Nautilus welcomes the Maritime & Coastguard Agency's (MCA) warning that serious action will be taken against shipping companies found to be flouting hours of rest requirements.
The MCA announced today that both UK and non-UK ships will be subject to inspection and those operating demanding schedules with minimal crews will be targeted. Work records will be monitored and compared to operating patterns of vessels to verify accuracy, and in some instances copies of relevant documents will be required.
In addition, the MCA will monitor compliance with regards to a dedicated lookout at night and look at evidence of audit records ashore. Those in breach of the regulations may face prosecution.
Union senior national secretary, Allan Graveson says, 'While we welcome this move by the MCA, a 91 hour week is still permitted that is manifestly unsafe.'
'We support the move but the concern remains over the ability to deliver,' Nautilus general secretary, Mark Dickinson adds.
26/02/2010
