The Importance of Rest Hours: Lessons from the M/V Alfred Grounding

 

The Importance of Rest Hours: Lessons from the M/V Alfred Grounding

By Capt.Nishant Mehta , Nautical Trainer

Introduction

In July 2022, the M/V Alfred, a ferry operating between Scotland and the Orkney Islands, ran aground on Swona Island. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even the most experienced mariners are vulnerable to fatigue. Despite the master’s 20+ years of experience on this route and numerous successful trips, this accident was primarily caused by a brief loss of awareness—something that can happen to any of us when fatigue sets in.

According to the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) report 03/2024, the master in most probability fell asleep for around 70 seconds, which was enough time for the vessel to veer off course and run aground at 13 knots. While this incident could have been prevented, it highlights the need for all of us to take fatigue seriously and manage it effectively, particularly when we're on watch.

The Incident: A Brief Lapse, a Major Outcome

So, what exactly happened that day? The master, after recently returning from leave and joining the vessel after overnight travel and in the early hours of morning, began the day’s operations with an early morning shift. Everything was running smoothly until the return trip, when fatigue crept in. Now, the ship’s Safety Management System (SMS) required a lookout to be present on the bridge at all times, but in practice, things didn’t go by the book on board that day. With the master’s permission, the lookout was assigned to maintenance duties on deck, leaving the master alone on the bridge.

(Image provided courtesy of MAIB report 03/2024.)

To make matters worse, the ship’s Bridge Navigational Watch Alarm System (BNWAS)—which is designed to alert the crew if something goes wrong on the bridge—had been switched off.

(Image provided courtesy of MAIB report 03/2024.)

During a critical moment, the master’s fatigue got the better of him. In the lapse of about 70 seconds, the vessel drifted off course with rudder set to Port and when he realised what was happening, it was already too late. The ship hit the rocks.

It’s important to note that this wasn’t a case of negligence or lack of professionalism—it was a simple human response to fatigue.

Circadian Rhythms and Fatigue: Practical Insights for Mariners

Every living being has an internal clock, known as the circadian rhythm, which operates on a 24-hour cycle. For humans, this rhythm regulates our sleep patterns, alertness, and energy levels throughout the day. Typically, we feel most alert around 2-3 hours after waking up and again about 9-10 hours later. Conversely, we experience fatigue during two key periods: between 2-4 AM and 2-4 PM, known as the "afternoon slump."

(Image provided courtesy of Sleepspace.com.)

For mariners, managing fatigue is crucial to maintaining safety and peak performance during demanding tasks like watch keeping. Long, irregular hours at sea can disrupt circadian rhythms, making it difficult to remain alert. Understanding how this internal clock works and how to adjust it can help seafarers improve rest and attentiveness during their shifts.

How to Reset Your Circadian Rhythm on Board

Your circadian rhythm is somewhat flexible and can be adjusted with the right strategies. If you need to wake up earlier or fall asleep sooner, gradually shift your sleep and wake times by 20-30 minutes each day. Over time, this will help you feel more tired at the appropriate times and stay alert when needed.

The most important factor in resetting your rhythm is consistency. Try to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day. Exposure to natural light during the day and keeping your sleeping environment dark at night are essential for maintaining a regulated internal clock. If working night shifts, expose yourself to bright light after waking up and avoid bright screens (which emit blue light) before sleep. Blackout curtains and sleep masks can also help you create a restful environment.

Light Exposure: A Key Tool for Mariners

Sunlight sends powerful signals to the body. Morning exposure to light prompts the brain to wake up and feel alert, while exposure to bright light at night (especially from devices) can disrupt sleep by delaying melatonin production.

On board, use daylight to your advantage, especially when starting a shift. If natural light is limited (e.g., on long voyages in northern regions), artificial light can help mimic sunlight to improve alertness. Conversely, reducing light exposure at night, especially by using dim or red-toned lighting, can enhance sleep quality.

Managing Fatigue at Sea

Research shows that fatigue peaks during certain times, notably early afternoon (around 2 PM) and between 2-6 AM. These periods are particularly challenging when energy levels are naturally low.

(Image provided courtesy of Sleepspace.com)

In the case of M.V. Alfred, the master likely succumbed to the natural dip in alertness in the early afternoon, compounded by the lack of sleep the night before. This is a time when the body is at its lowest energy level, and despite best efforts, he may not have been able to fend off fatigue any longer. Even a short "microsleep"—a few seconds of unintended sleep—can have devastating consequences, particularly during critical tasks like navigation.

While naps can be beneficial, they should be kept short (20-30 minutes) to avoid grogginess. Strategic use of caffeine can also boost alertness, but it's important to time it carefully—consume caffeine about 60-90 minutes after waking up and avoid it after 2 PM to prevent sleep disruptions later in the day.

