Inland Waters Small Passenger Boat Code

29        FATIGUE  - WORKING TIME REGULATIONS

29.1 Fatigue is a serious safety issue and operators should ensure that all vessels operating under the Code are sufficiently manned to avoid the need to work excessive hours.  

29.2The Merchant Shipping (Working Time: Inland Waterway) Regulations 2003, implementing an EC Directive (93/104/EC as amended by 2000/34/EC) make provisions for mobile workers on inland waterway transport.  The rules are based on a 48-hour week, but allow for this to be calculated as an average over a 17-week reference period. Workers are entitled to adequate rest and to 4 weeks paid annual leave. Guidance is available on the MCA website. The regulations are due to come into force on 30 November 2003.