Survey: Seafarers have inadequate connectivity on board

Nautilus International issued a report, presenting findings on its “Connectivity at Sea” survey. The results show that despite 88% of the interviewed seafarers have internet access at sea, those who do often have limited access at high cost.

The Maritime Labour Convention recommends that reasonable access to ship-to-shore telephone communications, email and internet facilities should be available to seafarers, with any charges for the use of these service being reasonable in amount. In this context, Nautilus surveyed nearly 2,000 of its members online to understand attitudes and opinions of both crew and vessel owners with regards to communications at sea.

As a result of the findings, Nautilus is calling on shipping companies to provide internet access to all members, and by extension all seafarers, on their vessels, and for those already doing so to provide this free of charge. With evidence from this survey highlighting that individuals are increasingly making employment choices based on the availability of internet access, it is vital for companies to keep their vessels up-to-date with the latest connectivity and broadband services.

Key findings

75% answered that it is really important to be connected when at sea

88% of crew are able to connect to the internet regularly

57% respondents had access to personal email, 34% to social media and just 6% are able to use video calling

63% said they would or possibly would move to a different company if it provided better onboard connectivity than their present one, with all other conditions being equal

67% are still unaware of Maritime Labour Convention recommending that ‘reasonable access’ is now part of the responsibility of the ship operator

36% said that their companies always allow them access to communications, 50% said that they are most times allowed, and 14% answered that they are not allowed at all

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Research shows respondents saw many restrictions on internet usage; many reported that they were only able to access internet pages pre-approved by their employer and these were predominantly ones used for work purposes. Some restrictions were around companies’ fears about seafarers accessing inappropriate material or causing security issues, with respondents being unable to access agerestricted websites or streaming.

However, 84% of respondents said they would be willing to sign an internet usage policy with their company, if it meant better access to the internet onboard. Some 86% of respondents also said that they had never received any cyber security training from their employers, which could allay some of these fears. Anecdotal evidence also shows that many respondents want to be able to keep in touch with friends and family, yet more than 40% of respondents are not allowed to video call onboard, meaning companies could be doing much more to address this.

Conclusions

The impact of communications upon both employees and employers is one of the biggest issues in today’s seafaring world, yet unlike pay and safety, is often not at the forefront of the agenda.

A lack of communications onboard ships and restrictions on the connectivity currently available impacts people’s attitudes towards potential employers, their ability to balance their personal lives with work, morale and isolation.

Despite companies listing a number of reasons for not investing in better communications for seafarers, respondents said they would be willing to work with companies to address these potential issues through introducing training and changes in company policies.

Nautilus recommends that the industry must act now to continue attracting the best talent whilst also modernising and supporting the existing workforce, their wellbeing and progression.

Further information may be found in the following report: