Seafarers

Seafarers

Though conditions on board ships has improved sine the 1800’s, the condition of loneliness and separation from loved ones has an uncanny way of tearing the heart. The International Transport Workers’ Federation commissioned a study undertaken by The Cardiff Research Programme, after 6 years of research the results were published in November 2006.

Major findings:
  • One in four seafarers said they had fallen asleep while on watch
  • Almost 50% of seafarers taking part in the study reported working weeks of 85 hours or more
  • Around half said their working hours had increased over the past 10 years, despite new regulations intended to combat fatigue
  • Almost 50% of seafarers taking part in the study consider their working hours present a danger to their personal safety
  • Some 37% said their working hours sometimes posed a danger to the safe operations of their ship


Many reported that they had worked to the point of collapse and fallen asleep at the wheel and over half of the sample believed that their personal safety was at risk because of fatigue.

At the Mission to Seafarers we provide a safe place for rest and relaxation also a friendly welcome, friendship and counsel in times of need.

The Mission to Seafarers Victoria advocates that the provision of welfare services works to reduce the likelihood of seafarer fatigue, improves seafarers’ well being and plays a vital role in shipping.

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