Costa Cruises changed the schedule of its onboard engine watchkeeping teams, according to a social media update.

The company said the new rotation moves from two separate four-hour watches to one continuous six-hour watch, while keeping continuous coverage unchanged.

Costa added that the change provides more uninterrupted time between watches, allowing crew members to recover, recharge and return with greater focus.

The company noted that the new rotation doesn’t change “the responsibility, coordination, and safety standards at the core of the job.”

“A cruise ship operates 24/7. Propulsion, power generation and auxiliary systems need continuous supervision. That’s why engineering watchkeeping runs around the clock,” Costa explained.

“The colleagues in the control room monitor operating parameters, while in the engine room, the team, in close contact with the ECR, is checking machinery and equipment, following ERM (engine room resource management) procedures and protocols,” the company added.

A senior engineer oversees the engine control room, working with a watchkeeping engineer and a motorman operating in the engine room, the company explained, noting that an apprentice marine engineer is also assisting and learning with colleagues.

With the rotation change, Costa said it is adjusting the number of watch teams and how each engineer’s watchkeeping period is scheduled.

The company previously had three teams, each working two four-hour watches per day, for a total of eight hours of watchkeeping.

As part of the new schedule, Costa ships now operate with four watch teams, each working six-hour watches.

“Continuous supervision, coordinated watchkeeping, safety procedures and constant communication remain at the core of engine operations,” the company added.

In related news, Costa recently announced plans to roll out its onboard singing competition, “The Voice of the Sea,” to more ships across the fleet.