Impaired performance and diminished alertness

How to prevent and mitigate fatigue Skuld Guide published May 2007

Fatigue is generally described as a state of feeling tired, weary or sleepy resulting from prolonged mental or physical work, extended periods of anxiety, exposure to harsh environments or loss of sleep. The result of fatigue is impaired performance and diminished alertness.

Fatigue is a problem for all around the clock transportation industries, having dangerous effects for the marine industry. The technical and specialised nature of the shipping industry requires constant alertness and intense concentration from its workers. This makes the industry vulnerable to fatigue.

Fatigue is also dangerous because it affects everyone regardless of skill, knowledge and training.

Some advice on how to prevent and mitigate fatigue:

• Ensure compliance with maritime regulations (minimum hours of rest and/or maximum hours of work)
   
• Get between 7 to 8 hours of deep uninterrupted sleep per 24-hour day
   
• Take breaks when scheduled breaks are assigned. When possible take strategic naps
   
• Eat regular, well-balanced meals (including fruits and vegetables, as well as meat and starches), drink sufficient amount of water and exercise regularly
   
• Use rested personnel to cover for those travelling long hours to join the ship and who are expected to go on watch as soon as they arrive on board (i.e. allowing sufficient time to overcome fatigue and become familiarised with the ship)
   
• Create an open communication environment (e.g. by making it clear to crew members that it is important to inform supervisors when fatigue is impairing their performance and that there will be no recriminations for such reports
   
• Schedule drills in a manner that minimises the disturbance of rest/sleep periods
   
• Assign work by mixing up tasks to break up monotony and combine high physical or mental demand tasks with low demand tasks (job rotation)
   
• Schedule potentially hazardous tasks for daytime hours
   
• Increase awareness of long-term health benefits from appropriate lifestyle behaviour (e.g. exercise, relaxation, nutrition, avoiding smoking and low alcohol consumption)