- Seafarers struggle to adapt to smart systems and green rules.
- Technostress is defined as strain from rapid tech adoption.
- Crew face overload from complex shipboard technologies.
The maritime industry is undergoing a rapid digital transformation, driven by autonomous systems, intelligent technologies, and environmentally friendly innovations. While these advancements boost operational efficiency and help meet climate goals, they also bring a new challenge for seafarers, technostress. Digital innovations, such as autonomous vessels and emissions-reducing technologies, along with increasingly complex regulations, are transforming the way operations are conducted on board. However, these shifts demand that seafarers constantly adapt to new systems, often with little training or support, reports Safety4Sea.
What is Technostress?
Technostress is the psychological strain that comes from trying to keep up with ever-evolving technologies. For seafarers, this means grappling with the learning curve of new systems, managing heavier workloads, and dealing with the relentless pace of technological change. Even though companies are reorganising their operations and rolling out training programs, technostress still takes a toll on individual well-being and overall safety at sea.
Different Types of Technostress
- Techno-Overload: According to the World Maritime University’s Transport 2040 report, the rapid adoption of technology has significantly ramped up crew workloads. Many seafarers find themselves overwhelmed by complex software systems, often wishing for the simplicity of older vessels. Troubleshooting on modern ships can involve navigating through multiple lengthy procedures, which can be quite daunting for the crew.
- Techno-Complexity: Today’s systems are so intricate that they may require a week or more of training to master. Crews often juggle six to eight systems daily, each with a multitude of alarms, including those that go off at night. This constant need for vigilance and the steep learning curve can be particularly stressful, especially for newer or less experienced seafarers.
- Techno-Invasion: Technology has a way of creeping into our lives, even after work hours, making it tough to separate our professional and personal time. Those night alarms, whether they’re real or just a glitch, often interrupt our sleep, leaving seafarers feeling both mentally and physically worn out.
- Techno-Uncertainty: On the flip side, the constant updates and changes in systems can stir up a lot of anxiety and frustration. Seafarers often worry about making mistakes with new technologies, like accidentally hitting the wrong button or losing crucial data, which only adds to their stress on board.
Mental Health Impact
The WMU report highlights that the transition to decarbonization and the ever-changing regulations are significant sources of stress. The lack of uniformity in environmental laws creates even more pressure, as seafarers dread the possibility of making administrative errors that could lead to fines or even criminal charges.
Findings from the 2024 survey by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN) back this up. A staggering 32.8% of seafarers admitted they fear criminalisation due to the overlapping environmental regulations. The survey also revealed a mixed bag when it comes to how decarbonization affects their commitment to the job—26.5% felt inspired by the chance to contribute to climate goals, while 21.3% said they were less inclined to stay at sea. This dual impact shows the struggle between finding purpose and dealing with the pressures of the green transition.
Addressing Technostress
Training and building capacity are crucial when it comes to managing new technologies. Yet, many teams still get only a bare minimum of training, which leaves them ill-equipped to handle advanced systems.
ISWAN suggests that employers should:
- Acknowledge how diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) factors play a role in technostress.
Offer seafarers the time and resources they need for meaningful social interactions to help build resilience. - Create cohesive and accessible systems that minimise redundant work.
- Continuously gather feedback from both crew members and shore-based staff to truly understand the challenges they face.
The Human Cost of Innovation
Technostress has emerged as a significant concern, negatively impacting seafarers’ mental health, performance, and long-term dedication to their careers. Tackling this issue calls for a proactive and inclusive strategy that emphasises mental well-being, ongoing training, and effective feedback channels. If we don’t take these steps, the human cost of innovation might end up overshadowing the advantages of smarter and greener shipping.
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Source: Safety4Sea
