Stress on the bridge of offshore vessels: Examples from the North Sea

• Influence of work pressure and sleep/rest (fatigue) on stress in an offshore environment.
• The findings indicate that sleep/rest and work pressure explained around 35% of the variation in stress.
• More than 15% of the officers reported that they took shortcuts to get the work done.
• Age and length of time the respondents had been seafarers had no influence on stress.

This paper reports result from a survey on 157 navigators (bridge officers) from eight offshore companies operating in the North Sea. The questionnaire measured stress, work pressure and sleep/rest (fatigue). Sleep/rest and work pressure explained around 35% of the variation in stress. Work pressure increases stress, and sleep and rest reduce stress both directly and through reduced work pressure. A positive work climate/supportive culture reduces stress on the bridge substantially through reducing work pressure and improving sleep and rest quality. The research indicates that age and the length of time that respondents have been seafarers do not have any influence on stress. However, a significant difference at the 10% significance level was found in relation to occupation (between first mate and other navigators). Around 30% of the respondents reported unsatisfactory sleep and rest during a normal day. More than 10% of the respondents reported that senior management was not interested in their health and safety, and more than 15% of the officers reported that they took short cuts to get their work done.