Seafarer communications costs have been cut in response to growing calls from industry to help mariners affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, says an article published in Riviera.
Enhancing crew communication
Crew communications are widely accepted as an important element of seafarer welfare provision and there are growing calls for prices to be reduced during challenging times.
The crisis in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital need for internet access and contact with home, while seafarer surveys regularly identify connectivity as a key factor in onboard happiness, recruitment and retention.
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, IMO has approved measures aimed at enhancing crew communications for seafarers impacted by the conflict.
These measures were put forward by maritime industry groups and non-governmental organisations, to enable seafarers to communicate with home, and have access to information sources while at sea.
Importance of crew health and well being
The IMO Council welcomed the proposal that several steps should be taken to reduce the suffering of seafarers and their families, including that “seafarers affected by the conflict should be allowed free access to communications with their families”.
Crew health and well-being is an important factor in maritime business operations, which can be partially addressed remotely through telemedicine.
International Maritime Health Association has found one in five ships was diverted from expected routes due to crew illness, at an average cost per ship of US$180,000.
International Seafarers Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) handled more than 2,000 calls from seafarers in a month during the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak, when seafarers were unable to return home at the end of their shifts.
ISWAN project manager Caitlin Vaughan noted crew communications are particularly important at times of significant family events the seafarer is unable to be present for, during times of cultural celebration, or to alleviate homesickness.
Connectivity is important to seafarers, with the latest Seafarer Happiness report from Mission to Seafarers highlighting happiness levels in relation to connectivity at sea were 6.92 out of 10, up from 6.6.
Reduced call charges to Ukraine
Mission to Seafarers secretary-general Andrew Wright spoke during a Riviera Maritime Media hosted webinar in March 2022 about the importance of connectivity to seafarers.
“Communications are important to seafarers and having internet on board is becoming vital,” said Mr Wright. “Having online access means having happier crews and giving them the ability to speak with family and friends.”
Having crew communications at sea is also recognised as a key factor in recruitment and retention and seafarers.
Surveys have revealed that some crew would change jobs for better internet access even if there was no extra salary on offer.
Other industry surveys have identified a clear divide between vessels that provide free or cost-effective access versus those that do not, with increasing numbers of seafarers stating they check what access they will have before accepting new contracts.
IEC Telecom and other service providers have significantly reduced call charges to Ukraine, making it easier for vessel operators to provide crucial seafarer communications.
Group chief commercial officer and president for Asia, Middle East and CIS, Nabil Ben Soussia said seafarers need cost-effective communications in times of crisis.
Crew connectivity is a must
“Being able to keep in touch with family, friends and world news is essential to them,” he said. “We are able to play a part in delivering that communication, especially in these uncertain times. A happy crew is important to vessels’ operations.”
It provides voice services through Thuraya’s MarineStar and E-lite terminals, while encrypted email provision comes via the OneMailLite application.
“Crew connectivity is now a must and something crew, especially younger members, expect,” said Mr Soussia. “Technology has moved on and now it is possible to meet those needs even on smaller vessels with limited space or budgets.”
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Source: Riviera
