Tackling Crew Fatigue: Advancements in Maritime Safety

Crew fatigue poses a continuous challenge to maritime safety, influenced by factors like extended work hours, unpredictable conditions, and physical demands. According to a recent report by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), almost 50% of seafarers taking part in the study reported working more than 85 hours per week.

In the dynamic realm of maritime navigation, the challenges presented by fatigue vary depending on the required level of attention. In moments demanding heightened attention, such as navigating through low visibility areas or dense traffic zones, crew members must sustain sharp vigilance and mental acuity. These situations demand prolonged periods of focus, which can intensify fatigue. The necessity for increased alertness in such scenarios accelerates the onset of fatigue, impairing cognitive function and decision-making abilities.

Conversely, when transitioning to periods of low attention, such as while navigating through open seas, crew alertness tends to diminish while fatigue levels rise. Importantly, the cyclical nature of fatigue means its effects persist even after visibility improves, further compromising safety. This combination creates a vulnerable window where the occurrence of unpredictable events can lead to safety incidents.

In maritime navigation, there’s little room for error, as even slight mistakes can lead to severe consequences like collisions and groundings. Fatigue significantly contributes to these incidents by causing delayed decision-making and slower reaction times, thus increasing the likelihood of accidents. According to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) database, fatigue, stress, work pressure, and poor communication are common factors in accidents within the round-the-clock environment of shipping, with statistical analysis showing that 13.46% of incidents involving human error are fatigue-related. Therefore, addressing crew fatigue is paramount for improving maritime safety and mitigating the risks associated with human error.

AI-based early hazard detection: Mitigating crew fatigue and errors

COLREG 5, which mandates a constant lookout on the bridge regardless of visibility conditions or water congestion, underscores the importance of maintaining alertness at all times. However, in clear visibility conditions and open waters, crew members may experience reduced alertness due to the monotonous nature of the environment, creating a potential window for safety incidents to occur 

This is precisely where advanced technology, such as AI-enhanced vision systems, and vessel collision avoidance systems prove invaluable. Powered by AI algorithms trained on vast amounts of nautical data—encompassing millions of nautical miles, akin to the cumulative experience of the most seasoned captains who have navigated the seas for centuries—these systems operate around the clock. By autonomously detecting and monitoring objects within a ship’s proximity, they alleviate the burden on crew members, particularly during prolonged periods of vigilance, such as in low-attention states like open waters. Moreover, these AI algorithms constantly improve themselves through iterative learning processes. By continuously monitoring the surroundings with capabilities akin to a human lookout, these systems effectively bridge the gap in vigilance during periods of reduced alertness. Leveraging a wide array of features including thermal imaging for night conditions, panoramic views, and risk prioritization, they remain vigilant even in scenarios where human attention might decline. This proactive approach not only mitigates the risk of safety incidents but also ensures that crew fatigue does not compromise operational efficiency, particularly during extended periods in open waters where the need for constant vigilance is paramount.

Moreover, some systems, such as Orca AI’s, integrate bridge navigational watch alarm system (BNWAS) with audio alerts to further enhance crew awareness, adding an extra layer of safety . By seamlessly fusing sensor data from various sources such as AIS and radar, BNWAS offer comprehensive coverage of surrounding marine traffic and environmental hazards, significantly reducing the likelihood of incidents due to unforeseen dangers. This not only addresses the immediate risks associated with poor visibility but also aligns with the principle of automation: delegating dull or low-attention tasks to technology, thereby allowing human operators to focus on critical decision-making tasks and maintaining a high level of alertness when needed most.

The future of maritime safety: Automation and crew empowerment

In the field of automation and robotics, there’s a saying: ‘If it’s dull, dirty, or dangerous, a machine should handle it’—highlighting the importance of automation in managing tasks that are repetitive, tedious, or pose inherent risks to human operators. This principle holds particular relevance in addressing the challenge of maintaining constant lookout, as mandated by maritime regulations, especially during periods of reduced alertness in open waters. By leveraging advanced technology such as AI-enhanced vision systems, maritime operators can delegate the task of continuous surveillance to machines, freeing human crew members from the burden of prolonged vigilance. Orca AI, a leader in this field, envisions a future where AI-driven solutions not only enhance safety at sea but also empower crews to focus on critical decision-making tasks, ultimately leading to a safer and more efficient maritime industry.