Impact of working conditions on the psychophysiological state in boatmasters

Introduction. The work of a boatmaster is characterized by a complex of unfavorable factors, including noise, vibration, limited space, social isolation and high psycho-emotional stress. Prolonged exposure to these factors can lead to fatigue, decreased concentration, impaired coordination, and, as a result, an increased risk of accidents. Materials and methods. The research was carried out on five automated passenger ships. Psychophysiological parameters were studied before the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the navigation period in sixty four people. The study group included 25 boatmasters, 25 mechanics, and 14 helmsmen. The indicators of the activity of the central nervous system, psychological characteristics and trend in mental performance were determined using the PC “Psychotest”. Indicators of the activity of the cardiovascular system and indicators of changes in physical performance were studied using the PC “Psychophysiologist”. Statistical processing was carried out using the Statistica ver. 10 software. The results were processed and evaluated with a standard algorithm using quantitative and qualitative criteria. The estimate is supplemented by a 95% confidence interval, which was calculated by the Wilson method. With a normal distribution of measurement results, the average values (M) and the average square deviation (σ) are calculated. The statistical significance level is assumed to be p < 0.05. Results. The results of the assessment of the impact of working conditions on the psychophysiological state of boatmasters during the navigation period allowed establishing that despite the results of a special assessment of the working conditions in boatmasters as “acceptable”, prolonged round-the-clock exposure to vibro-acoustic factors of the ship’s environment can and does have an adverse impact on the state of the body in the crew. Limitationsy. Limited access to subjects during navigation. Conclusion. The adverse impact of prolonged round-the-clock exposure to environmental factors is manifested by a decrease in the mental and physical performance of shipwrights and contributes to a decrease in the functionality of the cardiovascular system.