Factors contributing to mariner fatigue : sleep, environmental conditions, social support and recovery

Abstract

Mariner fatigue is a serious issue that threatens the safety of seafarers, marine infrastructure and our environment. The aim of this study was to develop a greater understanding of the factors that contribute to mariner fatigue. Eighteen crew members (Officer and Unlicensed) on a marine replenishment vessel (i.e. tanker ship) participated in an eight-day diary study. Objective sleep measures and self-report data on fatigue, environmental conditions, social support and need for recovery were collected while at sea. Need for recovery, sea state (i.e. the size, height and power of waves as perceived by participants) and work stress were all found to significantly contribute to fatigue. None of the social support measures were found to buffer against fatigue. Sleep will remain a key contributor to fatigue, however, research on mariner fatigue needs to look beyond sleep to other factors influencing fatigue in order to develop effective fatigue countermeasures.