Who Goes on the Ro-Ro Crew Manifest
The fundamental question for Ro-Ro vessel manifests is: who is aboard during transit? On pure car carriers (PCTCs), vehicles are driven aboard and off by port stevedores who disembark before sailing. In this case, the manifest includes only the ship's crew and any supernumeraries (technical riders, surveyors). However, some Ro-Ro operations involve accompanied vehicles where truck drivers remain aboard during the transit. Every such driver must appear on the manifest as a supernumerary with full passport and identity documentation.
PCTCs typically operate with larger crews than vessels of comparable tonnage in other categories. A 60,000 GT PCTC may have 26-32 crew members, compared to 22-25 for a similarly-sized bulk carrier or tanker. The additional crew members are needed for vehicle deck operations: lashing inspections, deck drainage monitoring, ventilation system management, and the vehicle deck fire watch that runs continuously at sea. All of these positions must appear on the manifest with their respective qualifications.
Vehicle Deck-Specific Training Requirements
- Enclosed space entry and rescue: Vehicle decks are classified as enclosed spaces. At least 4 crew members (2 officers, 2 ratings) must hold current enclosed space rescue training — more than the typical 2+2 requirement for other vessel types, due to the multiple deck levels.
- Vehicle deck fire suppression: Officers and ratings assigned to vehicle deck fire watch must demonstrate competency with the vessel's specific CO2/drencher system. Training records must show hands-on system operation, not just classroom instruction.
- BEV thermal event response: For vessels carrying battery electric vehicles, at least 2 officers must have documented training in lithium battery thermal runaway response, including toxic gas recognition (hydrogen fluoride awareness) and specialized cooling procedures.
- Lashing and securing competency: Ratings responsible for vehicle lashing must hold documented competency in the vessel's specific lashing systems and equipment.
Drivers aboard = manifest entries. If any vehicle drivers will remain aboard during Canal transit, they must appear on the manifest as supernumeraries with full passport details. Missing a single driver from the manifest is treated as an unauthorized person aboard — a security compliance failure that can delay the transit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Ro-Ro vessel drivers need to appear on the crew manifest?
Yes, if any drivers are aboard during transit. Truck drivers remaining aboard are listed as supernumeraries with passport details. On PCTCs, port stevedores disembark before sailing and are not listed.
What vehicle deck safety training must crew demonstrate?
Enclosed space entry and rescue, vehicle deck fire suppression system operation, and — for vessels carrying BEVs — lithium battery thermal event response training. These must be documented as supplementary endorsements in the manifest.
How does the Ro-Ro crew manifest differ from other vessel types?
Potential driver supernumeraries, additional vehicle deck safety endorsements, larger crew complements (26-32), and more enclosed space rescue-trained crew due to multi-deck vehicle spaces.
Validate Your Ro-Ro Crew Documentation
CanalClear checks vehicle deck training records, enclosed space certifications, and driver documentation against ACP Ro-Ro requirements.
Start Filing →