Contributing factors of fatigue on seagoing vessels

Seafarer fatigue as a risk factor in ship operations has gained attention in the maritime industry and research. The aim of this review is therefore to analyse the current state of knowledge based on literature from 2008 to 2023 and, in particular, to identify relevant influencing factors. The material analysed shows that fatigue and fatigue-like conditions occur in seafarers across ship and task categories. It is not only the individual characteristics of each seafarer that have an influence, but also the special features of the ship as a workplace, such as rough seas, long absences from the family and social interaction in a confined space. Long daily working hours together with the shift organisation cause short and often poor sleep. Activities and corresponding workloads are often unevenly distributed over the working hours of a small crew. Existing regulations and processes need to be improved, particularly with regard to working hours and crew sizes.

Practical Relevance

Maritime transport plays a key and growing role in the global economy. Safety and efficiency are therefore essential here in order to prevent damage to people, the environment and capital. Ship sizes and transport capacities are increasing, but crews are not getting any bigger. Better knowledge of the risk factors enables everyone involved, from the crew to the shipping company to legislators, to work more safely under the special conditions in international shipping.