to provide administrations and ship owners the basis to determine the minimum safe manning level of a ship, taking into account “the grades/capacities and number of persons required for the safe operation and the security of the ship and for the protection of the marine environment.”  These are based on a Philippine proposal prepared jointly by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) with additional comments in separate papers submitted by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions and the International Chamber of Shipping /International Shipping Federation.

The decision on the number of crewmen aboard a vessel still rests solely with the flag administration and the shipowner but will henceforth be guided by the amended Assembly Resolution on the Principles of Safe Manning.  In other words, the amended Assembly Resolution will help administrations and shipowners to decide whether or not to add additional crew members -- to meet the new maritime security measures that include the designation of a full time ship security officer.

The Philippines, which is the largest source of officers and ratings for the international shipping industry by supplying over 20% of shipboard labor requirements, will benefit from the revised Resolution on safe manning levels by ensuring compliance by administrations and shipowners with the relevant regulations or guidelines on seafarers’ working hours, rest periods and security of the vessel. - END