According to West P&I Club, despite international regulations and monitoring efforts, fatigue among seafarers persists and is on the rise.
West P&I Club has highlighted growing concerns over crew fatigue, referencing a 2025 study conducted by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre which revealed that over 33% of seafarers working on cargo ships reported not getting enough sleep. Many admitted to falsifying work and rest hour records to avoid repercussions, indicating a systemic issue in regulatory enforcement.
The study also found that senior officers experienced the highest levels of work-related anxiety, further impacting sleep quality.
According to West Club, it should be noted that fatigue in the maritime industry is more than just tiredness. It encompasses physical and mental exhaustion that impairs a seafarer’s ability to perform safely and effectively. Common causes include:
- Long working hours
- Shift work
- Noise, vibration, and vessel motion
- Inadequate rest periods between shifts
- Sustained workdays without adequate rest days
- Work-related stress and anxiety
Casualty incidents related to fatigue are not rare. A recent case involving a cargo ship grounding in Norway after the watch officer fell asleep on duty is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of fatigue.
Long term fatigue can cause significant health and safety implications such as:
- Accidents and injuries
- Impaired decision-making and slower reactions are contributing factors in maritime accidents, including collisions, groundings and fall incidents
- Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders
- Long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system, which may increase susceptibility to illness
- 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
