Ukraine implements European standards of organization of working time and rest of seafarers. These standards are stated in the Regulations on working time and rest of floating crew of Maritime and River Transport of Ukraine, approved by the Order of the Ministry of Infrastructure on February 29, 2012 № 135 and registered by the Ministry of Justice on March 23 this year.

In particular, the Regulations have been developed in accordance with Directive 1999/63/EC of the European Council on June 21, 1999 “About the Agreement on the organization of working time of seafarers concluded by the European Community Shipowners Association and the Federation of Transport Trade Unions of the European Community”, and Directive 1999 / 95 / EC of the European Parliament and Council of the European Union on December 13, 1999 “On enforcement of the provisions on the time of seafarers onboard ships, stopping at the ports of the Community” – in order to improve the safe and rest of crew members.

This is another step towards Ukraine’s integration into the Trans-European Transport Network.

Consequently, according to the document, employers, owners must provide proper organization of operation of crew members to strengthen their social protection. This, in turn, should help to reduce the number of emergency events and the severity of their effects due to fatigue of crew in a voyage.

Regulations are established features of the regulation of labor and rest of crew vessels and inland vessels shipowners Ukraine, which carry freight and passengers, rescue and ice-breaking work, hydrographic and scientific research, educational process, dredging, etc..

The requirements document applicable to all ship owners, regardless of their organizational form and ownership, in which the work under a labor agreement (contract) members of the crew. Also, the Regulation also applies to natural persons – entrepreneurs who provide transportation services for passengers and cargo by sea and river transport.