Proper sleep, is not merely a matter of
personal comfort. It is vital to a persons’ physical and mental well-being and
the most effective weapon against the onset of fatigue. Research experience has
shown us that persons suffering from the effects of fatigue are more likely to
make mistakes which can lead to accidents, injuries and loss of life.
This is particularly true on ships,
where crew are engaged in both physically and mentally demanding work, at times
in dangerous situations and having to fulfil work rosters that are tight and
demanding for all on board. The continuously changing time – zone on an
international run as well as living in a confined space for days on without
family and friends, and the resultant psychological stress make the situation
even more aggravating in terms of fatigue.
Pursuant to the Maritime Labour
Convention (MLC) 2006, which came into force on 20th August 2013,
the standards for (A) maximum hours of work and (B) minimum hours of rest, under
Title 2, are: no more than 14 hours in any 24 hours period and no more than 72
hours in any 7 day period; or at least 10 hours in any 24 hour period; and at
least 77 hours in any 7 day period. There are only limited exceptions, and
generally it would be a matter of the vessels’ immediate safety with respect to
a justified overrun of working hours. A seafarer cannot be asked to exceed his
mandated rest / work hours, nor can he be enticed to do so against payment of
overtime.
It should be noted that the regulations
refer only to ‘rest’ and not to ‘sleep’. Shore – side and shipboard management
should bear in mind that a seafarer cannot sleep for the entire duration of
their rest period. Research has shown that seafarers spend, on average, between
1 ½ and 2 hours of their daily rest periods engaged in functions such as
eating, bathing, communicating with family and friends, laundry, etc. in
addition to this, it is important to allow seafarers time for recreational
activities such as reading and exercising.
Studies have shown that it is not merely
rest that the human body requires, but the key is sleep. And again, it is not
just any form of sleep over a period of time that counts. The seafarer, like
everyone else needs proper continuous and uninterrupted sleep for 7 to 8 hours
in order to be properly rested. When, due to watch-routines a seafarer must
sleep twice in a 24 hour period, the total amount of sleep required increases
to 8 – 9 hours.
Fatigue may come about after an extended
period without sleep, or as a result of a person experiencing poor, interrupted
or too little sleep over a number of days. It is uncommon, particularly in
short-sea trades, for seafarers to follow a 6 hours on, 6 hours off watch
routine, often for several days or weeks in succession.
Guidelines
for Achieving Quality Sleep:
Bedding:
An uncomfortable bunk does not lend itself to good quality sleep. It is
important to provide good quality mattresses and pillows.
Temperature:
The best sleep will be achieved if the temperature is maintained between 18 and
22 C (65 – 72 F).
Light:
Ensure cabins can be darkened effectively (Black – out blinds are inexpensive
and will improve sleep quality, particularly for crew required to sleep during
daylight hours).
Noise:
Excessive noise will obviously affect sleep quality and continuity. Try to
minimise noise in the vicinity of sleeping crew by segregating watch – keepers’
cabins and considering crew who may be sleeping when planning work in the
vicinity of crew cabins.
Preparation:
The contact with bright screens such as computers and televisions should be avoided
for at least 60 minutes prior to sleeping. Whenever possible, a period of
relaxation should be allowed between completion of a duty period and sleeping.
Nourishment:
Going to sleep hungry should be avoided, but sleeping immediately after eating
can also have a negative impact on the quality of sleep.
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