Need to do “Project outline”
Topics: “Seafarer’s Phycological problem, perspective to maritime safety on board ship”.
(All writings should be based on shipping industry)
1000 words
10 references in Harvard style
Sample “Project outline attached on different topics….for guidance only
Criteria to meet for “Project Outline”
You are required to develop an Initial Project Outline for your research activity.
You will need to:
1.Introduction (Explain how you came to choose this Topic).
2. Gather some preliminary literature/reports relevant to your topic and develop a research question. (add some publication/article from AMSA and IMO, etc)
3. Define and explain the variable(s) that will be considered.
4. Define and explain the research objective(s).
Maritime Operations Project – Assessment Task 1 – Initial Project Outline Topic:Fatigue management Introduction (Explain how you came to choose this Topic): Fatigue management is a highly documented and researched subject. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) recently defined fatigue as "A state of physical and/or mental impairment resulting from factors such as inadequate sleep, extended wakefulness, work/rest requirements out of sync with circadian rhythms and physical, mental or emotional exertion that can impair alertness and the ability to safely operate a ship or perform safety-related duties”. (International Maritime Organisation, 2019) Australia has ratified fatigue management guidelines stated in the Maritime Labour Convention 2006(MLC). These guidelines dictate “1) The minimum hours of rest for a seafarer must be: (a) 10 hours in any 24 hours; and (b) 77 hours in any 7 days. (2) The minimum hours of rest may be divided into 2 periods, of which 1 period must be at least 6 hours. (3) The interval between consecutive periods of rest must not exceed 14 hours” (Australian Maritime Safety Authority 2015). Significant evidence of the increase in consequential errors and reduction in work performance have initiated fatigue management guidelines across industries such as the Maritime and Aviation industry. The Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) established that “with less than 5 hours of sleep you are twice as likely to make consequential errors” (CASA 2015). Throughout my twenty-year vocational seafaring experience, it has personally been a subject of thorough exposure and interest. I have undertaken numerous work and rest schedules across different vessels and operations and suffered periods of excessive fatigue which impacted negatively on my performance. I am currently responsible for implementation of flag state fatigue management guidelines for my subordinates, which stipulate hours of work and rest. Given the operational reliance on situational awareness, concentration and critical decision making within the maritime industry, I wish to explore the suitability of these guidelines. I intend to enhance my knowledge to further reduce the hazards associated with fatigue within my current team. This would also lead me to pursue change management within my own company Safety Management System (SMS) regarding Fatigue Management. Preliminary Literature review This topic affects the everyday life and all aspects of the operational seafaring industry as most roles are required to work long hours in dynamic environments. The IMO has identified the potential harm by advising that “Fatigue is a hazard because it may affect a seafarer's ability to do their job effectively and safely. Importantly, fatigue affects everyone regardless of skill, knowledge and training. The effects of fatigue can be particularly dangerous in the transportation sector, including the shipping industry. All stakeholders should be alert to the factors which may contribute to fatigue and make efforts to mitigate and manage the risks posed by fatigue” (International Maritime Organisation, 2019). The IMO have also stated that “it is generally recommended that a person obtain, on average, seven to eight hours of good quality sleep per 24-hour period. To perform adequately and effectively, a person needs the amount of sleep that produces the feeling of being refreshed and alert. Alertness and performance are directly related to sleep. Insufficient sleep will impair alertness” (International Maritime Organisation, 2019). This contradicts the current minimum continuous rest period stipulated by the MLC guidelines of six hours. Considerable research has been undertaken by similar industries such as the The National Transport Commission(NTC) that state that “a growing body of scientific knowledge and informed operational experience across a range of industries, has seen a move away from prescribed approaches to working hour restrictions, towards a more systematic approach to managing fatigue-related risk” (National Transport Commission 2008). Further clinical studies have been determined that “more specifically, safety declines over successive night shifts, with increasing hours on duty and between successive rest breaks. The only known way to minimise these problems is to improve shift systems with respect to these factors” (Folkard, S. and Tucker, P., 2003). These findings question the suitability of the current guidelines, given the maritime industry’s reliance on twenty-four hour rotating watch schedule. Overall, due to the considerable recent research into the adverse effects of fatigue, further scrutiny of the current fatigue management guidelines would benefit safety in the maritime industry as a whole. Research Question: Are the current Australian flag state maritime industry fatigue management guidelines, sufficient to mitigate the hazards associated with fatigue? Variables: To further examine the effectiveness fatigue management, I will distribute a questionnaire to differing roles and operations within the Australian maritime Industry. The responses to the questionnaire will be the dependent variable. The type of vessel and operation will dictate the company’s interpretation of the fatigue management guidelines; therefore, the independent variable will be the states of fatigue the test subjects are under at the time of completing the questionnaire. As stated by the IMO, it is expected that “when a person is affected by fatigue, performance on the job can be significantly impaired. Impairment will occur in every aspect of human performance (physically, emotionally, and mentally) such as in decision-making, response time, judgement, hand-eye coordination and countless other skills.” (International Maritime Organisation, 2019). The responses to the questionnaire should give a clear indication of an individual’s state of fatigue undertaking MLC compliant fatigue management. Research Objectives To gather responses from maritime industry workers and companies regarding the effectiveness of the current fatigue management guidelines. · Conduct survey of effectiveness of current fatigue management guidelines from members of the maritime industry across different vessel types and operations · Conduct a study of different departments on-board an Australian Border Force Cutter over an operational twenty-eight-day deployment. To gather and compare fatigue management guidelines for shift working vocations, against fatigue management of the maritime industry. · Research fatigue management guidelines from similar shift working vocations such as aviation, rail and medical. · Compare data from similar industries relating to fatigue management · List any comparisons identified Determine whether the current Australian Flag State fatigue management guidelines are the most effective available to combat hazards associated with fatigue. References Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority (2015). CASABriefing – Importance of Fatigue Management. Viewed 19/07/19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELkJcp1CuYQ Australian Maritime Safety Authority (2015). Marine Order 28 Operations standards and procedures Folkard, S. and Tucker, P. (2003). Shift work, safety and productivity. Occupational Medicine, 53: p. 95-101. International Maritime Organisation 2019, MSC.1/Circ.1598, 24 January 2019 Guidelines on fatigue < http://www.imo.org/en/ourwork/humanelement/documents/msc.1-circ.1598.pdf=""> National Transport Commission Australia 2008. National Rail Safety Guideline, Management of Fatigue in Rail Safety Workers