Minister Highlights Seafarer Working Hours, Warns Fatigue Can Bring Death to Ships
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - Accidents involving four vessels in recent times have drawn serious government attention. The four incidents under scrutiny are KM Mutiara Sentosa 2, KMP Putri Yasmin, KLM Nurul Salsa 01, and KM Prince Soya.
Shipping safety is determined not only by the condition of the vessel and the completeness of its equipment, but also by the condition of the crew. Transport Minister Dudy Purwagandhi said the condition of the crew includes the risk of fatigue, which can affect their ability to make decisions while working. The regulation of seafarers’ working and rest hours has become part of shipping safety standards, referring to international standards applicable to seafarers.
“Ship safety is also determined by the condition of the crew. One of the risks that must be controlled is fatigue or seafarer exhaustion. Under the Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping and the Maritime Labour Convention, the regulation of working hours and rest hours is an important part of ship operational safety,” Dudy said during a working meeting with Commission V of the Indonesian House of Representatives on Wednesday (19/8/2026).
Working and rest limits are part of risk control while a ship is operating. Shipping companies have a responsibility to manage crew work patterns so that physical and mental conditions continue to support safety.
“The core provisions include a minimum of 10 hours rest in 24 hours, a minimum of 77 hours rest in 7 days, a maximum of 14 hours work in 24 hours and a maximum of 72 hours work in 7 days,” he said.
The Ministry of Transportation is also strengthening the competence of shipping human resources through various certification, revalidation and technical education programmes. This strengthening covers auditors, port state control officers and marine inspectors.
Crew readiness testing is not only carried out through document checks. Emergency drills are also an important part of seeing whether written procedures can actually be implemented when an accident occurs.
“Fatigue can arise due to uncontrolled work patterns and this is the responsibility of the company through the regulation of working hours, rest hours and fatigue management,” Dudy said.