Crew Internet Access on board Ship

Internet enabled vessels are now commonplace in today’s world of shipping. Continuously developing technology has made shipboard internet an affordable option for many shipping companies.

Increasing numbers of ship owners are fast realising the importance of providing internet access to crews. Having internet on board ship is now widely regarded as a key component in the attraction of new entrants, and the retention of existing staff. The modern generation of seafarer is accustomed to a world which is always connected, where the internet and social networking sites are a major part of everyday life.

Other means of communication available to crew:

• Satellite voice systems

• Alternative satellite voice systems

• Email access

• Personal mobile telephones

• Telephones brought on board in port by vendors/salesmen (the call is timed and charged accordingly)

• Telephones ashore in Seaman Centres / public telephone kiosks

• Telephone booths on the dock / jetty

• GSM/Mobile phone calling on ship over Satellite.

Disadvantages of Other means of communication

Alternative satellite telephone systems:

Inadequate signal reception in certain parts of the world.

Email access:

• In almost all cases, messages are restricted to text format only, with no attachments permitted.

• Size restriction imposed on messages, i.e. 10 Kb.

• Communication is not instant, as the Master has to perform a manual connection to enable messages to be exchanged.

Personal mobile telephones:

• Very high roaming charges.

• Use restricted to when vessel is in port or coastal waters.

• Multi-band telephones required, due to the varying operating systems in use around the world.

Telephones brought on board in port by vendors/salesmen:

• Since the introduction of the ISPS Code, this arrangement has become much less frequent, as a result of restricted access to the vessel and vetting of potential visitors.

Telephones ashore in Seaman Centres / public telephone kiosks:

• It should be noted that there has been a significant demise in the number of Seaman Centres in operation around the world in recent times. There are a number of factors which have caused this, including the quick turn-around of vessels in port which has resulted in crews no longer have the time to go ashore, and access restrictions imposed as a result of the ISPS Code.

• Issues surrounding lack of privacy.

Telephones on docks / jetties:

• Often out of order.

• Crew not authorized to leave vessel as a result of ISPS Code measures, and/or Port Regulations (often the telephone booths are clearly visible from the vessel).

Internet ashore in Seaman Centres / Internet Cafes:

• Charges based on a nominal hourly rate.

• Limited number of computer terminals which are often overcrowded as a result.

Port WiFi:

• Not widely available.

• May prove too costly to use for some crewmembers.

• A credit card may sometimes be required to access the service.

Advantages to crew of having internet on board ship:

• Communication with family and friends made easier and much less expensive, by applications such as IM Chat, and other social networking websites.

• Useful for self-study purposes (skill diversification).

• Can be used to provide e-learning tools leading towards higher competency.

• Online banking (especially important for a seafarer who looks after his own financial affairs).

• Becoming an increasingly important factor when crew are considering joining a Company.

• Perhaps a good measure to retain existing employees.

• It has long been recognised that when crewmembers are happy and morale is high, they work more effectively and efficiently.

• The ability to keep up-to-date with world events, both on a regional & global scale.

• Raises the crew’s computer literacy through usage, hence enabling better interaction with automated systems.

Possible disadvantages of allowing internet access to crew (Unregulated Access):

• Reduced work output from Officers (outwith watch keeping duties).

• If wireless access is enabled, then with today’s PDA technology, crew can access the internet even when on duty, e.g. from the Bridge / Engine Control Room or Cargo Control Room.

• Increase in fatigue levels (prolonged use of the internet resulting in less rest time) – Hours of Work and Rest policy.

• Conflicts arising amongst crew, concerning the number of internet enabled computers available.

• Distraction from work and an urge to continually want to use the internet.

•  Photographs may be uploaded by ship’s staff into the public domain (Twitter / Facebook) of a perfectly legitimate shipboard operation/activity. However, such images may be misconstrued by individuals who lack a sufficient level of knowledge to understand what the photographs actually show. This could result in an unnecessary & potentially negative PR environment for the ship owner. This has been one of the reasons for crew not being permitted email attach