Seafarer Fatique Research Report Published
Proposals for evaluating new watchkeeping patterns, through the use of fatigue prediction models have been published in a major new report on the results of a 32-month EU part-funded research programme into seafarer sleepiness. The aim of the findings is to reduce the risk of fatigue-related maritime accidents.
The 11-partner Project Horizon study made pioneering use of bridge, engine room and cargo simulators to scientifically assess the impact of actual working patterns on the performance of watchkeepers in realistic seagoing scenarios.
A total of 90 experienced deck and engineer officer volunteers participated in rigorous tests at Chalmers University of Technology in Göteberg and at Warsash Maritime Academy at Southampton Solent University to measure their levels of sleepiness and performance during the most common watchkeeping patterns - four hours on/eight hours off (4/8) and six hours on/six hours off (6/6). Some volunteers were also exposed to a 'disturbed' off-watch period, reflecting the way in which seafarers may experience additional workloads as a result of port visits, bad weather or emergencies.
The project provided detailed empirical data on the sleepiness levels of watch keepers working within those realistic scenarios, enabling researchers to analyse the impact of sleepiness on decision-making, reaction times and other key elements of performance.
In addition to several conference presentations world-wide, details of the findings have been presented by the researchers to the European Maritime Safety Agency, the European Parliament's transport committee and delegates at the International Maritime Organisation's standards of training and watchkeeping sub-committee.
As well as the Project's Final Report, the prototype maritime fatigue prediction software, known as MARTHA, is available for free download and use, from the HORIZON project website at: http://www.warsashacademy.co.uk/research/horizon/publications.aspx
For further details, please contact: Graham Clarke, Project Co-ordinator, on
+44 1590 671177 or graham.clarke@inchmery.eu
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