NAVIGATING EVERYDAY CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA - Inmarsat
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NAVIGATING EV ERY DAY CO NNEC TIV ITIES AT SEA
ROYAL HOLLOWAY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON NAVIGATING EVERYDAY CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA STUDY REPORT Researchers and principal authors: Dr Rikke Bjerg Jensen, Information Security Group Dr Olivia Swift, Research and Enterprise Royal Holloway University of London ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS This study would not have been possible without the assistance, cooperation and support of a number of people and organisations. They all deserve huge thanks. We are particularly grateful to the seafarers on both Ship1 and Ship2, who went above and beyond to share their stories and provide invaluable insights into their everyday lives, networks, and connectivities. We also want to thank our funders, Sailors’ Society and Inmarsat, for supporting the project without knowing what it would look like or where it would lead. The research would never have been possible if it hadn’t been for Seaspan, who allowed us to carry out our study onboard two of their ships, and Kuba Szymanski for helping us get the project off the ground. Without their support and willingness, the study would never have taken off.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Acknowledgements Page 1 Research Team Page 4 Foreword from Inmarsat and Sailors’ Society Page 5,6 Report Highlights Page 7 SECTION 1: Introduction to the Study Page 8 SECTION 2: Study Framework Page 10 Existing studies Research methods SECTION 3: Research Findings Page 14 Onboard connectivities Page 14 Key findings Findings summary Rhythms and routines Page 22 Key findings Findings summary Pressures of connectivity Page 28 Key findings Findings summary Recruitment and retention Page 34 Key findings Findings summary SECTION 4: Discussion and recommendations Page 38 References Page 41 Appendix 1 Page 42 Appendix 2 - Consent Form Page 44 Appendix 3 - Topic Guide Page 45
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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RESEARCH TEAM
Dr Rikke Bjerg Jensen Dr Olivia Swift
I am a social researcher in the Information I am a maritime anthropologist with an
Security Group (ISG) at Royal Holloway established track record researching topics
University of London, with research pertaining to the welfare of seafarers, most
interests that orbit around everyday recently around issues of i) mental health, ii)
security practices enabled through digital women seafarers, and iii) superyacht crews.
technologies and mobile devices. An interest in how people find meaning in
their working lives, and about the structures
More specifically, my research focuses on and institutions that shape global labour
how technology, and the information flows relations underpin my research interests.
that it enables challenge our understanding I have extensive experience of conducting
of proximity and presence. I am particularly qualitative and quantitative research at sea
interested in how the relationship between and among seafarers in the Philippines and in
people and technology facilitates and/or ports around the world.
hinders different feelings of security as well
as different security visions amongst people
living and working on ‘the edge’ of society.
I have undertaken extensive ethnographic
fieldwork, as part of several distinct research
projects, in the UK and overseas with the
British military (including the Royal Navy),
NATO, refugees and migrants, and seafaring
communities to explore and understand the
wider human-technology-security nexus.
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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FOREWORD BY INMARSAT
Today, connectivity is about more than a highly critical factor on not only which
just social media and web surfing. It is ships a ‘young and talented’ seafarer will
increasingly a prerequisite to function in sail on, but whether they actually want to
daily life. The ability to connect is becoming spend their lives at sea at all, if they are not
the default setting. connected.
As we can see from this excellent pilot- Only when we come together as a maritime
study, seafarers on similar ships with similar community, will this truly change and we
route characteristics have vastly different will continue to work with a host of partners
connectivity experiences, which have a huge and charities such as Sailors' Society, who
impact on their wellbeing whilst at sea. work untiringly to improve the quality of life
This is concerning, since fundamentally for seafarers from a safety, training, mental
there are no longer any technological health and social perspective.
or financial barriers to providing decent
connectivity at sea. The same advances that With a collective effort, we will hopefully
have propelled the ‘networked economy’ ensure that the thousands of seafarers stay
on land have allowed satellite operators to connected to their families and loved ones
significantly improve both the capability and wherever they are in the world and remain ‘in
flexibility of their offerings to the maritime control’ of their life.
sector bringing down the cost of basic
vessel connectivity to approximately 0.3%
of the total cost of operating a vessel.
