§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what account was taken of crew fatigue in the drafting of the Merchant Shipping (Operations Book) Regulations 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellThe draft regulations give only a basic framework for the required book and make no specific reference to fatigue. However, a merchant shipping notice will accompany the regulations and give further guidance on matters relating to the crew's fitness for duty and the avoidance of fatigue.
§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Transport what is his criterion for an excessive number of hours worked by a member of a ship's crew with regard to his Department's draft Merchant Shipping (Operations Book) Regulations 1988; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. David MitchellIt is unlikely that specific criteria will be included in the merchant shipping notice which will accompany the regulations because of variations in operating practices and routines but it will give guidance on matters relating to the crew's fitness for duty and the avoidance of fatigue.