Wake-up call to limit working hours at sea

A NEW report from the World Maritime University (WMU) says there are "systemic failures revealed in implementation of the regulatory regime for seafarers' hours of work and rest".

WMU doesn't actually use the term "widespread cheating" but it does claim that its finding undermine the credibility of international regulations relating to working hours.

The report "A Culture of Adjustment", by Raphael Baumler, Yvette de Klerk, Michael Ekow Manuel and Laura Carballo Piñeiro, is said to confirm previous research that suggested recording malpractices are widespread. This seriously questions the capacity of the current regulatory framework to prevent fatigue and mitigate its effects. The WMU makes the point: "This is particularly concerning with the number of seafarers serving well beyond their contractual terms and having to take on additional tasks as a consequence of the Covid-19 pandemic."