The disappearance of practical barriers
means that the remaining need for change
lies in mind-set. DREW BRANDY
Senior Vice President Market Strategy
There is a historic reluctance to provide Inmarsat
connectivity to seafarers and the industry
has a collective responsibility to address
this, as this study indicates, it is becoming
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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FOREWORD BY
SAILORS’ SOCIETY
Ask any of Sailors’ Society’s 120 chaplains As one seafarer so bluntly put it: “The
what the seafarers they meet ask for most only thing that is more important than
frequently and you’ll get the same answer: connectivity is food.”
WiFi.
The wellbeing of seafarers is of vast
A growing number of large-scale studies importance to the maritime industry. We
make it clear that connectivity is a key issue all have a duty of care to those who are the
for seafarer welfare. This smaller-scale pilot foundation of our businesses – and with
study is intended to be a complementary mental health playing a key role in their
addition to our understanding of this issue, decision-making abilities, if we neglect that
offering more detailed insights into the duty the consequences can be deadly and
huge impact that connectivity can have on costly.
seafarers’ wellbeing.
While many in the shipping industry have
suggested on board connectivity disrupts
work and rest patterns on ships, this
research shows quite the opposite - that the
lack of reliable on board internet disrupts
such patterns.
The seafarers described the worries and
tensions caused by their lack of control
over when they could contact their families. STUART RIVERS
This would be resolved by reliable on-board Chief Executive Officer
connectivity. Sailors' Society
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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REPORT HIGHLIGHTS
There is a need to understand the nuances of online connectivities – in its plural form – onboard ships
to a much greater extent. For our participants, online does not simply mean online and connected does
not simply mean connected. It refers to multiple connections, networks and relations that exist within
and beyond the ship and it comes with a number of challenges and issues that need to be understood by
shipping companies, charterers, agents, and welfare organisations.
One of the arguments for not providing onboard connectivity has been that it would disrupt work and rest
patterns on ships. However, our research shows that, in fact, not having reliable onboard internet disrupts
such patterns. If the only method of digitally connecting with kin and friendship networks is through
personal mobile phones, seafarers will connect when the ship is within mobile phone signal range, regardless
of the time of day, external factors, work or rest hours.
For all participants, the ability to connect with family on a regular basis whilst away was understood to ease
transition into home life when returning from sea. In particular, being in frequent contact allowed them to
keep up to date with everyday mundane events and activities at home. It allowed them to stay “in control” of
their lives; thus, minimising the feeling that they were missing out on important life events.
The research revealed the extent to which seafarers have become prime targets for mobile phone sim card
sellers and potential scammers in ports around the word. Due to limited and restricted onboard internet
access, our participants felt that they had ‘no choice’ but to buy ‘over-priced’ sim cards and to risk being
scammed in order to connect with family and friends. This made them feel particularly vulnerable and affected
their sense of safety and security.
Pressures related to the lack of reliable and sufficient digital connectivities amplify other pressures such as
financial pressure, family strains, and isolation felt by seafarers regardless of status.
Access to onboard connectivity is increasingly becoming a deciding factor in whether ‘young and talented
individuals’ want to spend their lives at sea, and whether shipping companies are able to retain experienced and
highly qualified seafarers. The research showed that seafarers would increasingly make career choices based on
the ‘internet deal’ they could get.
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SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY
Digital connectivity at sea has been one of
the major talking points of the decade in the
maritime industry, which has been slow to
adopt technology enabling improvements in
connectivity across the world’s commercial
fleet. While several studies have used
surveys to try to establish the rate of these
improvements and their wide-ranging
implications, none – to our knowledge –
has taken observations of crew behaviour
and conversation with seafarers as their
starting point. This study does just that. Its
ethnographic, qualitative approach goes
beyond a focus on the state of connectivity
and what seafarers do with it and attends
instead to how and why seafarers navigate
and negotiate a web of connectivities – in
the plural – and the meanings they ascribe to
their experiences of doing so.
