Loss Prevention 12 Jun, 2025 The Rising Tide of Fatigue Among Seafarers: A Growing Maritime Safety Crisis Emma Forbes-Gearey Loss Prevention Officer Despite international regulations and monitoring efforts, fatigue among seafarers persists and is on the rise.  Download PDF A study conducted by Cardiff University’s Seafarers International Research Centre in 2025 revealed that over 33% of seafarers working on cargo ships reported that they were not getting enough sleep. In the survey, seafarers admitted to falsifying work and rest hour records to avoid repercussions, this highlights a systemic issue in enforcement. Furthermore, Senior officers experienced the highest levels of work-related anxiety, contributing to poor sleep. Other organisations have conducted studies on the subject. A report produced by Inmarsat in 2024 highlighted a record 142 cases of crew abandonment in 2023, with the primary cause of the abandonment being fatigue. It should be noted that fatigue in the maritime industry is more than just tiredness. It encompasses physical and mental exhaustion that impairs a seafarer’s ability to perform safely and effectively. Common causes include: Long working hours Shift work Noise, vibration, and vessel motion Inadequate rest periods between shifts Sustained workdays without adequate rest days Work-related stress and anxiety Casualty incidents related to fatigue are not rare. A recent case involving a cargo ship grounding in Norway after the watch officer fell asleep on duty is a stark reminder of the real-world consequences of fatigue. Long term fatigue can cause significant health and safety implications such as: Accidents and injuries Impaired decision-making and slower reactions are contributing factors in maritime accidents, including collisions, groundings and fall incidents. Mental health issues such as anxiety, depression and sleeping disorders Long-term health problems, including cardiovascular disease and a weakened immune system, which may in