An integrated decision support tool for hours of work and rest compliance optimization during ship operations

With the enforcement of the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and the Manila Amendments 2010 to the STCW Convention, information needs of shipping companies regarding compliance issues gain higher relevance. This paper presents the development of an integrated decision support tool for hours of work and rest optimization during ship operations (WRCO-Tool). The tool is designed for three objectives. Firstly, the computation of necessary manpower demands per ship (depending on a specific port schedule) and remaining work times of crew members e.g. for maintenance purposes. Secondly, the provision of compliance optimized work schedules for all crew members for distinct planning periods. Finally, the satisfaction of reporting obligations to shore side stakeholders such as port and flag state authorities or charter parties. This contribution includes a brief appraisal of legal and company related implications, the underlying mathematical model and the architecture of the WRCO-Tool.