Fatigue is generally described as a state of feeling tired,
weary, or sleepy that results from prolonged mental or physical
work, extended periods of anxiety, exposure to harsh environments,
or loss of sleep. The result of fatigue is impaired performance and
diminished alertness. A common symptom of fatigue is a change in
the level of risk that a person accepts, or a tendency to accept
lower levels of performance and not correct errors which come about
in the course of performing tasks while fatigued. All these could
have a significant impact on shipboard operations and personal
safety.
Seafarers often work hours that would not be tolerated in any
other mode of transport. Safety at sea is seriously compromised by
fatigue, with often catastrophic consequences. Some high profile
examples of casualties in which seafarer fatigue has been a key
causal factor include, the Exxon Valdez, Cita, Jambo, Pasha Bulker,
and Thor Gitta, to name a few.
