We will also focus on that ships are manned with qualified and sufficient crew members to carry out the tasks on board in a safe and proper manner.

Research behind choice of focus area

Research shows that factors such as a heavy workload, negative stress, insufficient rest and poor quality of sleep negatively affect alertness and ability to concentrate, and increase the likelihood of accidents. These are also recurring underlying factors in the annual risk analyses of hazardous and accidental incidents carried out by the NMA.  

A proper process that includes risk assessment of the manning needs is therefore necessary in order to achieve a specification of manning that makes the ship a safe and effective workplace. Taking steps to ensure that the crew is able to get uninterrupted sleep and rest periods of good quality, will most likely also positively affect the safety and working environment on board.

The new check lists for the focus area in 2016 are ready

The check list for this year's focus area is now ready, and we encourage the industry to use the check list as an internal control to ensure compliance.
The check list will be used in connection with unscheduled supervision, but also in connection with ISM audits and certificate inspections where controls carried out by the company (company's control) are required.

The check list can be downloaded here