A new research paper examines how emerging technologies are introducing new forms of psychological strain among seafarers, a phenomenon commonly referred to as technostress, reports Safety4sea.
The “Technostress at sea: understanding the technological burden on seafarers’ mental health. A call for adequate regulation” research sheds light on the growing mental health challenges faced by seafarers as the maritime industry becomes increasingly digitalized and automated. WMU’s Dr. Khanssa Lagdami, ITF Seafarers’ Trust Associate Professor of Maritime Labour Law and Policy, is the lead author of the paper, co-authored with Dr. Raluca Alexandra Stana of Roskilde University in Denmark.
What is technostress?
Technostress refers to the psychological strain experienced when adapting to new and evolving technologies. In the maritime context, it includes the challenges of learning new digital systems, managing increased workloads and coping with the pace of technological change.
Training and capacity building are widely recognized as critical for the effective use of new technologies. However, crew members often receive either very basic training or none at all.
Furthermore, while technostress has broad implications due to the pervasive use of technology, awareness of its occupational safety and health consequences remains limited among seafarers.
“As maritime operations become more digitalized, seafarers are under increasing pressure to adapt quickly to new technologies. Without proper training, IT support, and inclusive communication structures, digitalization risks intensifying stress rather than improving well-being. A just and human-centred transition is essential,” said Dr. Lagdami.
The paper calls for the development of comprehensive training programmes, robust IT support systems, and regulatory measures that safeguard seafarers’ mental health.
It further recommends that future research focus on the intersection between digital transformation and seafarers’ well-being to inform global, regional, and national policies for a fair and sustainable maritime future.
Key sources of technostress
The research identifies several key sources of technostress at sea, including
- continuous digital monitoring,
- overlapping of work and private life through connectivity,
- persistent system alarms,
- lack of IT support,
- and inadequate digital training.
The research also highlights how the hierarchical culture of the maritime sector can exacerbate these challenges by discouraging open dialogue about stress and mental health.
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Source: Safety4sea
