Connecting the Right Crew

Futurenautics have published the findings of their Crew Connectivity 2018 Survey. It is full of facts and figures and we look at some of the key headlines.

Seafarers have never been so connected and the vast majority enjoy internet access. But is having so much connectivity to the ‘outside world’ the answer to all problems? Or is the industry still not doing enough?

Technology consultants Futurenautics, in partnership with Intelsat and KVH, have published the findings of their Crew Connectivity 2018 Survey which provides many interesting insights into this subject. 6,000 seafarers responded and the report looks at how much access to communications crew enjoy and their use of technology.

This follows their previous research published in 2015. One of the headline figures was that 73% of those surveyed “said that the level of onboard internet access influenced their decision on which company to work for”. Three years later that figure has risen to 75%, emphasising the importance of connectivity to a seafarer.

In this new report, KD Adamson of Futurenautics found that connectivity is improving, and more seafarers can access it. Interestingly, this is against the backdrop of recent high profile cyberattacks that targeted prominent shipping companies. In fact, the report states that 47% of those surveyed have sailed on a vessel targeted by a cyber-attack. Time will tell if a reaction to these attacks is to reduce crew access or if it will be managed by proper training in cyber awareness and increasing levels of resilience.

The report repeats previous concerns on one of the negative side-effects of increased connectivity. 53% of respondents felt social interaction has reduced on board, with most crew accessing the internet in their cabins. We must be mindful of the dangers of isolation and the report tells of an operator who is combating this by reviving the idea of the onboard ‘Internet Cafe’.

But is all this enough? Crew have repeated their requests for free wifi in port, cheaper mobile roaming charges and cheaper satellite phone usage.

The Crew Connectivity 2018 Survey Report is full of facts and figures and some of the headlines are shown here. This reinforces the message to shipowners wanting to attract and retain the ‘Right Crew’ that good onboard internet access offers an advantage in a competitive workforce market.

Find Out More

For more information on North’s ‘Right Crew’ series of Loss Prevention briefings visit www.nepia.com

To access the Crew Connectivity 2018 Survey visit: www.crewconnectivity.com

Author:  Alvin Forster

Image credit: Futurenautics