NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- For the first time, the U.S. Navy will institute formal rest guidelines for sailors aboard ships.
It comes after two separate, fatal collisions involving the destroyers USS Fitzgerald and John S. McCain.
The Government Accountability Office came forth with a report this week that concluded crew size reductions in recent years have contributed to overworked sailors and safety risks.
Now, change is coming. The Navy Times reports skippers will be required to implement watch schedules and routines that better sync with natural sleep cycles.
The GAO report found sailors on some ships were working more than 100 hours a week, which could lead to fatigue and reduced readiness.
