Maritime and waterways working time limits

Like WTR, the inland waterways IWR regulations limit working time for mobile workers to an average of 48 hours per week (with no opt-out). The FVR fishing regulations also limit weekly working time to 48 hours although the Code of Practice for the fishing industry refers to an annual limit of 2,304 hours (MSN 1786 (F)).

The Secretary of State has the power to grant exceptions to the working time limits for fishing workers, for objective or technical reasons or reasons concerning the organisation of work (FVR regulation 13) and may take account of the granting of compensatory leave periods. Workers may be required to work any hours necessary for the immediate safety of the vessel or people/cargo on board or to give assistance to other vessels or people in distress at sea (FVR 14). Additional provision for rest may be introduced when ILO Convention 188 (Work in Fishing Convention 2007) is brought into EU law.

The SHWR regulations for seafarers do not limit maximum working time but rely on minimum hours of rest to regulate overall time worked.