Answer
The Minimum Safe Manning Document (MSMD) is issued by the Flag State Administration (e.g., DGS for Indian ships) to ensure the vessel is sufficiently and efficiently manned to handle all operational and emergency scenarios safely.
It is decided based on IMO Resolution A.1047(27) - Principles of Safe Manning, taking into account the following criteria:
Vessel Specifications: Ship type (e.g., Gas carrier, Tanker, Bulker), gross tonnage (GT), propulsion power (kW), automation level (e.g., UMS - Unattended Machinery Space notation), and specialized cargo handling systems.
Operational Capabilities: The capability to maintain safe navigational watch, safe engineering watch (STCW requirements), and general mooring/unmooring operations.
Safety & Emergency Scenarios: The minimum number of trained crew required to handle fire emergencies, abandon ship operations, deploy survival craft, and render medical first aid simultaneously.
Environmental Protection: Adequate manpower to operate pollution prevention systems and handle spill response mitigation onboard.
Work and Rest Hours: Compliance with STCW Manila Amendments and MLC 2006 regarding maximum hours of work or minimum hours of rest to prevent crew fatigue during transit and port operations.