By not separating technology from the
social relations in which it is embedded, the Image 1: Doing research onboard two container ships also
meant experiencing how seafarer lives are lived on a daily
study begins to bring to bear the underlying basis. For instance, being stuck at anchorage for several
factors that influence how seafarers engage days without the ability to connect with anyone beyond
with digital technology and mobile devices the ship.
whilst at sea. We titled the project “everyday
connectivities” because we wanted to keep cohesion and isolation, morale, safety, and
the mundane, social and lived experience of occupational effectiveness. Such factors are
seafarers’ engagement with such technology vital for crew retention, recruitment, and to
at the fore. By assessing connectivity at sea safe and efficient ship operations.
in this way, we are better able to understand In addition, we were keen to explore the
the effects of connectivity, no connectivity, potential to better harness everyday uses
poor connectivity, and their combining, of technology to increase cohesion and
particularly on seafarers’ wellbeing, crew wellbeing amongst seafarers and their wider
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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community; this contrasts with prevalent
thinking in which connectivity at sea is
something that needs to be restricted and
rationed, often driven by underlying concerns
over security.
This study was motivated by a desire to go
beyond the idea that increased connectivity
is beneficial in any straightforward manner;
a notion that dominates much current
thinking, but which fails to engage with the
wider question of what greater connectivity
means to the individual. In contrast, this
study seeks to understand connectivity,
facilitated through and by digital technology,
in connection to a range of welfare issues,
some of which are amplified by the ability
to connect with family and friends whilst
physically separate.
The project’s overall aim is to build a picture
of how seafarers seek to establish a sense
of community and group cohesion, and how
digital technology and mobile devices both
support and challenge the establishment
of these feelings. Central to such ideas is
understanding the ways in which social
isolation on the one hand and group cohesion
on the other are talked about – and how a
focus on “everyday connectivities” provides
quite a different way in to understanding
the feelings that seafarers ascribe to their
onboard sense of wellbeing.
NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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SECTION 2
STUDY FRAMEWORK
In response to industry surveys into communications and the effect they
connectivity at sea, discussed in this perceive connectivity to have on security;
section, the present study offers a nuanced and crew cohesion and recruitment.
picture of how the multiple types of Interestingly, the 2018 Futurenautics report
digitally facilitated connections, relations states that while 53% of respondents said
and networks, enabled through mobile they believed connectivity to have reduced
technologies, affect the everyday lives of crew interaction, an increase in reported
seafarers onboard large container ships. connectivity has actually been matched by
Whilst the study has limitations both in a 3% fall in usage, suggesting that if there
terms of scope and approach, as outlined in is a correlation between connectivity and
relation to methods, it reveals intimate and seafarers’ isolation, it does not continue
insightful narratives about individual feelings beyond a certain point. Work-demands limit
related to onboard connectivities (or the time spent “connected” and we also know
lack thereof). To this end, it aims to give the from the Happiness Index (Crewtoo 2016
seafaring community itself a platform where and Mission to Seafarers 2018) that while
questions and challenges related to onboard seafarers “crave” connectivity, they also
connectivities can be brought to the fore. value time spent “unconnected”, engaging
with fellow crew members. Research by the
Existing studies Seafarers’ International Research Centre
at Cardiff University finds that only 13%
Industry studies of connectivity at sea of seafarers surveyed reported spending
have been increasing in number in recent free time in their cabins to access the
years. The best known is that produced by internet (Sampson 2017). According to
Futurenautics (2015 and 2018), which uses the Centre’s Director, Helen Sampson, the
data from a survey of almost 6,000 seafarers primary causes of social isolation among
to report on the state of connectivity and seafarers are changes in ship design and
the maritime communications market restrictions on alcohol and social events,
as well as a range of related issues, such rather than connectivity. Also striking in the
as: how much seafarers spend on digital Futurenautics (2018) findings is that 95%
communications; where they access the of respondents considered connectivity
internet, for what services or websites to have improved safety aboard ship –
and using what devices; seafarers’ which counters oft-heard concerns about
stated preferences regarding digital connectivity compromising safety and
security.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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• Page 11
surveys – like all methodologies – have their
Another valuable report, by Nautilus inherent limitations. Hence, our desire to
International (2017), draws on a smaller contribute qualitative data about seafarers’
survey of 2,000 seafarers to describe the lived experiences of connectivities into
state of connectivity, its cost to employers what is best seen as a landscape of
and seafarers, the connected services complementary research, from which an
seafarers can/cannot access, the impact “accurate” picture emerges cumulatively.
