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The present paper describes a diary study comparing offshore workers (seafarers and installation workers) and onshore workers. Results from day workers showed that those offshore slept for a shorter time, woke more often during the night and had greater difficulty falling asleep. Comparisons between installation workers and seafarers showed that the installation workers felt less alert at the start of their working day. Night workers reported lower levels of alertness at the end of their working day. Sleep problems were reduced for day workers over the course of their tour of duty. Indeed, the first night offshore was associated with reduced sleep, especially for installation workers doing night shifts. Participants also completed diaries when they were on leave and the results showed that sleep and alertness were still abnormal at the start of the leave period. Overall, the present results confirm findings from surveys and …