(Image provided courtesy of MAIB report 03/2024.)

Consistency is Key

To maintain a healthy circadian rhythm, establish a regular routine for sleep, meals, and other activities on board. Your body thrives on consistency, so even if your schedule changes slightly from day to day, try to keep it as regular as possible. Plan your breaks wisely to rest and recharge effectively.

Be aware of "social jetlag"—the tendency to stay up late or sleep in during off-duty times. This can throw off your circadian rhythm, making it harder to stay alert when needed. Minimize the difference between workday and off-duty sleep schedules to maintain balance.

Tips for Mariners to Improve Sleep and Reduce Fatigue

• Light exposure: Get sunlight during the day, especially in the morning, and minimize light exposure (especially blue light) at night to promote better sleep.
• Consistent sleep schedule: Stick to a regular bedtime and wake-up time to train your body’s internal clock.
• Nap wisely: Keep naps short (20-30 minutes) to avoid post-nap grogginess.
• Use caffeine strategically: Drink caffeine in the early part of your day to boost alertness, but avoid it later in the afternoon or evening.
• Optimize your sleep environment: Make your cabin dark, cool, and quiet for better rest. Avoid doing activities like work or screen time in bed.

By following these practical tips, mariners can better manage their fatigue, improve alertness, and ensure safety during critical tasks. Taking control of your circadian rhythm will help you stay at your best, both on and off duty.

Why Bridge Support Matters: Lookouts and BNWAS

While fatigue was clearly a factor, it’s also worth pointing out that Alfred had systems in place that could have prevented the accident, but they weren’t used effectively. The ship’s SMS required a lookout to be present on the bridge, but since the lookout was assigned to work on deck, the master was left to navigate on his own.

Had the lookout been there, they might have noticed the vessel drifting and alerted the master before things got out of hand. This shows just how important it is to have a second set of eyes on the bridge, especially when fatigue is more likely to kick in.

Then there’s the BNWAS, which was designed to alert the crew when there’s inactivity on the bridge. Unfortunately, it had been switched off.

Even though the master may have been only asleep for a short period, having the BNWAS on could have provided an extra layer of protection. Safety systems like this are there for a reason, and we need to make sure they’re always active.

Key Takeaways for Navigators for Preventing Similar Incidents

The M/V Alfred incident is a sobering reminder of what can happen when fatigue sets in, but it also offers valuable lessons for all of us in the maritime industry.

How do we stop something like this from happening again?

1.    Bridge Manning Is Crucial: Always ensure that a lookout is present on the bridge, as required by your SMS. Having someone else there can make all the difference in catching potential errors or lapses before they escalate.

2.    Rest Hours Matter: Follow the rest hour regulations laid out in the STCW convention. Fatigue is inevitable, but it can be managed with proper rest. Make sure you and your crew are getting enough sleep, especially before critical operations.

3.    Use Safety Systems: Systems like the BNWAS are designed to catch human errors and compensate for the limitations of fatigue. Make sure these tools are switched on and fully functional during your watch.

4.    Stay Aware of Fatigue: Fatigue tends to hit hardest during the early afternoon and late-night hours. Plan your shifts and breaks accordingly, and stay vigilant during these times.

5.    Foster a Culture of Safety: Encourage open communication about fatigue. The more comfortable crew members feel about reporting when they’re tired, the safer everyone will be.

Conclusion

The M/V Alfred grounding wasn’t caused by a single mistake—it was the result of a combination of fatigue, human limitations, and gaps in safety practices. This incident highlights the importance of maintaining a proper bridge watch, following rest hours, and using available safety systems. If we learn from these lessons, we can take meaningful steps toward preventing similar incidents in the future.

Acknowledgement:

1.   I would like to acknowledge the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) for their detailed investigation report (Report No.03/2024) on the M/V Alfred incident, which provided key insights into the case study discussed in this article including the images.

2.   For the full report on the M/V Alfred incident, see the UK MAIB Investigation Report No. 3/2024, available at: MAIB Report - M/V Alfred. This report is subject to Crown Copyright, 2024.

3.    Special thanks also to the Sleep Space project (https://sleepspace.com/) for their research into circadian rhythms (https://sleepspace.com/circadian-rhythm-2/) and the impact of fatigue on human performance, including the images which helped inform the understanding of sleep-related risks in maritime operations.

Disclaimer:
This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The insights shared are based on the publicly available findings from the M/V Alfred grounding incident, as well as general maritime safety principles.

While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, the content should not be construed as legal or official maritime guidance.

Readers are encouraged to refer to the relevant maritime regulations, guidelines, and their company's Safety Management Systems (SMS) for specific operational procedures and safety protocols. 

The author assumes no liability for any actions taken based on the information provided here in.