Problem
Insufficient fatigue monitoring in bridge watchkeeping poses a severe threat to maritime and inland waterways safety. Studies reveal alarming statistics, with 25% of marine casualties attributed to seafarers fatigue. IMO's research on seafarers fatigue revealed that one in four seafarers admitted to falling asleep while on watch.
BNWAS
The Bridge Navigational Watch & Alarm System (BNWAS), introduced two decades ago, falls short in addressing the complexities of modern watchkeeping. Dormant periods of 3 to 12 minutes and delegation of reset procedures exacerbate the issue.
Adapting to the Times
Sitting on the bridge during watchkeeping was once restricted. The shift to more sedentary watchkeeping practices with the advent of modern technology like ECDIS and flat-screen radar displays contribute to problem.
MAIB Bridge Watchkeeping Safety Study
A recent study delves into the complexities of fatigue-related accidents in bridge watchkeeping, revealing how prolonged duty periods and insufficient rest contribute to lapses in attention and judgment among watchkeepers.
According to the attached MAIB Bridge Watchkeeping Safety Study around the coast of United Kingdom, 66 accidents involving 75 vessels between 1994 and 2003 were attributed to a fatigued officer. As seen on this AIS map of the world's maritime routes, the UK coast occupies only a small percentage of total maritime traffic. By this analogy, it can be concluded that maritime accidents caused by fatigue occur daily.
The study's insights into fatigue-related accidents during bridge watchkeeping serve as a call to action for the industry to adopt more sophisticated measures in combating this pervasive issue.
Solution
Aware Mate offers a solution by introducing fatigue and distraction detection cameras to bridge watchkeeping—leveraging modern technology and evolving practices to enable real-time monitoring that’s both feasible and effective.
How Aware Mate Works
These cameras track the watchkeeper’s irises and trigger alerts if their eyes close, head drops, or gaze fixes on distracting objects. Infrared and intelligent face and eye-tracking algorithms ensure accurate detection of fatigue and distraction, day or night.
Privacy and Security
Aware Mate does not require an internet or cloud connection, ensuring that no personal data is recorded, transmitted, or shared. All deep learning data is pre-trained to the device, providing a built-in solution.
Integration Capabilities
Aware Mate seamlessly integrates into existing Bridge Navigational Watch & Alarm System (BNWAS) setups. It's a versatile solution that enhances safety without disrupting daily bridge team duties.
Partnership with AXIS
For an Aware Mate technology demonstrator, Axis Communications AB from Lund, Sweden, is providing hardware and a sofware optimized for deep learning and intelligent facial analytics applications.
International Transport Federation (ITF) Fatique Report
An excerpt from this comprehensive ITF fatique report: Fatigue in frame again over bulker grounding - Lloyd's List, Tuesday April 18 2006
A FATIGUED master, alone and asleep on the bridge of his ship, caused the grounding of a British-registered bulker in the Baltic Sea last October, a Marine Accident Investigation Branch report has concluded, writes Michael Grey. On a voyage from Hamburg to Klaipeda, the 2,777 dwt Lerrix was being monitored by Warnemunde VTS when it failed to alter course and despite efforts to contact the ship was seen to run aground. The master, who had permitted the lookout to leave the bridge, had fallen asleep in the pilot chair.
The casualty is the latest in a considerable list of incidents in which fatigue has played a major part...
Benefits
Enhanced Navigational Safety
Aware Mate directly contributes to maritime and inland waterways safety by using video detection technology to monitor signs of fatigue and distraction in bridge watchkeepers. This innovative approach helps prevent accidents caused by reduced alertness, significantly enhancing overall operational safety.
Fatigue & Distraction Monitoring
The system employs advanced video detection techniques—including infrared technology and intelligent algorithms—to accurately monitor fatigue and distraction levels among watchkeepers. This ensures effective detection day and night, providing a reliable solution to manage and mitigate human error risks.
Privacy & Data Security
Aware Mate prioritizes watchkeeper privacy by operating entirely offline. No personal data is recorded, transmitted, or shared. Fatigue and distraction are monitored locally, with only anonymized, aggregated insights used to track performance trends. This privacy-first approach ensures compliance while supporting safer navigation.
Seafarers Fatigue Film
Cardiff University
Join the early-access list
Share a few details and we’ll let you know as soon as Aware Mate is ready for rollout.
