Navigating the Rising Tide: Uncovering Fatigue and Healthcare Challenges Facing Seafarers

A recent publication by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Center has shed light on troubling issues within the maritime sector, particularly concerning the well-being of seafarers aboard cargo vessels. The study, which involved over 1,200 seafarers through surveys and interviews, found that more than a third of thes workers reported not getting enough sleep in the last two days. Factors contributing to their fatigue included long working hours, erratic schedules, port responsibilities, ship movements, and noise levels—conditions that have deteriorated as earlier studies in 2011 and 2016.

The gravity of this situation was underscored when the cargo ship NCL Salten ran aground in Trondheim, Norway; this incident occurred after a watch officer dozed off at the helm following visits to three ports within just one day. “Even with improved tracking of work/rest hours for crew members, fatigue continues to be a persistent issue,” noted Professor Helen Sampson from the research center. She pointed out that many records regarding work hours are frequently enough manipulated to conceal excessive workloads.

Additionally, meaningful healthcare deficiencies were highlighted in this research. Almost 20% of seafarers who faced serious health issues or injuries reported being unable to receive essential medical care while at sea. Most cargo ships lack qualified medical staff and depend on limited telemedical support until they reach port.

Researchers emphasize that these challenges are frequently underreported across an industry employing over 1.5 million individuals worldwide. Many workers fear for their job security due to unstable contracts and thus refrain from voicing concerns about their conditions.

Professor Sampson calls for urgent regulatory changes: “We need new rules ensuring uninterrupted rest periods for all seafarers that align with recommended adult sleep standards.” She also stresses the importance of having qualified medical personnel onboard cargo ships because “the current access to healthcare is severely lacking.”

This important research received funding from Stiftelsen Sveriges Sjömanshus along with additional backing from Sjöbefälsföreningen.