Cyprus joins debate on seafarer working hours and fatigue

Athens, Greece. Cyprus has joined renewed discussions over seafarer working hours, as fatigue, mental health and recruitment concerns gain prominence in the shipping sector.

Under rules for vessels flying the Cyprus flag, seafarers must receive at least 10 hours of rest in every 24-hour period and 77 hours of rest over seven days.

Cyprus rules

Cyprus applies the minimum-rest model permitted by the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), rather than the alternative limit of 72 working hours per week.

In practice, this system can allow for up to 91 working hours over seven days.

A 2026 study in the European Labour Law Journal listed Cyprus among the flag states using this model, renewing attention on the question of acceptable working hours at sea.

Athens event

The issue was discussed at an event in Athens marking 20 years since the MLC was adopted. The event was jointly organised by Greece’s Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) and Cyprus’ Omepege-Sek.

Cyprus Shipping Deputy Minister Marina Hadjimanolis attended alongside Greek Shipping Minister Vassilis Kikilias, International Transport Workers’ Federation general secretary Stephen Cotton, International Labour Organisation representative Beatriz Vacotto, trade union officials and shipowners from Greece and Cyprus.

Recruitment and wellbeing

PNO general secretary Emmanouil Tsikalakis identified working hours, fatigue and mental health as major concerns, linking them to shipping’s efforts to attract younger workers.

He said seafarers work close to 75 hours per week on average, while questions over time spent on board, adequate rest and mental wellbeing remain unresolved.

The discussion also focused on the need for shipping to improve conditions for existing seafarers while recruiting additional workers.