This may lead to decreased job performance and satisfaction which can result in higher rates of crew turnover and early retirement from sea careers.

Despite the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) mandating minimum rest hours, enforcement is inconsistent. Many seafarers work under precarious contracts and fear job loss if they report violations of these contracts. Port calls, inspections, and administrative duties have a tendency to eat into rest periods, making compliance difficult.

Fatigue among seafarers is not just a personal health issue, it’s a systemic safety hazard with global implications. As the maritime industry continues to evolve, addressing fatigue must become a top priority. Without decisive action, the risks to both human life and maritime operations will only continue to grow. Therefore, a more proactive approach needs to be deployed to combat fatigue at sea by:

• Revising work/rest hour regulations to reflect operational realities
• Implementing fatigue risk management systems
• Improving onboard living conditions and mental health support
• Ensuring access to medical care and telemedicine
• Encouraging a culture of transparency and safety
• An increase from minimum manning to optimal manning levels

Source: WEST