It is recommended that the Ministry of the Sea, Transport, and Infrastructure introduce a criterion allowing the competent Port Authority to increase the required number of crew members for Category 6 navigation (National Coastal Navigation), based on operational needs. This would be reflected in an amendment to the Regulation on the Minimum Number of Crew Members for Safe Navigation (Official Gazette numbers 63/07, 76/11, 46/13, 104/15, 31/16, and 83/16), specifically in Article 33, Paragraphs 1 and 2, Chapter IX – Additional Crew Members, as follows:

1) “In addition to the minimum crew requirements specified in this Regulation, an additional number of crew members may be assigned to a specific vessel when deficiencies related to working conditions are identified, particularly concerning working hours and rest periods, as per the applicable labor laws. Additional crew may also be required due to the vessel’s specific design and purpose, or when a significant disparity between the number of crew and passengers is evident, which could impact crew and passenger safety, as well as overall navigation safety.”

2) “The additional number of crew members referred to in Paragraph 1 shall be determined by a commission appointed by the Assistant Minister responsible for Marine safety. However, in cases of Category 6 (National Coastal Navigation), Category 7 (National Nearshore Navigation), and Category 8 (Local Navigation), the responsible Port Authority shall make this determination.”