What are the STCW rest hours requirements for seafarers?

STCW 2010 Manila Amendments (Regulation VIII/1) set mandatory minimum rest for watchkeeping seafarers: at least 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period and at least 77 hours in any 7-day period. Rest may be split into no more than two periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours. MLC 2006 mirrors these requirements.

Can STCW rest hours be waived for emergency operations?

Yes. STCW Regulation VIII/1 permits the Master to suspend rest hour schedules for safety of the ship, persons on board, or cargo, or to assist vessels in distress. Any suspension must be recorded in the logbook with justification, and the seafarer must be given adequate rest as soon as practical.

What is the difference between hours of work and hours of rest under STCW?

STCW allows flag states to choose between a minimum rest hours system or a maximum work hours system. Under minimum rest: at least 10 hours per 24-hour period and 77 hours per week. Under maximum work: no more than 14 hours per 24-hour period and 72 hours per week. Both require a watchkeeping schedule approved by the flag state.

How do PSC inspectors verify STCW rest hours compliance on a yacht?

PSC officers examine the rest hours record book for each watchkeeper covering at least the past month. They check for repeated violations of the 10-hour daily minimum or 77-hour weekly minimum, inadequate recovery periods, and whether the Master has documented any overrides with justification.

Free Tool

STCW Rest Hours Compliance Checker

Check crew watchkeeping schedules against STCW 2010 and MLC 2006 rest-hour rules. Visual 7-day grid with instant COMPLIANT / NON-COMPLIANT verdict.

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Work hourRest hourViolation (work stretch >14h)

Total rest: 112h / 168h (67%)

Total work: 56h

Compliant

Rule Check

✓
Min 10 hours rest in any 24-hour period
All 7 days meet the 10-hour minimum.
✓
Min 77 hours rest in any 7-day period
Total rest: 112h (minimum 77h required).
✓
Rest split into max 2 periods; one period ≥ 6 consecutive hours
All days comply with rest period structure.
✓
Interval between consecutive rest periods ≤ 14 hours
No work stretches exceed 14 hours.

Disclaimer

Implements STCW 2010 Manila Amendments Regulation VIII/1 and MLC 2006 Standard A2.3 minimum rest hours. Force majeure derogations, emergency work exceptions, and company-level derogation agreements are not modelled. This tool is for planning purposes only — final compliance determination rests with the flag state authority and Port State Control.

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