Survey shows onboard connectivity as key attraction for crew

A research conducted by Nautilus International indicated that almost two-thirds of Nautilus members would consider moving to a shipping company which offers better onboard connectivity. The results of the survey of 2,000 seafarers were presented by Nautilus at a workshop organised by Inmarsat at the Crew Connect Europe conference.

What is more, the survey showed that 88% of members reported that their companies provide internet access for seafarers and only 4% said they could never get connected while at sea.

On the other hand, the study showed that only 57% have personal email access at sea, just 34% have social media access onboard, and only 6% can use video calling on their ships.

As it comes from the survey, the main reasons that companies are not providing internet access or they are restricting crew connectivity are:

• high running and installation costs (83%),
• crew downloading inappropriate content (83%),
• downloading big files (67%),
• and distraction from work (58%).

During the meeting, which was attended by shipping company representatives from the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Germany, it was considered whether shipowners’ concerns are valid and whether investment in good crew communications will be repaid with enhanced recruitment and retention rates. The meeting also explored the need for clear and simple agreed policies on crew communications, including the use of social media.   

A full report on the Nautilus research is due to be published during 2017 Seafarers Awareness Week in June.