CHAPTER 5

MANNING OF VESSEL
Ship manning today forms a very important part of the shipping industry in an increasingly competitive
cost-conscious situation. Moreover, seafarers ship board living standards both in ship accommodation
terms and navigation/engineering/catering techniques are rising. Crew cost, therefore, is one of
important costs of a ship.
The major factor influencing manning cost is the change in the disposition of the world mercantile fleet.
To be more specific,
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The major problem internationally is the differing wage scales offered to seafarers worldwide which
make it very difficult to compete on equal crew cost terms. The cost of employing seafarers of a
particular nationality depends on the general level of wages and cost of living in that country .
In general, the Far East nationals skilled seafarers have lower salary levels in comparison with the
Europe crew. Moreover, the European seafarers are offered more favorable leave facilities. This
results in a larger crew complement being required to crew a vessel to cover the more generous leave
arrangements.
To reduce seafarer costs:
o Shipowner is transferring the flag to a national register which has lower crew cost and fringe
benefits plus overall tax benefits to the shipping company.
o Some developed countries have introduced measure of granting relief on personal taxation and
social security.
o Some government have also established international ship registers which either incorporate tax
exemptions for national seafarers, or allow the employment of foreign seafarers at third world
pay levels
o Some industrial nations reduced manning levels, but the scope is limited and one must bear in
mind the continually rising standards in seamanship competence certification. They have
computerized engine room/navigation aids. On the catering side many owners are using preprepared foods to aid catering crew reduction. In the field of ship maintenance, ship maintenance
functions were previously done ashore to an onboard activity.

In conclusion one must bear in mind the lower the crew complement and number of crews per ship, pluc
the longer the voyage length, the greater the cost saving.
Engagement and discharge of the crew
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The contract of employment is made between the shipowner and the crew. It is called a crew
agreement, and a number of clauses are taken directly form the Merchant Shipping Act 1970.
The shipowner is the contracting party, but seamen must sign the crew agreement prior to the
intended voyage. The detailed requirement of seamens document are contained in the Merchant
Shipping Regulations.
The crew agreement contains a voyage clauses giving the geographical limits of the voyage, and
notice/termination clauses. If a seaman wishes to terminate his employment in comtemplation of
furtherance of an industrial dispute, 48 hours notice must be given to the Master, when the vessel
is securely moored at a safe berth.
When a seaman is present at his discharge it must be before (a) The Master, or (b) The seamen
employer, or (c) a erson so authorized by the Master or employer.