Simulation modelling of chief officers' working hours on short sea shipping

Abstract

Short sea shipping poses significant problems for many seafarers, particularly for officers employed in oil tankers as chief officers. This study examines chief officers' working conditions on short sea shipping. In this study, Simio simulation software was utilised to evaluate the working hours of chief officers. The results demonstrate that the rest periods of the chief officers have been less compromised as the navigation period increases in oil tankers operated on short sea shipping. To comply with the relevant regulations, a navigation period of 24-28 h is the minimum condition for an oil tanker to have a chief officer; however, an additional officer may be required for shorter voyages. The findings of the research provide some recommendations to maritime authorities to achieve safe short sea shipping.