Minimum Safe Manning Document

The Convention on Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) prescribes that all ships that are 500 GT or more shall be issued with a Minimum Safe Manning Document. The Bahamas strongly recommends that ships less than 500 GT also apply for a Minimum Safe Manning Document.

The competency requirements to officers and crew that are required in the Minimum Safe Manning are stipulated with reference to STCW.

The Bahamas also requires that units that are not registered as ships, e. g. Oil Rigs, Platforms etc. also are issued with a Minimum Safe Manning Document. The competency requirements refer to STCW and Assembly Resolution A. 1079 (28) from the IMO as appropriate.

Manning levels must also comply with the Work Rest Hours Regulations as stipulated in Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) as stipulated in Marine Notice 035.

Applications for a Minimum Safe Manning Document shall be forwarded to the Seafarers and Manning Department which will assess the same, taking into consideration the international and national guidelines as spelled out in Marine Notice 018 for ships; For oil rigs and other platforms Marine Notice 015 should also be consulted. The application form R-106 can be found here.

Managers/Owners are responsible for applying for a Minimum Safe Manning Document as spelled out in the guidance mentioned above. A minimum Safe Manning Document is valid for five years as stipulated in Marine Notice 018.

Manning Documents