Watchkeeping

Question 1

Discuss the symptoms & effects of FATIGUE on Human Performance

Answer 1

Fatigue: Feeling overtired, with low energy and a strong desire to sleep that interferes with normal daily activities

Symptoms:
Reduced energy & performance. Indifference to own performance
Loss of ability to carry out daily activities
Impaired decision making ability
Distractibility
Loss of initiative
Strong desire to sleep
Deterioration is rarely evident
Alertness
Appear to be sleep
Gaze into distance
Personality changes
Depression

Question 2

Discuss Organisation of duties to minimise fatigue on watchkeepers

Answer 2

Arrange watches so watch-keepers get a single - uninterrupted sleep every day. Traditional seagoing watches (4-8) do not allow for adequate length of sleep.

Arrange for hotel stay day after travel to rest.

Question 3

What are the two regulations covering hours of rest for watch-keepers?

Answer 3

MLC Standard A.2.3.5

Maximum hours of work shall not exceed:

14 hours in any 24-hour period; and
72 hours in any seven-day period;
or

Minimum hours of rest shall not be less than:

10 hours in any 24-hour period; and
77 hours in any seven-day period.

** STCW Code – Section A VIII/1

A minimum of ten hours of rest in any 24-hour period; and
77 hours in any seven-day period.

Rest divided into no more than two periods, one at least 6 hours in length & intervals between rest periods does not exceed 14 hours.

New Zealand Marine Rule 31: Crewing and Watchkeeping