Research and analysis

Understanding seafarer roster patterns and fatigue on vessels

Contextual study on the roster patterns and the measures to manage fatigue used on roll-on roll-off (ro-ro) and roll-on and roll-off passenger (ro-pax) vessels.

From:
Department for Transport
Published
4 December 2023

Documents

Understanding seafarer roster patterns and fatigue on vessels

PDF, 631 KB, 55 pages

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Details

A literature review and qualitative research into the types of roster patterns and the measures to manage fatigue used on ro-ro and ro-pax vessels.

The objectives were to understand the:

  • various types of seafarer roster and shift patterns and how they differ by route and operators, plus the impact of different roster patterns on seafarer fatigue and welfare
  • quality and duration of rest available to, or experienced by, seafarers, and the impact on seafarer fatigue and welfare.
  • factors that are taken into consideration when designing roster and shift patterns and why
  • measures and the effectiveness of those measures taken by ferry operators to manage seafarers’:
    • shorter-term ‘sleepiness’
    • longer-term fatigue
    • potentially reduced vigilance

These findings are one of 2 sets of research that will form part of the evidence base for updating the Seafarers’ Charter.

A literature review involves reading all existing information on a topic in order to:

  1. ascertain the current status of that topic.
  2. discover new or previously overlooked insights on a topic.

Fieldwork was conducted by the external research bodies of the:

Fieldwork was conducted between February and May 2023. The research was commissioned by the Department for Transport.

Published 4 December 2023