The international representative organisation for seafarers and maritime professionals, The Nautical Institute, has launched a global survey - 'Listening to Seafarers' - to ascertain how technology is changing working life at sea and in maritime-related employment ashore.
The ‘STEER Project’ — (Seafarer Technology Engagement, Empowerment and Resilience) operated by the Institute in collaboration with Lloyd's Register Foundation.
"It aims to better understand the combined impact of new technological systems and changing working practices on seafarers’ day-to-day work, safety, skills and welfare," according to Captain Ann Pletschke who is leading it. "Findings will be used to help develop practical tools and guidance that will be offered freely to the industry, supporting safer and more human-centred technology adoption across the maritime sector. As shipping adopts increasing levels of automation, digitalisation, artificial intelligence, remote operations, connected systems, sensor-based monitoring, digital logs and onboard connectivity, we want to ensure that the experience of those using these technologies is properly heard."
The survey asks maritime professionals to share their views on where technology is helping; where it is creating additional pressure; how it affects workload and decision-making; whether current training gives users sufficient understanding of technological developments.
It is open to professionals across all parts of the maritime sector, including merchant shipping, workboats, commercial fishing, inland cargo and passenger vessels, commercial yachts, superyachts, cruise ships, naval auxiliary support and wider maritime operations.
“Technology is changing maritime operations at pace, but the people who use these systems every day must be central to the conversation. Too often, decisions about technology are made without fully understanding the practical impact on seafarers’ work, safety, skills and welfare," said Captain Pletschke.
