Adequate Crewing and Seafarers Fatigue

Global concern with the extent of seafarer fatigue is widely evident everywhere in the shipping industry. Maritime regulators, ship owners, trade unions and P & I clubs are all alert to the fact that in some ship types, a combination of minimal manning, sequences of rapid turnarounds and short sea passages, adverse weather and traffic conditions, may find seafarers working long hours with insufficient recuperative rest. A holistic view is needed of the effects of stress and health factors associated with long periods away from home, limited communication and consistently high work loads on seafarers. In these circumstances fatigue and reduced performance may lead to environmental damage, ill-health and reduced life-span among highly skilled seafarers who are in short supply.