The European Commission has launched a €4m research project to study the effects of fatigue on seafarers.
Fatigue has become a major issue in the shipping industry and is thought to be a contributory factor in a number of shipping accidents.
The European Maritime Safety Agency recorded 670 accidents last year in which 82 seafarers died.
The research will take two-and-a-half years to complete and will study the work and rest patterns of deck and engineer officer.
There will be a particular concentration on watch-keeping, which has become an increasing concern and fatigue has been identified as a major safety issue.
Unions and safety organisations are demanding that the problems created by fatigue and long duty shifts be addressed.
