Objective To analyze the difference in sustained attention and vigilance level between male and female crews during long-term sailing, so as to provide reference for reasonable assignment of operators on duty and improving the comprehensive management ability of warships. Methods A self-made demographic survey questionnaire was adapted with continuous performance test (CPT) on computers to investigate the attention and vigilance abilities of 95 crews (70 males and 25 females), and the obtained data were analyzed statistically. Results The response ability and accuracy rate of the 95 crews were decreased at the beginning stage and then increased, with the lowest points seen at the mid-term stage. The average response time of the male crews was significantly longer than those of the female crews at the beginning and late stage of the sailing, while it was significantly shorter at the mid-term stage(P<0.05). The response accuracy rate of male crews was significantly lower than that of the female crews at the beginning and later stages of sailing while it was significantly higher at the mid-term stage (P<0.05). Conclusion There is difference between male and female crews in the sustained attention and vigilance level during long-term sailing. The attention stability of male crews is better than that of the female crews, while the attention level of female crews is superior, but it is easier to be affected by negative factors.