A survey of nearly 2000 seafarers and industry leaders, by Nautilus, the maritime professional union, has revealed the true state of seafarer communications.
Key Findings:
– 88% of respondents did have personal internet access although restrictions were placed on usage.
54% we not able to access streaming, 41% were restricted from video calling,
36% are not able to make downloads and for 36% only company approved websites are available.
Further to this 23% are not allowed flash content and the same percentage are not allowed interactive content.
In 20% of cases time restrictions are placed on the usage and 17% of respondents had to for access.
– It would appear that social media is also often restricted with it only being allowed to 34% of respondents .
– Despite the high levels of access to the internets, 86% of respondents said that they had never received any cyber security training from their employers.
– Improved connectivity would only definitely influence a third of respondents as a reason to move employers.
These findings are part of a wider white paper published by Nautilus.
“With very limited and regulated shore leave, increasing workloads, reduced crewing levels and reductions in the quality of social life onboard, it’s essential for the wellbeing of all seafarers that we have free, high-speed internet access. We hope the results of our survey will help to convince shipowners of the benefits of providing internet access and explain how the costs and other counterarguments are outweighed by the positive impact of greater connectivity at sea.” Mark Dickinson, Nautilus Secretary General.
