Bikram S. Bhatia recently completed his PhD dissertation at the World Maritime University, focusing on the implementation of regulations concerning seafarers’ work/rest hours. His research, funded by the ITF Seafarers’ Trust, revealed significant discrepancies in reporting practices within the shipping industry. The study emphasized the importance of accurate reporting and compliance with work/rest hour regulations to effectively manage seafarers’ fatigue.
Using the Implementation Theory Framework (ITFRAM), Bhatia’s research analyzed seafarers’ recording practices and port State control (PSC) officers’ inspection methods. The data collected from surveys, interviews, and inspections highlighted weaknesses in compliance and detection. A large proportion of seafarers admitted to adjusting their records, while PSC officers reported high compliance rates that contradicted seafarers’ reports of low compliance.
Key findings from the study included high rates of record adjustments by seafarers, discrepancies in reported compliance rates between seafarers and PSC officers, and issues with feedback systems within the regulatory framework. The study underscored the need for systemic changes in how work/rest hours are recorded and monitored to enhance safety and fairness in the shipping industry. Additionally, another research study by the WMU indicated that seafarers work longer hours compared to their onshore counterparts, with only a small percentage aligning with the global average working hours.
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