Temporary Crewing Framework

Description

Marine Scotland has a requirement to set up a framework with external providers for provision of Temporary Crewing Framework. Marine Scotland operates a fleet of three marine protection vessels (MPV Hirta, MPV Jura and MPV Minna) and two marine research vessels (MRV Scotia and MRV Alba Na Mara). We also operate a number of small inshore craft. All vessels, except Alba Na Mara and small inshore craft, are Class VII Merchant Ships engaged in unlimited trade. MRV Alba Na Mara is operated as a Class 1 Workboat and as such remains within 150 nautical miles from a safe haven in and around the Scottish coast. The smaller inshore craft are also coded under the Workboat Code The patrol vessels work three week voyages (patrols) with two crews working back to back. The vessels of Marine Scotland are Crown assets nominally owned by Scottish Ministers and as such are “Government Ships”, reference section 308 of the 1995 Merchant Shipping Act. In addition Scottish Fisheries Cruisers and Research Ships are exempted from certain sections of Merchant Shipping Acts, including the need to carry Official Log Books and Crew Agreements. The following Orders refer: The Merchant Shipping (Registration of Scottish Fishery Cruisers, Research Ships etc.) Order, 1960 and the Merchant Shipping (Registration of Scottish Fishery Cruisers, Research Ships etc.) (Amendment) Order 1972. A single temporary assignment on a patrol ship or small inshore craft is therefore 22 days (allowing for changeover days at each end of the patrol). However temporary assignments may vary to less or more than this to allow for essential operations. The research vessels follow a designated science programme with voyages (science cruises) varying between 2 weeks to 4 weeks (approximately), again each vessel has two crews working alternative voyages. In order to operate the vessels safely and comply with regulations, each vessel must maintain a minimum level of staffing aboard prior to sailing. The vessels are operated by permanent Marine Scotland staff but require supplementary temporary staff to ensure business continuity. Consequently, Marine Scotland has a requirement to set up a framework with external providers for provision of Temporary Crewing Framework.