Information for Interest | Pilot Advisory Notes | Restricted Access
Impact on Wives and Families | Work and Sleep Patterns | Implications for Fatigue Management
A survey of the work and sleep patterns of Great Barrier Reef Pilots
Results and Discussion
11.0 OVERALL SUMMARY
The purpose of the survey was to seek information concerning the demography, and general work history of Great Barrier Reef Pilots, and any personal and industry-specific factors which may have a bearing on their potential for the development of fatigue. Together with other measures of the work practices of pilots the information from the survey is part of a larger investigation of the work practices of Great Barrier Reef pilots designed to evaluate the nature and extent of fatigue associated with this population and to assess the adequacy of existing fatigue management procedures. Topics in the questionnaire included sleep patterns at sea, ashore and at home, bridge work and the factors contributing to fatigue and/or decreased alertness and performance. Psychosocial issues such as marital adjustment were also included.
The sample consisted of 35 pilots giving a response rate of 60%. The results indicated a relatively older but relatively stable pilotage workforce as reflected by long years of general maritime and pilotage experience.
The majority of pilots reported ‘good’ to ‘excellent’ levels of general health and fitness; however, BMI scores classified a high percentage of respondents as being overweight or obese. Lifestyle habits differed according to the location with smoking frequency and caffeine consumption increasing while at sea. Consistent with the on-call nature of pilotage work, alcohol was not consumed at sea. A small group of respondents reported suffering sea sickness mostly during the transfer to the ship by the pilot launch. Pilots reported less chronic fatigue than normative groups comprising emergency and industrial shiftworkers.
Sleep patterns varied substantially between the sea, ashore and home environments. At sea, pilots reported an average of 5.5 hours of daily sleep comprising of a number of shorter sleep periods which were taken throughout the day. In contrast, sleep taken ashore between assignments in company accommodation was characterised by fewer sleep periods of longer duration giving a total of approximately 8 hours sleep. When at home, pilots reverted to a single block of sustained sleep. Sleep latency was shorter at sea but longer ashore compared with at home, and sleep was more disrupted at sea and ashore than at home. In all locations, reading was the most frequently used strategy to promote sleep.
Circadian characteristics revealed that pilots were more ‘morning’ than ‘evening oriented This finding could partly be related to the older age profile of the present group. Pilots also displayed greater flexibility in sleep habits, but less ability to overcome drowsiness than normative groups of shiftworkers.
Feelings of tension during bridge work did not appear to be particularly problematic for the current group of pilots however fatigue was somewhat more prevalent, especially towards the end of work assignments. Many factors were identified by pilots as contributing to fatigue including boredom, lack of sleep, workloads and time of day. Active, rather than passive strategies were more frequently used by pilots to combat fatigue.
Fatigue-related performance decrements were experienced to varying degrees while working on the bridge, and were most evident as increased difficulty concentrating and maintaining attention and memory problems. Respondents were most vulnerable to performance decrements between the hours of 2400 and 0800.
The most satisfying aspects of Great Barrier Reef pilotage work related to the intrinsic characteristics of the job. In particular, pilots highlighted the high level of responsibility, mental stimulation, challenge and high levels of navigational and ship handling skills as being especially rewarding. In contrast, extrinsic factors such as the impact of competition on income level, the irregularity of income, the absence of indexation and the role and on going attitude of AMSA were rated as being the worst features of the work.
Miscellaneous comments from pilots indicated that changes in the structure of pilotage in the Great Barrier Reef region had caused considerable difficulties. For instance, comments from pilots chiefly referred to the impact of competition on income levels, regularity of income and compromised safety in the competitive pilotage environment. The overall impression from the comments indicated an ongoing degree of hostility between the pilots and AMSA and also between the pilotage companies.
In summary, this investigation was designed to provide self-report information of the general work practices of GBR pilots and their perception of aspects of their work and lifestyle which may have a bearing on fatigue. The results extended and generally supported earlier research on the work practices of GBR pilots and were consistent with research on fatigue and work practices in other maritime groups and shiftworkers. There was strong evidence of the high potential for fatigue among GBR pilots which was demonstrated in response to questions which were related directly or indirectly to the development of fatigue.
Sleep patterns were highly compromised at sea which occurred as a function of the irregularity of the work and rest schedules, relatively long periods of sustained work often at night, and the necessity to work and sleep at times incompatible with the normal biological rhythms of the body.
Pilots experienced fatigue while working on the bridge particularly towards the end of work assignments and the contributing factors included boredom, lack of sleep and high workloads. The potential for a decrement in performance was further substantiated by difficulty experienced by some pilots in maintaining concentration and attention and in memory lapses.
As found in other groups the results suggest that fatigue in GBR is multifactorial involving a range of work related and personal factors which are operating within the context of a unique working environment and a 24-hour industry. Pilots are satisfied with the challenges and responsibilities associated with their work but rate factors as competition in pilotage operations and insecurity as being the least satisfying aspects of pilotage. The potential for some of these concerns to impact on safety was identified by some pilots.
While this study provides further evidence of the strong potential for fatigue among GBR pilots, further research is required to provide more detailed knowledge of the nature and extent of both work and rest periods and their impact on fatigue.