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Updated: Aug 1, 2025
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Collecting Sleep, Circadian, Fatigue, and Performance Data in Complex Operational Environments
Published on: August 8, 2019
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Fatigue as a key human factor in complex sociotechnical systems: Vessel Traffic Services
Fernando Crestelo Moreno1,2, Verónica Soto-López3, Deva Menéndez-Teleña3
1Spanish Maritime Search and Rescue Agency, Cartagena, Spain.
Frontiers in Public Health
|May 1, 2023
Summary
Fatigue in Vessel Traffic Services Operators (VTSOs) is linked to mental workload and shift work, especially night shifts. Adequate sleep significantly reduces fatigue, highlighting the human element
Area of Science:
- Maritime Safety
- Human Factors in Transportation
- Occupational Health
Background:
- Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) are crucial for maritime transport efficiency and safety.
- Vessel Traffic Services Operators (VTSOs) manage complex, dynamic maritime environments.
- Human factors, particularly fatigue, significantly impact VTSOs' performance and maritime safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate individual differences in fatigue among VTSOs.
- To examine the relationship between fatigue and variables like mental workload, work shifts, reaction time, and sleep duration.
- To understand the impact of personal and environmental factors on VTSO fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Study conducted in two Spanish Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs) with 23 VTSOs.
- Utilized objective and subjective measures to assess fatigue and sleepiness.
- Included instruments such as Borg RPE, Nasa-TLX, Stanford Sleepiness Scale, and Self-Assessment Manikin Scale.
Main Results:
- A significant positive correlation was found between fatigue and mental workload.
- Fatigue and mental workload variations were more pronounced during night shifts.
- Increased fatigue throughout shifts was less significant for operators who reported longer usual sleep durations.
Conclusions:
- The human element is critical for maritime safety within VTS operations.
- Implementing fatigue management strategies is essential to mitigate risks.
- Recommendations include optimizing work/rest schedules and promoting sleep education for VTSOs.
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