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This research is motivated by the high risk of fatigue experienced by ship crews during voyages, which directly affects occupational safety and mental well-being. Fatigue arises from long working hours, inadequate rest time, heavy workloads, and extreme environmental conditions such as high temperatures, engine noise, and vessel vibrations. On the MT. Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin II, the problem becomes more complex due to the tight work rhythm, short berthing periods, and fast, repetitive loading–unloading activities. Harsh weather conditions, short but intensive sailing distances, and limited relaxation facilities make the crew increasingly vulnerable to both physical and mental fatigue. In addition, a work culture that tends to be authoritarian and lacks communication exacerbates psychological pressure, especially when crew members find it difficult to report their fatigue to superiors. This study uses a qualitative method through direct observation and interviews with all crew members in the deck and engine departments. The aim is to analyze the influence of the work environment and work culture on fatigue levels onboard. The results show that environmental factors such as high temperatures, narrow workspaces, and vessel instability significantly affect physical fatigue. Meanwhile, mental fatigue is triggered by ineffective communication, hierarchical pressure, and an unsupportive work culture. These findings align with the perspectives of Mathis and Jackson and comply with the provisions of the STCW 2010 and MLC 2006, which emphasize the importance of regulating working hours and fatigue management. Overall, optimizing rest hours, improving the work environment, and reforming organizational culture are required to reduce fatigue risks.

Work fatigue is a significant issue faced by employees in Indonesia, with approximately 65% experiencing symptoms that reduce their concentration and performance. Excessive workload, particularly mental workload, can result in cognitive strain and decreased productivity. This study aims to measure the level of mental workload experienced by quality control employees at PT Delta Dunia Tekstil I using the NASA Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) method. The research also investigates the relationship between employees’ age, length of service, and perceived mental workload through T-tests and F-tests to provide a more comprehensive analysis. Data were collected from 20 quality control employees who are responsible for monitoring textile production under strict standards. Results from NASA-TLX calculations indicate that the average mental workload falls within the high category, with effort and own performance emerging as the dominant dimensions contributing to mental strain. Correlation analysis shows a negative but not statistically significant relationship between age, length of service, and mental workload, suggesting that other factors play a stronger role in shaping employees’ perceptions. The study further highlights fluctuations in employee attendance and quality performance indicators, emphasizing the importance of workload evaluation. To address these issues, recommendations include adding more operators per machine, which is projected to reduce mental workload scores by approximately 33%. Such measures can optimize task distribution, improve efficiency, and promote employee well-being. Overall, the findings suggest that systematic workload assessments using tools such as NASA-TLX are essential for enhancing productivity and supporting sustainable human resource management in the textile industry.