Project Title: Alternative Watch Schedules

Historically, deep-sea fleets of the world have followed a three-watch schedule -- four hours on and eight hours off watch. However, because of the potential for diminished performance, alternative solutions are needed. A study funded by the West German Ministry for Technology and Research confirmed that the traditional three-watch system might produce sleep deprivation which may diminish vigilance as well as judgment and performance. The study proposed a new system that would give ships' officers full-length periods of unbroken sleep each day.

As reported by the participating officers, the voluntary alternate watchstanding trial was a success; officers expressed a desire to continue using this system.