Bulletin 028 – Barbadian Vessels’ Accommodation Standards Rev.1.0

Notice to: Shipowners, Operators, Officers, Flag State Inspectors and Recognised Organisations.

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1. References

a) ILO Convention 92 Accommodation of Crews Convention
b) ILO Convention 133 Convention concerning crew accommodation on board ship (supplementary provisions)
c) ILO Convention 147 Merchant Shipping (Minimum Standards) Convention, 1976 (No. 147)
d) Maritime Labour Convention, 2006 (MLC 2006)
e) ILO Code of Practice – Ambient factors in the workplace 2001
f) IMO Code on Noise Levels Onboard Ships
g) Bulletin 007 – Maritime Labour Convention 2006
h) WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water
i) Bulletin 008 – Permits Exemptions and Equivalences

2. Background

2.1 Barbados ratified ILO Convention 147 which automatically also ratified ILO Convention 133. Barbados is not a signatory of the ILO Convention 92 and this bulletin gives effect to this convention for all Barbadian vessels.
2.2 This bulletin supersedes and replaces “Bulletin 223: ILO Crew Accommodation Standards Rev.1.0”.

3. Introduction

3.1 This Bulletin offers guidance on the accommodation requirements for Barbadian vessels built before 20 August 2013, as well as those exempt from MLC 2006.
3.2 Specifically, the Title 3 requirements of MLC 2006 apply to all Barbadian vessels independently from the date of build. However, the construction and requirement standards outlined in Title 3 are relevant only for vessels constructed on or after 20 August 2013.
3.3 These requirements aim to ensure that seafarers’ living and working conditions align with both international and national regulations and are based on MLC 2006, ILO Convention 92, and ILO Convention 133.

4. Application

4.1 This bulletin applies to all commercial vessels over 500 Gross Tonnage engaged in international voyages and commercially operated yachts over 200 Gross Tonnage engaged in international voyages.

5. General Requirements Applicable to All Vessels

5.1 Insulation and Materials
.1 All vessels shall have accommodation bulkheads, decks, and external walls insulated to prevent heat transfer, cold penetration, and condensation, which could otherwise compromise the health and comfort of the crew in sleeping rooms, mess rooms, recreation rooms and alleyways in the accommodation space.
.2 The materials used for bulkheads, panelling, floors, and fittings must be durable, easy to clean, and suited for maritime use.

5.2 Lighting
.1 Sleeping rooms and mess rooms shall be properly lit by natural light and shall be provided with adequate artificial light.
.2 Applications for exemption from the provision of natural light in sleeping rooms etc., where the provision of windows or ports might pose a potential threat to the safety of the vessel can be submitted as per Sec. 10 below.
.3 Natural light should be sufficient to allow reading a newspaper in clear daylight.
.4 Electric lighting shall be provided in all accommodation spaces and be fed by main power and an emergency source of power. If an emergency source of power is not possible additional emergency lighting using lamps or apparatus should be provided.
.5 An electric reading lamp shall be installed at the head of each berth:
i) if it is in a sleeping room, capable of emitting at least 200 lumens;
ii) if it is in a hospital ward, capable of emitting at least 400 lumens.
.6 Every permanent hospital shall be provided with a portable electrical lamp capable of emitting 600 lumens.
5.3 Ventilation and Air Conditioning
.1 Adequate ventilation is required to maintain fresh air throughout all sleeping rooms and mess rooms.
.2 Air conditioning systems must be designed specifically for marine conditions, avoiding excessive noise or vibration and be easy to clean and disinfect.
.3 Ventilation and air conditioning must be powered whenever crew are onboard.
5.4 Heating
.1 In all vessels in which a heating system is required, the heating should be using hot water, warm air, electricity, steam or equivalent. However, within the accommodation area, steam should not be used as a medium for heat transmission.
.2 The heating system should be capable of maintaining the temperature in seafarer accommodation at a satisfactory level under normal conditions of weather and climate likely to be met within the trade in which the vessel is engaged.
.3 Radiators and other heating apparatuses shall be placed and, where necessary, shielded to avoid the risk of fire or danger or discomfort to the occupants.
5.5 Drainage
.1 Drainage systems must be designed to prevent backflow, odours, and siphonage, with sufficient capacity to handle water shipped from the sea.
5.6 Noise and Vibration
.1 Sleeping rooms shall be situated above the load line amidships or aft and shall be located as far as possible from noisy equipment. Bulkheads, decks, and doors should incorporate acoustic insulation. Noise levels must comply with the ILO Code of Practice – Ambient factors in the workplace 2001 and IMO Code on Noise Levels Onboard Ships.
5.7 Sanitary, Mess, Hospital and Recreational Facilities
.1 Washbasins, baths, and showers must have an adequate supply of hot and cold water. Toilets must be equipped with effective flushing systems, and all sanitary fittings must be made from smooth, non-corrosive materials.
.2 Mess rooms must accommodate cultural and religious needs.
.3 All vessels trading internationally must have dedicated hospital accommodation. In coastal vessels, a suitably equipped cabin may serve this purpose.
.4 Hospital spaces must have dedicated sanitary facilities. The sanitary facilities for hospital occupants must meet the following criteria:
i) They should be exclusively designated for the use of hospital occupants;
ii) They must either be located within the hospital or in close proximity to it;
iii) They should include at least one toilet, one washbasin, and one bathtub or shower. 

