Fatigue, an unsolved puzzle that continues contributing to accidents at sea

Fatigue is long known to be a significant factor contributing to maritime accidents. Despite international efforts to curb this element through introducing advanced technology, preventative regulations, and education and training of seafarers, fatigue continues to make headlines in marine investigation reports. This article aims to identify why fatigue occurs at sea and what motivates seafarers to work under the influence of fatigue onboard commercial ships. This qualitative research utilised one-on-one interviews with seafarers involved in maritime mishaps to capture reliable perspectives of leading factors contributing to sea fatigue. Our analysis shows that insufficient manning, job insecurity, and inadequate regulations are the major factors that lead to seafarers’ fatigue. Further, this research reveals that the recent technological advancements in the shipping industry are an underlying contributing factor to fatigue during work and rest hours.