of connectivity that seafarers attribute to
retention and recruitment, and employers Research methods
and employees’ concerns regarding
connectivity aboard ship. Notably, the To establish an understanding of digitally
report describes a divergence in whether facilitated communications amongst
employers think connectivity reduces seafarers, we developed an ethnographic
crew interaction – with more thinking that study that looked at how seafarers use
it does not. Cost is the motivating factor mobile phones and other digitally enabled
for employers’ decision-making around devices in their daily lives, during long
spending on communication systems – periods at sea, and the opportunities and
although a Futurenautics 2016 Research risks that such usage introduces. The
White Paper notes an apparent shift in study engaged 43 seafarers onboard two
priorities – with ship operators now being container ships, one with onboard WiFi
primarily motived by operational efficiency capabilities and one without, during two
rather than set-up costs. Crew welfare is 10-day voyages. Access to ships was
rarely a motivating factor, despite a large secured with the assistance of a large
proportion of seafarers surveyed saying shipping company, Seaspan, which enabled
that connectivity is a very strong driver for one female researcher of Danish-Faroese
switching companies (Futurenautics 2018). nationality to carry out empirically grounded
research on these two ships. Whilst the
While the overall picture of improving ships had differentiated internet facilities,
connectivity is consistent across the reports they were both relatively new ships with
cited above, the statistics and figures spacious living accommodation, recreational
contained in their detail sometimes vary or and socialising spaces, and entertainment
even contradict each other. No one study facilities, including pre-recorded local news
will give a complete or accurate picture of media, television series, and movies. ______
connectivity and related issues at sea, andNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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SECTION 2
STUDY FRAMEWORK CONTINUED
_____________________________________ Ship1 Ship2
“We’ve had a survey about internet, and Location European European
no-one will say ‘no’ to more internet waters waters
[…] but it’s not that simple. The people Participants 22 crew (male): 21 crew (male):
creating the survey don’t understand Master, Chief Master, Chief
what it means not to have good internet. Officer, 2 x Officer, 2nd
2nd Off, Chief Off, 3rd Off,
Because you’re here, you will experience it
Engineer, 2nd Chief Engineer,
too.” Engineer, 3rd 2nd Engineer,
Engineer, 4th 3rd Engineer,
- participant, Ship1, February 2018 Engineer, 4th Engineer,
_____________________________________ Electrical Officer, Electrical
Bosun, 3 x AB, Officer, Bosun,
2 x OS, Trainee 3 x AB, 2 x OS,
All participation was voluntary, which was Deck Hand, Trainee Deck
made clear before any engagement with Oiler, Wiper, Hand, Oiler,
participants. Prior to undertaking the Chief Cook, Wiper, Chief
fieldwork, the study and the engagement Messman, Deck Cook,
Cadet, Electro Messman,
methods were approved by Royal Holloway
Cadet Deck Cadet
University of London’s Research Ethics
Participant Filipino, Ethi- Filipino, Chi-
Committee. Furthermore, a Participant nationalities opian, Indian, nese, Indian,
Information Sheet was created to ensure Sri Lankan, Sri Lankan,
that all participants were aware of the Ukrainian Ukrainian
underlying research aims and objectives, Ship Built in 2017. Built in 2014.
study methods, and their own voluntary architecture Spacious living Spacious living
involvement. Consent forms were also accommoda- accommoda-
tion, communal tion, commu-
signed by all participants and by the spaces, single nal spaces,
researcher to ensure that everyone cabins with en- single cabins
involved in the study understood, and were suites. with en-suites.
