Section 35Sec./Art. 35

Hours of Work and Hours of Rest. - For purposes of this Act, the term:

(a) Hours of work refer to the time seafarers are required to do work on account of the ship; and

(b) Hours of rest refers to the time spent outside work hours but do not include short breaks.

A seafarer's normal work hours shall be eight (8) hours a day with one (1) rest day per week. If the seafarer is required to work beyond eight (8) hours, the maximum hours of work shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours in any twenty-four (24)-hour period and seventy-two (72) hours in any seven (7)-day period.

The hours of rest for every seafarer shall be at least ten (10) hours in a twenty-four (24)-hour period. The hours of rest are divisible into two (2) periods, one (1) of which shall be at least six (6) hours in length, and the interval between the two (2) periods of rest shall not exceed fourteen (14) hours.

In exceptional cases, seafarers in watchkeeping duties may work beyond fourteen (140 hours as may be required: Provided, That the rest period shall not be less than seventy (70) hours in any seven (7)-day period: Provided, further, That such watchkeeping duties shall not be allowed for more than two (2) consecutive weeks: Provided, finally, That the intervals between the two (2) period shall not be less than twice the duration of the watchkeeping duties in such exceptional cases.

Seafarers shall be entitled to reasonable periods of offshore leaves while the vessel is docked for their health and well-being, subject to rules, regulations, and measures of the port state.