Maritime health and welfare experts are calling on the shipping industry to recognize free, reliable internet access as a basic human right for seafarers. SAFETY4SEA was the first to champion this cause, launching a petition in January 2024 to classify internet connectivity as an essential need for seafarers. As the pioneer of this initiative, SAFETY4SEA welcomes the growing support and urges more companies to sign the petition and join the movement for free internet access at sea.
Despite advancements in ship technology, many crew members still face limited or unaffordable internet access while at sea. This results in prolonged isolation, with some seafarers unable to speak to loved ones for weeks or even months. The lack of connectivity—combined with long working hours and rising geopolitical pressures—is having a serious impact on mental and physical health across the sector.
SAFETY4SEA is urging the maritime industry to recognize internet connectivity as a fundamental human need, equivalent in importance to food and drinking water. Through its petition, it advocates for regulatory change requiring that seafarers be provided with free internet access during their period of engagement—offering adequate quality and bandwidth to support both ship operations and personal use, while respecting diverse cultural and individual needs.
In support of the initiative, maritime health experts have issued a joint statement, emphasizing that digital isolation is more than an inconvenience—it’s a serious health risk. “Digital isolation can certainly impact psychological stability and safety. Negative interactions between the mind and body can influence overall health status and one’s physical wellbeing.” said Dr. Jens Tülsner, maritime health specialist, founder of Marine Medical Solutions, and partner at OneCare Group.
Charles Watkins, Clinical Psychologist and CEO of Mental Health Support Solutions—also part of the OneCare Group—warned that limited communication access is compounding mental health challenges at sea. “One of the most common sources of distress for seafarers is feeling cut off from home, from family, from support,” he said. “Reliable connectivity is not just about entertainment or convenience; it is vital for psychological stability, especially during long periods of isolation or high-stress situations.”
The call for change is echoed by Christian Ioannou, CEO of MCTC: “We cannot continue treating physical and mental health as separate concerns—they are intertwined. Nutrition, rest, connectivity, and emotional wellbeing all contribute to a safe and productive crew. Internet access is no longer optional. It’s as essential as clean drinking water and nutritious food.”
Industry social platform The Hood has also joined the movement. Josephine Le, Founder of The Hood, stated: “In our April campaign, Connectivity as a Right, Not a Privilege, we’re highlighting the voices of app users who share how vital free internet is onboard. We’re talking about AI and autonomous ships, yet many crews still can’t message home. That contradiction is shameful. Access to connectivity is a right, not a reward.”
Ms. Le has joined industry experts and healthcare professionals in calling for urgent reform, warning that the current model of digital exclusion is harming seafarers and weakening the long-term resilience of the shipping industry.
SAFETY4SEA invites all maritime stakeholders to support this vital cause by signing the petition for free internet access at sea.
It is time to take a stand for meaningful connectivity onboard. Help spread the word by sharing on social media using the hashtag #Sign4FreeInternetOnboard.
