Minimum crewing requirements
All operators of commercial vessels must make sure they have the crew needed to safely operate their vessel. This page covers how operators can find out the minimum number of crew their vessel needs and what certificates the skipper or master and crew must have.
Overview
All vessels must be operated safely in a way that prevents harm to people and the environment. Operators must assess whether their crew can carry out every part of the vessel’s operation, during normal and abnormal operations. The maritime rules require vessels to have on board a minimum number of seafarers and that the master and crew have the right certificates.
The number of crew and the certificates they require will depend on the size and type vessel and where it operates.
Maritime Rules Part 31 sets out the requirements listed below.
All owners and masters must carry out a minimum crewing assessment.
They must consider whether their vessel has enough crew with the right skills to safely operate and Maritime Rules Part 31 lists the criteria for this assessment. Operators of some vessels are also required to apply for a Minimum Safe Crewing document.
Maritime Rules Part 31 includes tables setting out:
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The minimum number of seafarers that must be on board a vessel
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The licences that seafarers must have on board a vessel
In some cases, there are no tables - where this is the case the rule sets out principles and arrangements for safe watchkeeping.
As well as carrying out a minimum crewing assessment, operators must ensure they have the minimum level of crewing set out in these tables.
Operators of some vessels are required to apply for Minimum Safe Crewing Document (MSCD). These vessels are:
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SOLAS ships
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passenger or non-passenger ships operating beyond restricted limits but within coastal or offshore limits
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passenger or non-passenger ships operating in the unlimited area
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passenger or non-passenger ships of 500 GT or more operating exclusively in restricted limits
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passenger ships carrying 50 or more passengers in inshore limits
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passenger ships carrying 100 or more passengers in enclosed water limits
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fishing vessels between 500 and 3000 GT operating exclusively in restricted limits
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high-speed craft
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ship-handling harbour tugs
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pilot ships
To apply for a MSCD, operators must fill out a Minimum Safe Crewing Document Application and Assessment Form and send it to Maritime NZ.
Maritime NZ will consider the application and may ask for further information or to visit the vessel to observe its operation. Maritime NZ may propose a different level of crew than indicated in the application.
To learn more about applying for a MSCD and how to send you application to Maritime NZ, please contact us.
After a MSCD is issued, the operator must always carry the document on board the vessel.
A MSCD is valid for five years, unless the vessel’s operation changes in a way that affects the minimum safe crewing level. Operators may apply to Maritime NZ for their MSCD to be renewed. If their vessel's operation changes, they may make a new application for a MSCD.
To learn more about renewing a MSCD and how to send your application to Maritime NZ, please contact us.
Crew on commercial vessels is made up of master, deck crew and engineers, who need to be appropriately qualified and certified.
Seafarer certificates are issued by Maritime NZ. Each certificate has privileges that define what you can do and where you can go. Some certificates meet the standards for international conventions for ships (STCW) and fishing vessels (STCW-F).
Find information about the different types of seafarer certificates, how to apply for a certificate, getting the required training, and the recognition of foreign certificates.