The Sailors’ Society has published its “State of the Industry” report, which focuses on the relationship between connectivity and wellbeing at sea.
The report highlights how crucial internet access is for seafarers in maintaining connections with loved ones on shore, and the effects that this has on overall wellbeing. It also gives insight into the issues of over reliance and the effect that it has on social interactions amongst crew. Overall, the data does reveal that across all the aspects of wellness, generally crew wellbeing increases and decreases with changes in the quality of the internet connectivity and the generosity of access given to crew.
However, of particular concern are those seafarers whose scores appear in the green circle. These scores reveal exceptionally low levels of well-being in these crew members despite good internet connectivity. This highlights the existence of a subgroup of people within the seafaring community who are struggling to find purpose and significance in their experiences. As a company, a key strategic question should be how to implement and maintain effective structures that ensure that crew members who fall within the green circle are taken care of. Additionally, the report makes the following recommendations:
#1 Internet connectivity
- Enhance internet connectivity at sea
Shipping companies and vessel owners should invest in improving and maintaining reliable internet connectivity on board ships. This includes upgrading hardware, increasing bandwidth, and ensuring coverage even in remote areas.
- Evaluate internet quality
Given the fast-changing landscape of connectivity, companies should actively and continuously assess the quality of internet access on their vessels, including speed, reliability, and coverage. Including crew in this not only demonstrates that the company is actively pursuing higher levels of connectivity but will gauge how companies are faring in terms of improvements to connectivity.
#2 Communication
- Facilitate communication
The availability of video calling between crew and their families while at sea clearly has a significant impact on seafarers’ emotions, relationships, and overall wellbeing. Shipping companies should look to provide video calling options that are as inclusive and affordable as possible.
- Family support
Good connectivity is important not just from ship to shore but from shore to ship. Shipping companies should therefore actively seek to provide the families of seafarers with access to internet-based communication tools and resources to cope with the challenges of separation.
#3 Wellbeing
- Mental health support
Improved internet connectivity is associated with reduced loneliness among seafarers. To mitigate loneliness and improve emotional wellbeing, shipping companies should consider implementing mental health and counselling services for seafarers who may experience isolation or psychological distress. The high number of respondents who showed extremely high levels of loneliness should be a concern. This should be addressed urgently. Support services that are easily accessible and confidential will be of paramount importance in addressing and assisting those struggling.
- Prioritise relationships
The data emphasises that the quality of relationships among seafarers is strongly influenced by internet connectivity. Recognising this, shipping companies should encourage and facilitate meaningful interactions among seafarers. Providing spaces and resources for socialisation and promoting a positive onboard culture can enhance the quality of relationships among the crew.
- Peer-to-peer support groups
Companies should acknowledge that seafarers themselves are resourceful, resilient, and have extensive experiences that can assist their fellow crewmates. It is evident from the data that some seafarers are flourishing. These seafarers can positively contribute by sharing their experiences with others. Companies should consider promoting Sailors’ Society’s Peer-to-Peer Support Groups (sailors-society.org/support-for-seafarers) to foster a sense of community and help seafarers connect. These groups can provide emotional support and help combat feelings of isolation.
#4 Advocacy and collaboration
- Collaboration
Companies should encourage collaboration between maritime industry stakeholders, including shipping companies, maritime organisations, and governments to address seafarer wellbeing comprehensively.
- Regulatory frameworks
Given the importance of internet connectivity to seafarers’ wellbeing, shipping companies should advocate for policies and regulations that support affordable, reliable, and high-quality internet access for seafarers worldwide. International regulations and guidelines that set standards for internet connectivity and wellbeing support in the maritime industry are pivotal. This can ensure consistent practices across different companies and vessels.
For seafarers, internet access is crucial in maintaining connections with loved ones, reducing isolation, and boosting overall wellbeing. Healthier, happier crew members perform better, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing turnover costs through improved job satisfaction. Reliable, affordable internet access is vital in enhancing wellbeing across vessels.
… said Capt Yves Vandenborn, FNI, Head of Loss Prevention Asia-Pacific, at NorthStandard P&I Club. The Club acted as the report’s sponsor.
To remind, the 2023 SEAFiT Crew Survey also indicated that internet connectivity is crucial for wellness at sea. In response to this finding, stakeholders have expressed a need for improved internet access for seafarers, advocating for high-quality connectivity to become a mandatory requirement on ships. Consequently, the SAFETY4SEA petition has been launched to urge industry stakeholders to support the initiative for free internet access at sea.
