C2.7.a. Does the MLC, 2006 establish a minimum manning level for ships?

The MLC, 2006 does not set a specific number of seafarers who must be working on board a ship as this is a matter that the competent authority in the flag State would need to decide for a ship or category of ships. However, it set outs some parameters that must be followed when deciding on the manning levels for ships. Standard A2.7 requires every ship to be manned by a crew that is adequate, in terms of size and qualifications, to ensure the safety and security of the ship and its personnel, under all operating conditions, in accordance with the minimum safe manning document or an equivalent issued by the competent authority, and to comply with the standards of the MLC, 2006. In this connection, when determining manning levels, the competent authority [see A25.] must take into account all the requirements within Regulation 3.2 and Standard A3.2 concerning food and catering. In other words, the required number of cooks and catering staff will have to be included in the minimum safe manning document or equivalent issued by the competent authority.

Manning levels