open access

Vol 66, No 1 (2015)
Original article
Submitted: 2015-03-19
Accepted: 2015-03-19
Published online: 2015-03-19
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Symptoms of fatigue and coping strategies in maritime pilotage

Timothy P. Chambers, Luana C. Main
DOI: 10.5603/IMH.2015.0011
·
Pubmed: 25792167
·
IMH 2015;66(1):43-48.

open access

Vol 66, No 1 (2015)
MARITIME PSYCHOLOGY Original article
Submitted: 2015-03-19
Accepted: 2015-03-19
Published online: 2015-03-19

Abstract

Background: Little is known regarding the symptoms of fatigue that maritime pilots experience during shift work. Moreover, the strategies these individuals use to cope with the onset of fatigue are also unknown. The current study explored the symptoms of fatigue and coping strategies experienced by maritime pilots when on-shift.

Material and methods: Fifty maritime pilots were recruited via an advertisement in the national association’s quarterly newsletter (Mage = 51.42; SD = 9.81). Participants responded to a modified version of the questionnaire used with aviation pilots that assessed overall fatigue, and the symptoms pilots associated with fatigue on duty. Methods pilots used to cope with fatigue before shift and when on the bridge were also assessed.

Results: There were significant effects for pilot vitality on 4 categories of fatigue: cognitive dysfunction; emotional disturbance; mean physical effects; and sleepiness. There were no significant effects for vitality on any of the self-reported coping strategy factors.

Conclusions: The findings indicated that maritime pilots experience a variety of physical, behavioural, and cognitive fatigue symptoms when on shift. Some of these symptoms are similar to those reported by aviation pilots. However, unlike aviation pilots, maritime pilots reported utilising self-sufficient coping strategies to deal with the experience of fatigue.

Abstract

Background: Little is known regarding the symptoms of fatigue that maritime pilots experience during shift work. Moreover, the strategies these individuals use to cope with the onset of fatigue are also unknown. The current study explored the symptoms of fatigue and coping strategies experienced by maritime pilots when on-shift.

Material and methods: Fifty maritime pilots were recruited via an advertisement in the national association’s quarterly newsletter (Mage = 51.42; SD = 9.81). Participants responded to a modified version of the questionnaire used with aviation pilots that assessed overall fatigue, and the symptoms pilots associated with fatigue on duty. Methods pilots used to cope with fatigue before shift and when on the bridge were also assessed.

Results: There were significant effects for pilot vitality on 4 categories of fatigue: cognitive dysfunction; emotional disturbance; mean physical effects; and sleepiness. There were no significant effects for vitality on any of the self-reported coping strategy factors.

Conclusions: The findings indicated that maritime pilots experience a variety of physical, behavioural, and cognitive fatigue symptoms when on shift. Some of these symptoms are similar to those reported by aviation pilots. However, unlike aviation pilots, maritime pilots reported utilising self-sufficient coping strategies to deal with the experience of fatigue.

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Keywords

shift-work, vitality, mental health, pilots

About this article
Title

Symptoms of fatigue and coping strategies in maritime pilotage

Journal

International Maritime Health

Issue

Vol 66, No 1 (2015)

Article type

Original article

Pages

43-48

Published online

2015-03-19

Page views

2538

Article views/downloads

3258

DOI

10.5603/IMH.2015.0011

Pubmed

25792167

Bibliographic record

IMH 2015;66(1):43-48.

Keywords

shift-work
vitality
mental health
pilots

Authors

Timothy P. Chambers
Luana C. Main

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