DISQUS

gCaptain: Watchstander Fatigue - Sleeping on Watch

  • Jeff · 2 years ago
    Yep, I've fallen asleep twice on watch. Actually I'm amazed it hasn't been more times in my 10 year career at sea.
  • Devon · 2 years ago
    Me too ;(
  • Capt. Mike · 2 years ago
    I fired a mate early last year for taking a nap, or as he put it "resting his eyes". I think there is no excuse for sleeping on watch.
  • Capt. Richard Rodriugez · 2 years ago
    Great stuff John.
  • AlbertPachino · 2 years ago
    I cant speak for myself but if my watch mate Frank was surveyed the article title would have read:
    Mariners sleep on the job 73% of the time ;)
  • Capt Stemark · 2 years ago
    Capt Mike, when you fired the mate and when you say there is no excuse for sleeping on the watch did you ever look at your own management and ask whether perhaps you had actually been to blame yourself for this happening? You seem very certain that as Master you had no role to play in this, and seem very quick to simply point the finger at someone who was seemingly suffering from fatigue.
  • Capt. Mike · 2 years ago
    Capt Stemark,

    I might say you are right but I'm not going to. Yes the job is difficult but it needs to be done and he is the only person I caught sleeping. Can't prove it but I'd bet it was because he was staying up late after watch playing video games.
  • Capt Stemark · 2 years ago
    Dear Capt Mike - you are complely right, and I apologize for trying to be Devils advocate...there is no "one size fits all" solution, but it is good to have a little debate. Happy sailing.
  • Capt. Mike · 2 years ago
    No apology necessary, debate is a good thing.