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<p>The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and the Marine Accident Investigation
Branch were active participants in the multi-partner HORIZON research project, an
EC-funded study, which used simulators to identify the effect on seafarers of working
hours and interrupted rest. The project report demonstrates conclusively the links
between certain watch keeping patterns and the performance of seafarers (looking particularly
at “sleepiness”).</p><p> </p><p>The Government is committed to reducing the effects
of fatigue on maritime safety and the health of seafarers. The output from HORIZON
has been used to provide practical guidance to seafarers. The MCA remains involved
with research on seafarer fatigue with other industry stakeholders.</p><p> </p><p>MCA
Surveyors routinely inspect UK ships and foreign flag ships in UK waters and verify
hours of work records for compliance with the regulations, and check ships are safely
manned in accordance the requirements of the International Maritime Organisation convention
on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW).</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>The
UK is leading the Paris Memorandum of Understanding on Port State Control Concentrated
Inspection Campaign to ensure compliance with the hours of rest requirements of watchkeepers
under STCW which will run from 1 September 2014 to 30 November 2014.</p>
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