Hours of work and rest

Fishers · Know your rights

Tired crew get hurt. The rules set a minimum amount of rest.

What you should get

• Regular rest long enough to keep you safe and healthy (C188, Art. 13).
• On vessels that stay at sea for more than three days: at least 10 hours of rest in any 24 hours, and at least 77 hours of rest in any 7 days (C188, Art. 14). Countries may allow limited, temporary exceptions, but then you must get extra rest as soon as possible.
• From 1 January 2028, on vessels covered by CMM 2024-04: rest periods and sleeping quarters as part of decent living conditions (para. 7d).

Check for

• The minimum rest periods are written in your agreement
• You have a proper place to sleep

What you can do

• Write down your hours each day in a notebook or on your phone. Your own record helps if there is a dispute later.

Sources: ILO C188, Art. 13–14 (NORMLEX) · WCPFC CMM 2024-04, para. 7(d) and Attachment 1 item 18

This card is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ by country and by the vessel's flag. Information checked 2 October 2026. For help, see piowr.org/fishers and piowr.org/tools/find-help.

Pacific Institute of Workplace Relations · Fair Conditions At Work · piowr.org