We are fortunate in that we also have a minimum of the two of us who are capable of taking over. Whether in a car or on a boat, I try to take a break periodically and typically every two to three hours. Fatigue is a huge issue at sea but lack of sleep and fatigue are issues in all workplaces and in schools. We've somehow convinced ourselves we can still fully function but all scientific tests show that we function less effectively.
The problem is employers who push crew to the limits and crew that is scared of the repercussions of not cooperating.
The regulations limit work to 14 hours in a 24 hour period and 72 hours in a 7 day period. Either of those might be tolerable if done for a very short period of time, but not done regularly. In manufacturing we did many tests which showed what employees could do for a short period and the loss as that time was exceeded. With work that was measured and on piece rate it's easy to track the numbers.
Looking at the 14 hour limit, well 10 hours is plenty to get sleep. Except, they only have to provide a 6 hour consecutive period and in 6 hours the most one will get is 5 hours sleep and you don't function at maximum ability with that. Anything less than 7-8 hours per day is a problem. Then do that 28 days in a row and you're exhausted. First, I think those regulations need to be followed, but more, stronger regulations are needed.
We're seeing people driven to exhaustion in all industries where companies lack the staff they should have.
Now, here is the link to the document referenced, the Crew Endurance Management Practices Guide for Maritime Operations. This was produced in 2003. While the science of sleep and fatigue has advanced since then, it's still an excellent document if owners would take it seriously. Every section of recommendations though starts with 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep which maritime regulations and practices do not require.
https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5211/docs/GuideForMaritimeOperations.pdf
The problem is employers who push crew to the limits and crew that is scared of the repercussions of not cooperating.
The regulations limit work to 14 hours in a 24 hour period and 72 hours in a 7 day period. Either of those might be tolerable if done for a very short period of time, but not done regularly. In manufacturing we did many tests which showed what employees could do for a short period and the loss as that time was exceeded. With work that was measured and on piece rate it's easy to track the numbers.
Looking at the 14 hour limit, well 10 hours is plenty to get sleep. Except, they only have to provide a 6 hour consecutive period and in 6 hours the most one will get is 5 hours sleep and you don't function at maximum ability with that. Anything less than 7-8 hours per day is a problem. Then do that 28 days in a row and you're exhausted. First, I think those regulations need to be followed, but more, stronger regulations are needed.
We're seeing people driven to exhaustion in all industries where companies lack the staff they should have.
Now, here is the link to the document referenced, the Crew Endurance Management Practices Guide for Maritime Operations. This was produced in 2003. While the science of sleep and fatigue has advanced since then, it's still an excellent document if owners would take it seriously. Every section of recommendations though starts with 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep which maritime regulations and practices do not require.
https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5211/docs/GuideForMaritimeOperations.pdf