Maritime Law, STCW and Flag State Regulations
This domain covers the legal framework an engineer works inside: SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, MLC and the flag-state and port-state control that enforce them.
Key instruments
- SOLAS: construction, fire, life-saving and machinery requirements, including periodically unattended machinery space provisions.
- MARPOL: six annexes, with Annex I covering oil, Annex IV sewage and Annex VI air emissions.
- STCW: certification, rest hours, watchkeeping, familiarisation and drills under the 2010 Manila Amendments.
- MLC 2006: work and rest hours, accommodation, medical care and complaint procedures.
- ISM Code: safety management system, designated person ashore and internal audits.
Worked example
A rest-hour record shows 9.5 hours rest in one 24-hour period. Even if the weekly total reaches 77 hours, the 24-hour minimum of 10 hours is breached. Rest may be split into no more than two periods, one of which is at least 6 hours, with no more than 14 hours between consecutive rest periods. The shortfall must be recorded and corrected, not averaged away.
Traps
Confusing class certificates with statutory certificates; treating a port state control deficiency as only a paperwork problem; averaging rest hours over a week to cover a daily shortfall.