Connectivity at sea issues highlighted by Union on World Maritime Day

Nautilus marked World Maritime Day 2017 by renewing calls for the shipping industry to act on its crew connectivity report.

World Maritime Day is organised by the International Maritime Organisation and this year's theme is 'Connecting Ships, Ports and People'. Therefore, the Union is renewing its call for shipping companies to do more to enable their seafarers to be connected to family and friends whilst at sea.

The Union released a survey report in June which highlighted that whilst 88% of seafarers have some sort of internet access, only 6% can video-call families, only a third have social media access at sea and many experience limited connectivity at a high cost.

The report, based on a survey of 2,000 seafarers and shipping industry leaders, found that that while many companies were taking the first steps towards improving communications, much more could be done, and that the welfare of seafarers could be improved if more companies enhanced their ability to stay in touch whilst at sea.

World Maritime Day 2017's theme of "Connecting Ships, Ports and People" is a very important one for today's maritime industry and for seafarers much more needs to be done to allow them to be connected. Nautilus general secretary, Mark Dickinson

'Good quality, affordable internet access should be a basic right for seafarers and not a privilege. I hope that those celebrating all things maritime today share a thought for those who are away at sea and not able to connect.'