Fatigue among vessel traffic service operators (VTSOs) poses critical risks to maritime safety, requiring objective, real-time monitoring solutions. This study integrates thermographic imaging and subjective self-reports to assess fatigue and mental workload in operational environments. A total of 23 VTSOs from two Spanish Maritime Rescue Coordination Centers (MRCCs), with an average of 7.74 years of experience, were observed for 200 h. Using facial thermography, specifically nasal temperature variations, and validated psychological assessments, we analyzed the physiological and cognitive effects of shift work. Results show that night shifts significantly increase fatigue, with a 15% increase in perceived exertion and a 2 °C decrease in nasal temperature. Automated face recognition via YOLO5Face facilitated real-time thermographic analysis, improving the accuracy of fatigue monitoring. Thermographic imaging successfully correlated nasal temperature changes with cognitive workload, demonstrating its potential as a non-invasive tool for fatigue assessment. In addition, pre-task rest was inversely related to fatigue, highlighting the importance of rest management in mitigating operator fatigue. By bridging cognitive systems engineering and socio-technical perspectives, this study provides a novel framework for fatigue assessment in safety–critical environments. The results support the integration of thermographic methods into maritime traffic management, contributing to human-centered safety technologies. Future research will explore broader applications of automated thermal analysis and additional physiological fatigue markers in high-risk industries.

High-speed craft (HSC) present unique challenges regarding on-board noise levels, affecting crew safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. This study investigates noise exposure and mitigation strategies aboard three Ro-Pax HSC vessels operating in southern Spain, with a focus on noise sources, regulatory compliance, and crew health. Full-scale experimental measurements were conducted in critical on-board locations, and noise maps were developed to identify areas where sound levels exceed International Maritime Organization (IMO) and European Directive 2003/10/EC thresholds. Results highlight that engine rooms and propulsion systems are the primary sources of excessive noise, with significant transmission to passenger and crew accommodation areas. Noise exposure calculations reveal that several crew roles, particularly engineers and deckhands, face exposure to hazardous noise levels during routine operations. Mitigation strategies, including improved insulation, noise mapping, and the implementation of hearing protection, are recommended to enhance on-board acoustic conditions. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of noise pollution on HSC vessels and proposes practical interventions to reduce exposure, improving overall maritime safety and occupational health.

This study provides a comparative analysis of noise exposure and its occupational implications for two types of vessels operating in the Strait of Gibraltar: a conventional steel roll-on/roll-off passenger ferry (Ro-Pax) and an aluminium high-speed catamaran (HSC). A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating objective acoustic measurements with subjective assessments of fatigue, workload, and circadian typology using validated survey instruments. The comparative framework is based on International Maritime Organization (IMO) Resolution A.468(XII), which establishes design-based noise limits for both vessel types. This framework is supported by the High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code and European Union (EU) Directive 2003/10/EC, both of which address occupational exposure. While both vessels comply with IMO design standards, the HSC consistently exceeds the noise limits set out in the HSC Code and European regulations in the accommodation and bridge areas. These elevated noise levels correlate with higher fatigue and workload scores among HSC crew, particularly in the engine and deck departments. In contrast, the Ro-Pax ferry demonstrates better acoustic insulation due to its steel construction, resulting in lower overall exposure and improved rest conditions. The results highlight the inadequacy of applying uniform noise standards to structurally distinct vessels, emphasising the importance of vessel-specific acoustic management strategies. Crucially, the study reaffirms the importance of maintaining compliance with both IMO design standards and EU occupational health regulations to ensure the comprehensive protection of seafarers’ well-being and safety.