Costa Cruises has introduced a new watchkeeping schedule intended to give engine department officers longer periods of uninterrupted rest between shifts.

The company explained that the new rotation replaces two separate four-hour watches with one continuous six-hour watch. The ship’s engine control room will remain covered 24 hours a day.

Under a traditional watchkeeping arrangement, officers may work two four-hour watches during each 24-hour period. Although that schedule provides time away from the engine control room, the rest period is divided into separate blocks.

Costa says the new six-hour rotation will give engineers more continuous time between watches to rest, recover and return to duty with greater focus.

Costa stressed that the change does not reduce safety responsibilities or the need for communication and coordination among members of the engineering team.

Watchkeeping officers monitor the ship’s propulsion, electrical generation, fuel systems, machinery and other essential technical operations. Maintaining concentration is particularly important when responding to alarms, equipment problems or changes in the ship’s operation.

Fatigue and insufficient uninterrupted rest have long been discussed across the maritime industry. However, the practical effect of Costa’s new system will depend on how the six-hour watches are arranged, the number of officers available and any additional duties assigned outside their scheduled watch.

If properly supported by adequate manning and protected rest periods, the new rotation could offer engineers more meaningful recovery time while maintaining continuous coverage of the ship’s machinery spaces.