The ship management association InterManager has presented the findings of its fatigue study, Project MARTHA, to the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
The study, undertaken together with the Warsash Maritime Academy at Southampton Solent University, relating to the growing problems posed by fatigue – both mental and physical – at sea found that mental fatigue is on the rise.
The report highlights growing levels of fatigue, particularly among Masters and Watch Keepers, and noted that motivation was a major factor in fatigue experienced by seafarers.
The performance of seafarers onboard is paramount to a vessel’s operation and efficiency.
Project MARTHA also noted that able seamen (AB) fared the best on voyages with around half feeling no more fatigued at the end than at the beginning.
Specific findings include the higher incidence of fatigue among Chinese seafarers because of the longer hours they work. European seafarers worked fewer hours than their Chinese colleagues.
Port work was found to be particularly demanding, and the report revealed that during this time no member of the crew gets adequate rest, with the “night watch being at particular risk of falling asleep”.
Capt Kuba Szymanski, Secretary-General of InterManager urged the maritime industry to take notice of the findings as the industry recruits aspiring seafarers.
The Sub-Committee on Human Element, Training and Watchkeeping (HTW 4), which is now meeting at IMO Headquarters (30 January-3 February), will continue its work to update and revise the Guidelines on Fatigue to improve better understanding of fatigue and fatigue risk management and to reflect current fatigue and sleep research and best practices of fatigue mitigation.
By Emi Tiram
