Navy issues new sleep and watch schedule rules for the surface fleet
http://www.navytimes.com/news/your-navy/2017/09/20/navy-issues-new-sleep-and-watch-schedule-rules-for-the-surface-fleet/
Navy issues new sleep and watch schedule rules for the surface fleet
By: Geoff Ziezulewicz ? 11 hours ago
To the likely relief of many an exhausted ship crew, the Navy will for the first time institute formal rest guidelines for sailors on ships, part of a sweeping set of new rules outlined in a command message obtained by the Navy Times. Naval Surface Force commander Vice Adm. Thomas Rowdens message comes as investigations into the fatal collisions involving the destroyers Fitzgerald and John S. McCain this summer continue, and as a harsh spotlight has fallen on the surface fleets training, maintenance and readiness problems.
In an internal Navy message issued Friday, Rowden said surface fleet skippers will be required to implement watch schedules and shipboard routines that better sync with circadian rhythms and natural sleep cycles. Such a move aims to give sailors a more consistent and less erratic sleep schedule, resulting in a more rested and alert crew. In further guidance sent out this week, skippers were given the choice from among several watch schedules that follow this natural cycle, according to copies of the messages obtained by Navy Times.
While the guidance does not mandate any specific schedule, it will likely mean the end of grueling 5-hours on, 10-hours off watch schedules, known as five and dimes, because that does not align with circadian rhythms and a 24-hour daily cycle. Youre going to have to form some level of watch bill that protects sailors sleep, Naval Surface Force spokesman Cmdr. John Perkins said. Commanders will also take into account a ships manning level, deployment status and current missions for such watch calculations, he said.
(snip)