- Over 33% of cargo ship crew report inadequate sleep, per Cardiff University study.
- Fatigue linked to anxiety, falsified records, and rising abandonment cases.
- Experts call for stronger regulations, mental health support, and manning reforms.
A 2025 study by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre found that more than one-third of cargo ship seafarers report insufficient sleep. The findings underscore a troubling trend — many crew members admit to falsifying work and rest hour records, highlighting major flaws in enforcement and fear of repercussions.
Senior officers, bearing the brunt of operational responsibilities, reported the highest levels of work-related anxiety, a major contributor to disrupted sleep and fatigue.
An earlier 2024 report by Inmarsat also brought attention to the issue, citing 142 reported cases of crew abandonment in 2023, with fatigue identified as the leading cause.
Fatigue: A Multifaceted Threat
Fatigue in the maritime sector extends beyond simple tiredness — it is a serious combination of physical and mental exhaustion that reduces alertness and impairs a seafarer’s ability to perform duties safely. Contributing factors include:
- Long working hours and shift patterns
- Continuous noise, vessel motion, and vibrations
- Inadequate rest between shifts and lack of rest days
- High stress levels, especially among senior officers
These conditions are not just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. A recent cargo ship grounding incident in Norway occurred after a watch officer fell asleep on duty, emphasizing the real-world risks of fatigue at sea.
Severe Consequences for Health and Safety
Long-term fatigue can lead to a range of serious health and safety outcomes, including:
- Increased risk of accidents, such as collisions, groundings, and falls
- Slower reaction times and impaired judgment
- Mental health issues including anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders
- Chronic physical conditions such as cardiovascular disease and weakened immunity
- Declining job satisfaction, higher crew turnover, and early retirement from seafaring careers.
Regulations Falling Short
Although the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) mandates minimum rest hours, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many seafarers work under unstable contracts and hesitate to report violations due to fear of job loss. Tasks such as port calls, inspections, and paperwork frequently encroach on designated rest periods, making compliance difficult.
A Call for Systemic Change
Fatigue is not merely a personal issue; it is a global maritime safety hazard. With the industry growing and evolving, addressing fatigue must be a priority.
To effectively combat fatigue at sea, stakeholders must adopt a proactive, system-wide approach including:
- Revising rest hour regulations to reflect operational realities
- Implementing Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)
- Enhancing onboard living conditions and mental health resources
- Ensuring access to telemedicine and timely medical care
- Promoting a transparent, safety-first culture onboard
- Increasing from minimum to optimal manning levels for safer operations
Without urgent action, the maritime sector risks continued health deterioration, rising accidents, and a declining global seafarer workforce.
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Source: West of England P&I Club
