46 CFR § 15.710 - Working hours.

---
identifier: "/us/cfr/t46/s15.710"
source: "ecfr"
legal_status: "authoritative_unofficial"
title: "46 CFR § 15.710 - Working hours."
title_number: 46
title_name: "Shipping"
section_number: "15.710"
section_name: "Working hours."
chapter_name: "COAST GUARD, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY"
subchapter_number: "B"
subchapter_name: "MERCHANT MARINE OFFICERS AND SEAMEN"
part_number: "15"
part_name: "MANNING REQUIREMENTS"
positive_law: false
currency: "2026-04-05"
last_updated: "2026-04-05"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
authority: "46 U.S.C. 2101, 2103, 3306, 3703, 8101, 8102, 8103, 8104, 8105, 8301, 8304, 8502, 8503, 8701, 8702, 8901, 8902, 8903, 8904, 8905(b), 8906 and 9102; sec. 617, Pub. L. 111-281, 124 Stat. 2905; and DHS Delegation No. 00170.1, Revision No. 01.4."
regulatory_source: "CGD 81-059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, as amended by USCG-2021-0097, 89 FR 93118, Nov. 25, 2024, unless otherwise noted."
cfr_part: "15"
---


# 15.710 Working hours.

In addition to prescribing watch requirements, 46 U.S.C. 8104 sets limitations on the working hours of credentialed officers and crew members, prescribes certain rest periods, and prohibits unnecessary work on Sundays and certain holidays when the vessel is in a safe harbor. It is the responsibility of the Master or Person in Charge to ensure that these limitations are met. However, under 46 U.S.C. 8104(f), the Master or other credentialed officer can require any part of the crew to work when, in their judgment, they are needed for:

(a) Maneuvering, shifting berth, mooring, unmooring;

(b) Performing work necessary for the safety of the vessel, or the vessel's passengers, crew, or cargo;

(c) Saving of life onboard another vessel in jeopardy; or,

(d) Performing fire, lifeboat, or other drills in port or at sea.

[CGD 81-059, 52 FR 38652, Oct. 16, 1987, as amended by USCG-2004-18884, 69 FR 58343, Sept. 30, 2004; USCG-2006-24371, 74 FR 11261, Mar. 16, 2009; USCG-2004-17914, 78 FR 78005, Dec. 24, 2013]