comfortable with what would happen to the Language used English English
information they provided. Voyage duration 10 days 10 days
Researcher Female, 38, Female, 38,
Table 1 presents a summary of the geographical location Danish-Faro- Danish-Faro-
and duration of both research trips, the composition and ese ese
size of crews, participants and researcher, nationalities, Outputs Field notes and Field notes and
language used, and outputs. pictures picturesNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
• Page 13
Data Capture and Analysis the seafarer context, specific categories
related to digital connectivity and mobile
Three forms of data were captured during phone use emerged directly from the
the research process: (1) written notes data. This was done through an approach
from group discussions; (2) researcher where we, individually and manually, traced
observations captured in note form; and dominant narratives across all fieldnotes.
(3) images captured by the researcher. To ensure consistency, the narratives were
The analysis employed a thematic content aggregated, themes were developed based
analysis, which allowed us to develop on the different analytical components, and
qualitative interpretations of both the relationships between the individual themes
researcher notes and the images. Written were explored. The study thus employed an
records were kept of all the generated inductive approach, where research themes
data, and by systematically categorising and findings emerged directly from the
and interpreting these data in relation to captured data.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS
The findings emerging from this qualitative Onboard connectivities
study are driven by a number of thematic ideas
and trends observed in group discussions _____________________________________
and individual conversations, during fieldwork Seafarers, however far removed, live
aboard two container ships in February closeness and distance in differentiated
and April 2018. This section sets out such ways; through their mobile phones and
themes and trends. In order to exemplify the through other digitally connected devices.
key findings, the section is divided into four _____________________________________
sub-sections which each focus on a specific
theme: (1) onboard connectivities; (2) rhythms
and routines; (3) pressures of connectivity; The study brought to the fore nuanced
and (4) recruitment and retention. Each understandings of how the multiple
sub-section will also include a summary of types of digitally facilitated connections,
the key findings in relation to each theme. relations and networks, enabled through
Through such summaries, key themes and increasingly connected ships, shape and
trends are highlighted and exemplified, before reshape seafarer lives. Because of the
being brought together in a conclusion in the two distinct field settings, the findings
subsequent section which also sets related to onboard connectivity comprise
out recommendations. a mixture of experiences with internet
access and without internet access;
Although the individual themes go across the as well as perceptions of what having
data, some themes are especially relevant to a onboard WiFi facilities would be like. The
particular research environment. The themes findings therefore demonstrate how the
identified here function as emblematic presence and/or absence of such facilities
examples of wider research findings and impact the daily lives of seafarers and
comprise a range of sub-themes that the feelings that accompany them. The
contribute to the overall understanding of research showed that onboard digital
everyday connectivities at sea. It is therefore connectivities, within and beyond the
important to recognise that when trying to confinements of the ship, hold the
understand the meanings that seafarers potential to (re)create spaces of everyday
ascribe to their everyday uses of digital safety and security for crew. However,
technologies at sea, all of these themes, and such connectivities may also disrupt
the nuances that they entail, need to be taken onboard rhythms and routines, if these
into consideration.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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• Page 15
are seen to be too restrictive and/or too computers in their cabins, as well as a
expensive. day-room and a bedroom, everyone had
access to communal spaces, such as the
_____________________________________ crew day room and the officers’ day room,
“Connectivity hasn’t damaged social which included televisions, video games,
cohesion; smaller crews, ship architecture, karaoke machine, and sound systems.
and less time in ports have.” Moreover, recreational facilities such
as a gym and table tennis, also shape
- participant, Ship1, February 2018 seafarer lives. However, all participants
_____________________________________ explained how they would get bored after
a while at sea. Whilst they did have other
ways of entertaining themselves, as
Seafaring has changed significantly in mentioned above, these became less and
recent years, with less time in ports and less interesting over time. Being able to
limited shore leave, increased automation, connect was seen to bring new and outside
reliance on technology rather than on man perspectives onto the ship, which would
power, reduced speed to minimise fuel strengthen social cohesion as there would
consumption and environmental impact, be more topics to discuss.
socialising and alcohol consumption
policies, and larger ships, yet, smaller With this in mind, in this section, we set
crews. Along with the advancements in out the findings related to the overarching
digital technologies both at sea and ashore, theme of onboard connectivities, which
it is therefore important to recognise these includes the myriad networks and digital
significant broader changes, which have facilities through which seafarers at all
impacted upon how lives are lived at sea. levels connect with their kin and friendship
networks.