.5 Laundry facilities shall be provided for the crew.
.6 Recreational facilities shall include at least a bookcase and areas for reading, writing, and social activities. Minimum furnishings: bookcase, reading/writing facilities, and games where practicable. Reliable mail handling and reasonable visitor policies are recommended. In non-passenger vessels, mess rooms must provide at least 1.5 square metres per person based on the maximum seating capacity.

6. Inspection and Documentation Requirements

6.1 Frequent documented inspections covering the items listed in MLC 2006, Standard A3.2.7 must be carried out on board ships by or under the authority of the Master at least once every seven days.
6.2 Beginning 23 December 2024, the inspections must not only cover the supplies of food and drinking water, but this must be done “in relation to their quantity, nutritional value, quality, and variety.”
6.3 Each inspection must be recorded in the Official Log Book, including the date, time, names and ranks of the inspectors, and any deficiencies identified.
6.4 All potable water should comply with the WHO Guidelines for Drinking Water.

7. Vessels Constructed On or After 20 August 2013 (MLC Applies)

7.1 These vessels shall comply fully with Title 3 of MLC 2006, which sets modern and comprehensive crew accommodation standards.
7.2 Accommodation shall have a minimum clear headroom of 2.03 metres.
7.3 Sleeping rooms shall meet the MLC 2006 minimum floor areas, with the area of any en-suite bathrooms counted toward this space if fewer people share the cabin.
7.4 Where practicable, all cabins should include private en-suite sanitary facilities.
7.5 No more than two petty officers should share a cabin, and officer cadets may also share two-berth rooms if they meet the same standard.
7.6 Alternative layouts that exceed these standards may be approved if they improve overall accommodation quality. Application is to be submitted as per Sec. 10 below.

8. Vessels Constructed Before 20 August 2013 (MLC Applies)

8.1 These vessels shall comply with ILO Convention 92 and ILO Convention 133.
8.2 The minimum headroom in accommodation spaces shall be 1.98 metres.
8.3 Sleeping rooms must meet the floor area standards from these regulations, with en-suite areas counted toward the total if fewer people share the cabin.
8.4 Documentary evidence of compliance with these standards should be obtained from a Recognised Organisation to assist with Port State Control inspections.

9. Vessels Not Covered by MLC 2006

9.1 Non-MLC vessels shall comply with the ILO Convention 92 and ILO Convention 133 to the extent practicable.
9.2 Accommodation should have a minimum clear headroom of 1.98 metres and sleeping rooms should aim to meet the standard floor areas.
9.3 As with older MLC vessels, en-suite sanitary facilities may count toward total floor area if they reduce occupancy.
9.4 Alternative layouts can be approved if they enhance crew comfort and safety. Application is to be submitted as per Sec. 10 below.
9.5 Documentary evidence of compliance with the ILO Convention 92 and ILO Convention 133 should be obtained from a Barbadian Recognised Organisation.

10. Exemption, Equivalence and Permits

10.1 Any applications for the acceptance of an equivalency, exemption, or exception from MLC 2006 requirements shall be submitted to the BMSR at the time of requesting the DMLC Part I. More information is provided in Sec. 8 Bulletin 007.
10.2 For defect and temporary non-compliance with any of the requirements on this bulletin and relevant Conventions and Codes a request for a permit shall be sent as outlined in Bulletin 008.