Seaworthiness and the human element

Ron Clark, of Reed Smith, outlines the risks around crew fatigue and the relevant case law

Spending a considerable amount of time on board ship can take a toll on the physical and mental well-being of the seafarer. Indeed a seafarer may well be rendered incompetent to perform his duties effectively by the environment in which he is working and consequently, as a matter of law, the vessel made unseaworthy.