What are the exceptions for rest hours as per STCW?
Short answer
| Exception | Limit |
|---|---|
| Weekly rest reduction | ≥70 hours in any 7-day period |
| Consecutive exception weeks | 2 maximum |
| Interval between exceptions | ≥ twice the exception duration |
| Daily rest split | up to 3 periods (one ≥6h, others ≥1h) |
| Daily exception extent | ≤2 days in any 7-day period |
- Source: STCW Code A-VIII/1 para 9
- Weekly rest: ≥70 hours (normally 77)
- Consecutive weeks: maximum 2
- Spacing: interval ≥ twice the exception duration
- Daily split: up to 3 periods (one ≥6h, others ≥1h)
- Daily extent: ≤2 days in any 7-day period
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.