Research begins into seafarer fatigue
21 June 2010
Project Horizon, the groundbreaking European Commission-funded study on seafarer fatigue – led by Southampton Solent University’s Warsash Maritime Academy (WMA) – has hit full throttle.
Seafarer volunteers are participating in simulator tests at the University’s Warsash Maritime Academy, as well as at the Göteberg Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden.
The €3.78m 30-month project is the first of its kind to explore the effect of tiredness on the performance of ships’ officers during their watches. Seafarer fatigue has been implicated in major shipping accidents – and it is hoped the study will provide some scientific basis for prevention programmes.
During the tests, volunteer officers take part in simulated seagoing and port-based operations on bridge, engine and liquid cargo handling simulators, while researchers measure brain activity to evaluate the impact that fatigue has on the their decision-making and performance.
The data collected during the tests will be assessed at the Stress Research Institute at Stockholm University. The ultimate objective is to develop a fatigue management toolkit for the industry, and to make recommendations to shipping companies and seafarers on improving work patterns at sea.
Former ships’ officer Professor Mike Barnett heads up the project for Solent University. He says: “The Univrsity is fully committed to this applied research project, which is absolutely vital to the global shipping industry.”
Other partners in the project include: European Community Shipowners’ Associations; the Netherlands-based European Harbour Masters Committee; Intertanko; Charles Taylor & Co (Standard P&I Club); Bureau Veritas; the UK’s Marine Accident Investigation Branch and Maritime and Coastguard Agency (which are both based in Southampton); and the European Transport Workers’ Federation represented by the Anglo-Dutch maritime trade union, Nautilus International.
Ends
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CALL THE MEDIA OFFICE ON 023 8031 9040.
Notes to editors:
There will be opportunities to film, photography and interview experts and volunteers taking part in the tests during the next run taking place from 7-24 July. For further information contact the Media Office on 023 80319 040.
Photograph attached of Warsash Maritime Academy’s bridge simulator where some of the testing will take place.