What is STCW chapter VIII, and what are the ERM principles in the STCW Code?
Short answer
| Principle (A-VIII/2 part 3, paragraph 8) | Theme |
|---|---|
| 1 proper watch arrangements for the situation | resource allocation |
| 2 qualification and fitness limits taken into account | resource allocation |
| 3 individual and team roles understood | role clarity |
| 4 most effective use of all resources (master and chief engineer named) | core duty |
| 5 functions and operation of installations understood | competence |
| 6 information from each station understood and acted on | situational awareness |
| 7 information shared by all watchkeepers | communication |
| 8 exchange of communication maintained | communication |
| 9 notify the master or chief engineer without any hesitation when in doubt | assertiveness |
- Chapter VIII: VIII/1 fitness for duty (rest, fatigue, drugs and alcohol) and VIII/2 watchkeeping arrangements and principles, detailed in Code sections A-VIII/1 and A-VIII/2.
- A-VIII/1: rest at least 10 hours in any 24 and 77 in any 7 days; at most two periods, one at least 6 hours, gaps not over 14 hours; exceptions to 70 hours a week; alcohol 0.05% blood or 0.25 mg/l breath.
- VIII/2: a safe continuous watch at all times; engineering watch officers under the chief engineer on call and present in the machinery spaces when required.
- Nine ERM principles (A-VIII/2 part 3, paragraph 8): arrangements fit the situation; qualification and fitness limits; roles understood; effective use of all resources; installations and their information understood; information shared; communication maintained; notify without any hesitation when in doubt.
- As Chief Engineer: I set the watch, decide UMS, endorse rest records only after checking them, and make principle 9 real: call me without hesitation.
Full answer
The full answer explains each point step by step, with the regulations and figures behind it and the discussion from other candidates. It is in the MEO Class I section of the Marine One forum, open to members enrolled for the MEO Class I exam.