PSC deficiency code 01308: Records of rest
Area 01 Certificates and documentation
Code 01308, in the documents group of the list, covers the records of daily hours of rest kept for each seafarer. Whether people actually get enough rest is usually written under 01307 (minimum hours of rest) or fitness for duty, work and rest hours. With 01308 the doubt is about the records: whether they exist for everyone, are complete and signed, and can be believed.
What the inspector looks at
The inspector usually samples a few people's records, often the master's, chief officer's and watchkeepers'.
- a record for every seafarer on board, the master included
- a format that meets the flag's requirements, often based on the ILO/IMO model
- daily entries complete, with no blank days and none filled in ahead
- signatures of the seafarer and of the master or an officer the master authorises
- a copy held by the seafarer
- entries that agree with the log books, port times, cargo operations and drills
- breaches shown as breaches, with the reason and any compensatory rest
Common findings
- Records of hours of rest not maintained for master
- Records not signed by seafarer or endorsed by master
- Seafarers not provided with copy of their records
- Records completed in advance for remainder of month
- Rest hours recorded do not correspond with arrival time in deck log book
The rule behind it
MLC 2006 Regulation 2.3 and Standard A2.3 require records of seafarers' daily hours of work or rest, in a format the flag sets with regard to ILO guidance, so compliance can be monitored. Each seafarer receives a copy of their own records, endorsed by the master or an authorised person and by the seafarer. STCW regulation VIII/1 and section A-VIII/1 of the STCW Code require records of daily rest for watchkeepers and those with designated safety, security and pollution prevention duties. The limits the records are checked against are covered on the work and rest hours page.
Action codes you are likely to see
Missing signatures or copies are often put right during the inspection and marked 10, or given 17. Records that don't match the log books usually lead to a closer look at actual rest and the safety management system, which can add an ISM finding with 18. The IMO port State control procedures treat a ship that can't provide sufficiently rested people for the first watch and relieving watches as a ground for detention, so records showing that, or falsified to hide it, can lead to 30. See action taken codes.
How to close it
The master owns the records on board. Have each seafarer correct their record to show the hours actually rested, sign it with the master and hand out copies. Breaches need an answer from the company, such as extra hands for port calls or rescheduled drills, recorded through the SMS. Keep the corrected, signed records and the company's response with the Form B.