ISF Watchkeeper

ISF Watchkeeper is a software tool for running on board ships at sea. The software helps to make it easier for companies to comply with work and rest hour regulations, by testing hours of work and rest for seafarers.

Failure to maintain individual seafarers’ work hour records that comply with the global format adopted jointly by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the International Maritime Organization (IMO) could result in Port State Control difficulties, including possible ship detention.

To assist ship operators, the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), in partnership with IT Energy have produced Watchkeeper in a format that is easy to use for seafarers and also includes an innovative online monitoring service for shore-based decision makers.

ISF Watchkeeper complies with the following regulations:

  • IMO STCW

    International Convention of Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers, 1978, as amended (IMO STCW)

  • ILO MLC

    Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC)

  • ILO C180

    Seafarers' Hours of Work and the Manning of Ships Convention, 1996 (C180)

  • OPA 90

    The US Oil Pollution Act of 1990 (OPA 90)

  • OCIMF

    Oil Companies International Marine Forum Recommendations Relating to the Application of Requirements Governing Seafarers' Hours of Work and Rest (OCIMF)

Regulations

The active regime on each vessel can be viewed using the Fleet page

The 2010 STCW Manila amendments enter into force from the 1st January 2012.

STCW 2010 applies to all persons who are assigned duty as officer in charge of a watch or as a rating forming part of a watch (watchkeepers) and those duties involve designated safety, prevention of pollution and security duties.

Minimum continuous rest in any 24 hour period 6
Minimum total rest in any 24 hour period 10
Minimum hours rest in any 7 day period 77

The minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period may be divided into no more than 2 periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours.

Manila exceptions - Can be used together or separately
Weekly
  • Minimum hours of rest in any 7 day period may be reduced to 70.
  • Not allowed for more than 2 consecutive weeks.
  • Not allowed to be used again until twice period of exception has been used.
Daily
  • The minimum of 10 hours of rest in any 24 hour period can be split into 3 periods, one of which must be at least 6 hours in length and the other two periods must be at least 1 hour in length.
  • Restricted use for 2 x 24 hour periods in any 7 day period.
Minimum continuous rest in any 24 hour period 6
Minimum total rest in any 24 hour period 10
Minimum hours rest in any 7 day period 77

The minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period may be divided into no more than 2 periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours.

Minimum continuous rest in any 24 hour period 6
Maximum total work in any 24 hour period 14
Maximum total work in any 7 day period 72

The hours of rest may be divided into no more than 2 periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours.

This regime complies fully with the OCIMF "Recommendations Relating to the Application of Requirements Governing Seafarers' Hours of Work and Rest".

These recommendations are minimum expectations to ensure compliance with related provisions and are provided for the information of OCIMF members, managers and the crew of applicable vessels.

Notwithstanding anything above, vessels are required to fully comply with their flag state requirements.

Minimum continuous rest in any 24 hour period 6
Minimum total rest in any 24 hour period 10
Minimum hours of rest in any 7 day period 77

The minimum of 10 hours rest in any 24 hour period may be divided into no more than 2 periods, one of which shall be at least 6 hours in length, and the interval between consecutive periods of rest shall not exceed 14 hours.

Please Note: MLC 2006 / STCW 2010 Manila Exceptions.

These exceptions can only be used if permitted by flag state regulations.

OCIMF consider that hours worked under these exceptions may still contribute to fatigue and therefore no allowance is made under this interpretation. (See above)

Guidance on choosing the correct testing regime within ISF Watchkeeper

Regime selection flow chart