Comparison of alertness levels in ship crew. An experiment on rotating versus fixed watch schedules

Shalini Arulanandam; Gregory Chan Chung Tsing

Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)

Original article

Submitted: 2013-02-18

Published online: 2009-12-17

View PDF

Download PDF file

Get Citation

Comparison of alertness levels in ship crew. An experiment on rotating versus fixed watch schedules

Shalini Arulanandam, Gregory Chan Chung Tsing

IMH 2009;60(1-2):6-9.

Vol 60, No 1-2 (2009)

MARITIME MEDICINE Original article

Submitted: 2013-02-18

Published online: 2009-12-17

Abstract

A short pilot study was conducted during a shipboard training deployment to compare alertness levels in the same crew members while working a fixed watch schedule, and then a rotating watch schedule. Alertness levels were assessed before and after each duty watch using measurements of oculomotor function (Fitness Impairment Tester). Saccadic velocity was shown to have the greatest correlation with duration of sleep deprivation and was significantly slower (indicating decreased alertness) in the crew working the rotating watch schedule than the crew working the fixed watch schedule. This pilot study corroborates previous studies’ recommendations that fixed watch schedules allow better acclimatization of sleep patterns, thus minimizing fatigue and increasing operational alertness.