A common requirement from all vetting bodies (RiSQ 3.0, SIRE 2.0, DryBMS, TMSA, etc.) is the existence of an Engine Room Manning Matrix, similar to the Bridge Manning Matrix. The significant difference is that the Bridge must always be manned, while most Engine Rooms operate in an Unmanned Status for some periods of the day, according to Safety4Sea.
Standardized Status
The unmanned status is standardized for specific periods and steaming conditions. Almost all companies have three levels of steaming conditions (Normal, Modified, Maneuvering, or Status I, II, III, or similar). Table 1 shows a common Manning Matrix to cover these three steaming conditions, assuming that the UMS status is from 20:00 to 06:00. Keep in mind that EWO refers to the ‘Engine Room Watch Officer’ and Maneuvering Watch Status cannot be maintained for periods more than 12 hours.
The Chief Engineer may increase manning levels, whether planned or unplanned, when required. As far as possible, the work/rest hour requirements should still be met.
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Source: Safety4sea
