Digital Distractions at Sea: Issues with Smartphones and Smartwatches for Seafarers
As the maritime industry embraces digital transformation, smartphones and smartwatches have become common companions for seafarers. While these devices offer convenience and connectivity, their use during working hours at sea raises several operational, safety, and psychological concerns. Understanding these issues is crucial for maintaining safety standards and crew well-being aboard ships.
1. Distraction from Duties
One of the most pressing concerns is distraction. Smartphones and smartwatches can divert attention from critical tasks such as navigation, cargo operations, engine room monitoring. Even a brief glance at a notification or message can lead to errors in judgment, delayed reactions, or missed alarms, this could potentially lead to accidents or near-misses.
2. Compromised Safety Culture
The presence of personal devices on the bridge or in the engine room can undermine the safety culture onboard. When crew members prioritize personal communication or entertainment over professional responsibilities, it can erode discipline and vigilance and lead to unsafe shortcuts or negligence. Which is a danger, particularly during critical high-risk operations like mooring, bunkering, or navigating congested waters.
3. Breach of Confidentiality and Security
It should also be noted that smart devices with cameras and internet access could pose risks to information security and privacy:
- Unauthorized photography or video recording of sensitive areas
- Sharing of operational data or incidents on social media
- Potential for cybersecurity breaches if devices connect to ship networks
These actions can violate company policies, international regulations, and even compromise vessel security.
Conclusion:
While smartphones and smartwatches offer undeniable benefits, their use at sea must be carefully managed. Therefore, in order to address these concerns we advise that companies implement a clear device usage policy and encourage healthy tech habits onboard. Which includes silencing all smart watches when it comes to alerts and that phones should not be used during Working Hours. Overall, by fostering a culture of responsible technology use, the industry can ensure that digital tools enhance rather than hinder life and work at sea.