Stress and strain among merchant seafarers differs across the three voyage episodes of port stay, river passage and sea passage.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A sea voyage is characterized by a variety of work requirements for the ship's crew, basically reflected in three voyage episodes: port stay, river passage and sea passage. The primary aim of this study was to compare stress and strain amongst a sample of merchant seafarers across these three voyage episodes.

Methods

In a cross-sectional maritime field study, 323 sailors on 22 container ships were biometrically surveyed and completed a questionnaire. In addition, a survey of energy expenditure and heart rate (variability) was carried out in parallel with 236 participants with the SenseWear armband monitor and the RS 800 polar watch.

Results

Port stay and sea passage each accounted for the largest proportion of the ships' journeys, each at around 40%. The st

SUBMITTER: Oldenburg M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6548393 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature