The report was commissioned by ICSW
“It is clear that WiFi internet access is the sort of thing that would represent a quantum leap in the quality of a seafarer’s life.”
The quote is from a comment piece in the prestigious Lloyds List on Tuesday 26 July in response to the launch of a new report from the ICSW. The report, Seafarer’s Access to WiFi & WiMax in ports, is available for download from here .
The report was commissioned by ICSW in order to learn more about how port-wide WiFi and WiMAX are helping seafarers to maintain closer contact with home, which is one of the top welfare concerns of seafarers.
The research found that the majority of ports do not have portwide Wifi or WiMax. Many of those that do often restrict access to seafarers on cost and security grounds .
However, there are some exceptional models of success, including the Port of Antwerp, the Port of Singapore and the Port of Kandla. The ICSW will use the findings of this research to encourage improvements in the sharing of knowledge and experiences between ports. It will press ports and welfare organisations to work together to find ways to use technology to meet both the welfare needs of the seafarers and the commercial interests of the port and call on shipping companies to demand greater investment in these technologies.
The ICSW International Seafarers Welfare Awards are receiving nominations from seafarers. However we need more nominations for shipping companies, ports, and seafarer centres. Further information can be found at www.seafarerswelfareawards.org. Closing date for nominations is 9 September.
Source: ICSW