Management of Endurance Risk Factors: A Guide for Deep Draft Vessels
Abstract
Crew members aboard deep draft vessels traditionally endure harsh working conditions, extreme temperatures, long work hours, frequent separation from loved ones, and fatigue. While a ship s endurance is determined by how long it can support operations at sea without replenishing supplies or requiring in-port maintenance, its crew members endurance is determined by their ability to cope with job related physiological, psychological, and environmental challenges. Uncontrolled stress factors reduce mental and physical endurance and demand more concentration on the immediate task at hand. Crew members forfeit advanced planning and the ability to anticipate safety risks. Safety deteriorates as a crew becomes more reactive. Controlling these decrements in performance is critical to productivity and safety. This Guide is designed as a resource for captains, department heads, and officers, as well as company safety and operations managers in the shipping industry to control crew endurance risk factors such as stress, fatigue, sleep deprivation, and problems resulting from working and living on deep draft vessels. Section I introduces the concept of crew endurance management. Section II provides specific guidance on how to recognize endurance risk factors and the detrimental effects of psychological, physiological, and environmental stress factors. Specific recommendations are provided as to how to effectively address crew endurance risk factors. Section III provides specific guidelines on how to assess crew endurance and implement improvements in crew management practices. The principles provided in this Guide have been tested in a variety of maritime environments, including marine shipping companies, towing vessel companies, U.S. Coast Guard cutters, small boat stations, and aviation units.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADA394262
Entities
People
- Albert W. Kirby
- Carlos A. Comperatore
- Leonard Kingsley
- Pik K. Rivera
Organizations
- United States Coast Guard Research & Development Center