I think it depends a lot on how the ship is flagged or manned. Every US flagged ship I was one (in the military and a very short time after) did have another crew to give you rest, but even with that crew base, depending on watch/shift duration's you can be on duty 2-3 times a day. Some flagged vessels do not enjoy anywhere near the amenities you describe. They are indentured in some cases, and can be quite ugly in humane terms.
Yup, Amtrak yesterday was canceled into Minot due to the crews being WAY out of whack. It started with that wind storm we had last week, and snowballed.
Usually, here in Glendive, for day time sitting it is either a track inspection window on the 'hill' east of town, MOW window, or crews. Also, that track by the stockyard is the new 'fueling track.' A fuel delivery driver from North Dakota comes over here and fills the tanks where they sit. Seems rather stupid, but they probably saved a dime or two. And it gives me an opportunity to see lots of different units!
