Guidance

Fatigue Research 8hrs on 8hrs off: Seafarers Watch Keeping System

Report from Southampton Solent university into the investigation of the 8-hours on / 8-hours off seafarers watch keeping system.

Documents

Fatigue research project: 8hrs on / 8hrs off seafarers watch keeping system

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Details

The UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) wished to investigate the 8 hours on / 8 hours off watch keeping system, with the aim of providing an answer to the question

What is the effect of working an 8 hour on / 8 hour off watch keeping system on seafarer fatigue, performance and safety?

The final report outlines the research carried out particularly in relation to the following;

  • the effect of 8 hours on / 8 hours off on seafarer fatigue and performance

  • the likely impact on maritime safety

  • a comparison with other typical watch keeping systems (for example, 4/8 and 6/6)

  • its suitability as an “acceptable” watch keeping system under controlled conditions

Updates to this page

Published 15 May 2017

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