HE01040 - FATIGUE AND PERFORMANCE IN BRIDGE AND ENGINE CONTROL ROOM WATCHKEEPING ON A 6 ON / 6 OFF WATCH REGIME

This paper describes the European funded HORIZON research project that seeks to investigate the problem of seafarer reliability, and to deliver measures that will help alleviate the safety hazards caused by fatigue.

A realistic scenario was developed, in which watch keeper cognitive performance and fatigue levels were measured, using the bridge, engine and cargo operations simulator facilities at Warsash, linked together to provide a 7 day continuous voyage. Ten simulations runs have been performed with 40 certificated seafarers of varying experience. Analysis of the results shows a significant impact of the 6 on / 6 off watch pattern on the fatigue and performance of seafarers.