Answer
the Minimum Safe Manning Document is statutorily required under SOLAS Chapter V, Regulation 14.2 — Ships’ manning. It is issued by the Flag Administration as evidence of minimum safe manning. The detailed principles, determination method and model form are given in IMO Resolution A.1047(27), particularly Annexes 2 to 5. ISM Code paragraph 6.2 additionally requires the company to ensure that the ship is appropriately manned. In SIRE 2.0, it appears under Crew Management, Crew Qualification, PIQ 3.1.3.1.”
1. SOLAS (International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea)
Chapter V (Safety of Navigation), Regulation 14.2: This is the primary parent regulation. It explicitly states that every ship to which Chapter I applies shall be provided with an appropriate minimum safe manning document or equivalent issued by the Administration as evidence of the minimum safe manning considered necessary.
2. IMO Resolution A.1047(27)
This resolution outlines the strict Principles of Safe Manning, establishing guidelines for Administrations to determine safe manning levels based on workload, watchkeeping, ship size, machinery power, and emergency response capabilities.
3. National Legislation (India)
Indian Merchant Shipping (MS) Act, 2025: Provides the statutory authority within Indian jurisdiction. Under the safe manning provisions of this updated Act, the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) issues the MSMD to Indian-flagged vessels and empowers surveyors to detain any ship (Indian or foreign) within Indian waters if its manning falls below the specified statutory document minimum.