ABSTRACT
The manning of vessels is an extensive subject, and this chapter is intended only to cover its most important aspects. Ship manning today forms a very important part of the shipping industry complex in an increasingly competitive cost-conscious situation. New technology is being introduced whilst economic change is continuous. Moreover, seafarers’ standards both in ship accommodation terms and navigation/engineering/catering techniques are rising. Overall seafarers’ shipboard living standards are improving. Basically there are important costs which can vary between maritime nations: the effective cost of capital, the flag state’s regulating requirements (the country to which the vessel is registered), and finally crew cost which we will now examine.
