Cargo Ship Workers Face Fatigue, Anxiety, and Limited Medical Access: New Reports Reveal Harsh Conditions at Sea

Recent studies conducted by Cardiff University's Seafarers International Research Center highlight concerning issues faced by cargo ship workers, including increasing fatigue, mental health challenges such as anxiety and homesickness, and inadequate medical care. Despite efforts to enforce work and rest regulations, over a third of cargo seafarers surveyed reported insufficient sleep within the past 48 hours, citing extended work hours, unpredictable work patterns, port duties, vessel movement, and noise as major influences. These problems have intensified compared to data from 2011 and 2016.

A significant number of workers also suffer from work-related stress, with higher reports of anxiety and homesickness, especially among senior officers. Alarmingly, nearly 20% of those who experienced serious injury or illness did not receive timely medical attention due to the absence of qualified medical personnel onboard and reliance on patchy telemedical assistance until reaching port.

The study underscores the broader challenge of fatigue among seafarers. Professor Helen Sampson noted that despite regulations, fatigue remains a pervasive issue, exacerbated by possible record falsification and overwork. The incidents such as the grounding of the Norwegian vessel NCL Salten, where a crew member fell asleep at the wheel, exemplify the risks involved. The report calls for an overhaul of work/rest hours regulations to ensure continuous, quality rest aligned with healthy sleep levels.

In addition to cargo ship workers, cruise ship employees also face similar difficulties. Nearly half of the 950 cruise crew members surveyed had insufficient sleep due to demanding work hours and patterns. While most had access to medical professionals onboard, some suffered from work-related health conditions linked directly to their duties. Interestingly, cruise staff often lacked private accommodations, impacting their overall well-being, and expressed a desire for better access to facilities like baths and saunas.

Sampson emphasized the need for improvements in onboard facilities, adequate shore leave, and healthier food options to promote mental and physical health among seafarers. The findings advocate for comprehensive reforms to safeguard the health and well-being of those working in the maritime sector, emphasizing that adequate rest, medical care, and improved onboard amenities are critical for protecting these essential workers.

For more detailed information, refer to the full reports from Cardiff University: link. Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-fatigue-anxiety-access-medical-cargo.html