How Internet on Ship has Improved the Life of Seafarers On Board Ships?

A Good Communication is the fundamental backbone of any business entity to survive, prosper and grow. It is the lifeblood of every relationship both professional and personal, especially for the distant ones, across the seas. Internet on ship has definitely changed the lives of seafarers working on board.

When the Inmarsat Fleet Broad band 500 on board ship becomes active, it gives a great relief and improves the quality of life of the crew on board. Primarily because it is FREE! Connecting to their families and friends 24/7 whether in port or at sea is superb. It makes sailing fun.

The once gloomy lives of the seafarers have changed. To access Social Networking sites like Facebook, Twitter, Friendster is just at their fingertips. They are now at par with their land-based counterparts. They can connect through WIFI anywhere with-in the ships’ accommodation. They can keep track of the updates of the likes and comments of their status, posts, and pictures in Facebook. Most of all, they can have a real time exchange of ideas and comments with what is going on in the lives of their families and friends worldwide through chats, emails, and voice calls through Skype.

Gone are the times when the seafarers needed to use prepaid cards to call their families back home through the ships Iridium phone. On an average, a Seafarer spends around $75.00 to$150.00 per month for voice calls. Although, they can receive emails thru their company employee address before, it was limited to messages only. It does not allow photo and file sharing because of the increased traffic of Business Communications from the Office, Charterer and Agents. It is only when the vessel gets into port that they can use a dongle and buy prepaid cards to access the internet. Nevertheless, these are all passé now, thanks to internet on ships. The Fleet Broadband has improved remarkably the vessel operations because of fast message exchanges between shore and shipboard staff.

In this regard, even shipping companies have realized the importance of internet on ships to improve the quality of life on board. The availability of a free broadband service on board ships is adding a new dimension and meaning to the life at sea. This is also one way of motivating the Officers and Crew to stay with the company for a longer period without having to go on moonlighting or career-shopping spree during their home leave. By doing so, the company achieves a higher retention rate for the pool of highly qualified, trained and reliable Merchant Marine Officers, Engineers and Crew in the fleet.  It is also financially rewarding, adding an amount of savings to their pockets.

Indeed, the Fleet Broad band has shortened the distance between the Seafarers’ on board ships and their love ones ashore because for now, they are just a “click” of the mouse away! The smiles you see in their faces are morally uplifting indeed.

You may also like to read – 10 Simple Things That Make Seafarers Happy On Board Ships