THE HIGH COST OF MARINERS FATIGUE

Fatigue is a way of life for many people, including seafarers.

Seafarers often have to deal with fatigue as a result of long working hours, irregular schedules, and the demands of their jobs. It can negatively impact their physical and mental well-being, as well as their performance and decision-making abilities.

To address this issue, the maritime industry has developed international standards, such as the Standards of Training, Certification, and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Code, which sets limits on work hours and requires tracking of rest hours. The Maritime Executive reported that even though the work hours of the average mariner are legally limited to 13 hours per day on average, fatigue remains an issue for many crewmembers.

In the military, U.S. Naval Special Warfare (NSWF) uses fatigue and stressors such as hypothermia and sleep deprivation to push their troops to the limit during training. However, the incidents involving U.S. naval vessels, including the fatal collisions of the USS Fitzgerald and USS John S. McCain, have highlighted the dangers of fatigue and overwork. While carefully prepared spreadsheets tell NSWF instructors how far they can push their sailors, the crew of warships has no such controls in place. Admiral Phil Davidson, Commander of U.S. Fleet Forces, stated that sailors must be taught the difference between fatigue and routine conditions.

Although the STCW and MLC 2006 rest hour regulations pose challenges for merchant mariners, they provide targets towards which to aim. The U.S. Coast Guard has implemented the Crew Endurance Management program to address fatigue factors. Training while fatigued is understandable so that the effects might be understood during times of peace. Routinely operating while fatigued is a potential waste of life - both for those who may pay the ultimate price and for those held responsible.

The research has been done and the programs are in place with the U.S. Coast Guard and Merchant Marine. For the U.S. Navy, it might be as simple as adopting one or the other.

Finally, the importance of addressing fatigue among seafarers cannot be overstated. The maritime industry must continue to implement measures that mitigate fatigue and ensure the safety of crewmembers. Readers can find the original article on The Maritime Executive website.

To stay informed and connected, seafarers and recruiters can check out the Crew Pages which offers a valuable network for job seekers and comprehensive information about the maritime industry.