Developments in ship architecture and
entertainment provision, beyond digital
technologies, are also important factors
in how everyday connections between
seafarers and their wider networks are
facilitated and supported. This was evident
in both research settings. Whilst senior
officers had televisions and desktopNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
Ship 1 Ship2 Key findings
Ship1 had onboard WiFi facilities, which
Onboard WiFi Yes No
meant that all crew members could
connect using their mobile phones;
however, this was limited to 50MB per
Internet data 50MB per week N/A week per person. Access to WiFi was
allowance (free) enabled through password-protected
personalised accounts, which would
be activated once someone joined the
Email Individual Individual ship and deactivated when someone
emails emails disembarked. The account, and the data
accessed accessed it held, was therefore personalised and
through shared through shared assigned to individuals aboard the ship.
computers or computers or
mobile phone mobile phone
Although this was seen to be better than
app. app. no connectivity at all, there was general
consensus that it was not enough to
Phone Phone calling Phone calling maintain satisfactory everyday relations
cards (paid for) cards (paid for) with family and friends, especially during
long periods at sea. In particular, these
limitations meant that it was not possible
Media Shared TV Shared TV to use Skype or FaceTime, download
and computer and computer videos or music, or communicate beyond
in common in common sending text messages. The 50MB data
rooms, access rooms, access allowance was therefore only seen to be
to local news to local news
sources, sources,
useful for sending WhatsApp or IMO1
movies and TV movies and TV messages which would, however, need to
series series be limited and rationed as further outlined
in the subsequent section. Noted by most
participants, 50MB was seen to be better
Table 2. Onboard connections differed between the two than 0MB, 100MB was better than 50MB
ships. Whilst phone calling cards and individual emails and unlimited connectivity was better
were available on board both ships, the option to connect than 100MB.
through WiFi was only possible on Ship1.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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_____________________________________
“I have never been on a ship with
connectivity”
- participant, Ship2, April 2018
_____________________________________
This was echoed in research done aboard
Ship2, which exemplified how not having
WiFi fostered certain expectations about
the levels of internet connectivity that
could be provided by ship owners. Most
participants on Ship2 had never been on
a ship with internet connectivity, which
fostered many speculations about what
having internet access would mean and
how that would change their use of digital
technology and their ability to communicate
with home. Most participants noted that
they would probably still be buying mobile
phone sim cards in ports (see “pressures of
connectivity” section), but having onboard
internet, regardless of any perceived
restrictions, would give them choice; a
choice that they did not feel they currently
had. To this end, there was a perception
that access to onboard WiFi would improve
their standards of living and working, both in
terms of relations with family and in terms of
onboard camaraderie.
1
WhatsApp is a free messaging and voice app, whilst IMO Image 3: Onboard digital connectivities enable seafarers
is a social networking site that enables free video calls and to connect with family and friends, during long periods at
chat as well as sending text messages and sharing pictures. sea, at times that suit them; thus, avoiding disrupting rest
IMO is predominantly used by Filipino crews. and work.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
Participants also noted that there were big Data allowances would be topped-up every
differences between ships in terms of internet Monday, and since it was not possible to
connectivity more broadly. Both crew and transfer any remaining data to the next
officers agreed that there seemed to be an week, any unused MBs would be “lost”.
assumption amongst shipping companies There was a general lack of understanding
that providing some internet onboard ships of why this was the case. As one participant
would respond to, and solve any demands noted: “If I decide to save up data, I should
about connectivity coming from the wider be allowed to do so”. Similarly, the fact that it
seafaring community. However, as noted by all was not possible to pay for additional top-
participants, being on a “connected ship” could ups was also questioned by crew members.
mean many things. The multiple restrictions, Both the crew and officers agreed that this
limitations and costs all contributed to a should be optional as it would give them
complex picture of multi-layered connections “choice” – something which they explained
running through, within and beyond the that they did not currently have.
