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Due to international binding work law (MLC – Maritime labor convention) and German legislation a quite strict work- and rest time regime is in force for the crew on board. There is a regular work limit of 10hrs per day, except for special cases like e.g. arrival in port or departure. The chief officer is in charge of arranging the duties on deck acc. to the legal requirements.
To be able to do so, it is of utmost importance that the work requirements for day and especially night work are agreed on between the chief scientist and the chief officer well in advance, so it will be possible to grant the required rest times to the crew. The work and rest times of the entire crew must be documented and then signed by the master. During every port call the local authorities may check those documentation and fine the master in case of exceeded work times or too short rest times.
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