Limited research exists examining fatigue and its indicators among seafarers. The purpose of this research was to determine the influence of work specific, individual, and environmental factors on perceived fatigue among officers. Preliminary data were collected from 8 participants dispatched on 2 vessels in the Canadian offshore sector working a 6-on, 6-off watch system. A self-reported questionnaire method was employed to collect data on momentary subjective physical and mental fatigue for comparison with sleeping patterns, health related behaviours, occupational factors and environmental conditions while on a seagoing trip. Linear trend analyses reveal that problematic sleep sufficiency may be associated with perceived fatigue prior to watch, but overall perception of fatigue remains consistent throughout the 14-day tour. Differences among perceived fatigue between two watch shifts may exist. Participants may be using caffeine to mitigate fatigue symptoms as caffeine consumptions increased over the course of a watch.

Seafarer; fatigue; indicators