boundaries of the ship. This was seen to
generate a lot of uncertainty and frustration The main question for many participants in
amongst most crew members. From these this context was why they could not transfer
engagements, it was clear that there is a left-over MBs to the next week, in cases
strong need to understand the nuances of where they had not spent all of their data
online connectivities onboard ships to a much allowance. In particular, participants noted
greater extent. For our participants, online that they would sometimes buy a mobile
did not simply mean online, but it came with a phone sim card in Europe (e.g. Rotterdam)
number of challenges and issues that need to and then use that during the European leg
be understood and dealt with, and it referred of their voyage. This meant that they would
to multi-layered networks, connections, and not be using their data allowance during this
relations that are not straightforward. period. Because they could not transfer MBs
onto next week’s allowance, this meant that
_____________________________________
they would sometimes simply lose out on
“It is as if they [the companies] think we
data. This was seen to be frustrating, and
should be grateful; grateful that we’ve got
most participants on Ship1 strongly felt that
some connectivity.”
there should be an opportunity to save up
data that could then be used the following
- participant, Ship1, February 2018
week.
_____________________________________NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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• Page 19
Image 4: Everyday connectivities at sea
are not confined to the ship, but blur the
boundaries between sea and shore.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 20 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
It was also noted by all participants on Ship1 In addition to connecting using digital
that a number of sites were blocked when means, all crew members had the
trying to access them through ship-provided opportunity to use other methods of
WiFi, which meant that they would have to connecting and communicating with friends
find alternative ways of connecting. This was and family. Some participants would buy
particularly evident in terms of messaging calling cards through the Master, to be used
apps such as IMO, which could only be with their mobile phones, which would
accessed through a VPN. Whilst no official allow them to ring international numbers.
company instructions were provided on This costed them around 25 cents per
how to do this, participants explained how minute. This method was only used by a
they would share information about how to minority of participants on either of the
circumvent internet restrictions in order to ships. Whilst one participant on Ship2 noted
enable them to access platforms through that he would spend $200 per month on
which they could connect with family and calling cards, another participant on the
friends. This ability to be able to communicate same ship explained that calling cards were
with family back home, using apps, platforms too expensive for him. In general, most
and services with which they and their wider participants on both ships explained that
networks were familiar, was noted to be the they would not buy calling cards. This was
most important aspects of crew welfare. mainly down to costs and, importantly, the
It was, however, unclear as to why these fact that they did not meet their needs; in
restrictions were in place. Some seemed contrast to digital connectivities which gave
to suggest that they had been put in place them flexibility. However, those who did buy
to help crew members limit their use but, calling cards said that they would ration their
generally, there was a lack of understanding use and only call for three-four minutes at
of why sites such as IMO, Facebook and one time to keep costs down.
Instagram were not accessible.
Because of the lack of onboard connectivity
_____________________________________ (Ship2) and limited use of calling cards,
“It’s fine for some officers to spend a lot of some crew members would not connect
money on phone cards, but it’s different for with anyone outside the ship, during long
ratings.” sea passages. This was despite the fact
- participant, Ship2, April 2018 that everyone had access to a personalised
_____________________________________ (company) email that could be accessed
through either the shared computers in theNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
• Page 21
crew day room and the officers’ day room It was very clear that instantaneous
or through an app on their mobile phones. messaging was seen as critical to everyone
However, this medium was not perceived to on both ships as they noted that it was
be satisfactory and would therefore not be difficult to maintain close relations without
used by most participants. First, because having instantaneous communication.
these emails were company emails, there was Therefore, instant replies enabled through
a perception of being monitored. Second, platforms such as WhatsApp and IMO were
the emailing system had a built-in delay, the preferred mode of communication
which meant that it was impossible to have within current restrictions. Also, it was
a sensible “conversation” over email. This noted that some questions or arguments
would create a feeling of being constantly needed to be resolved immediately. For
“out of sync”. It was noted that it would take instance, one example was given of how an
between 15 minutes and two hours to reach argument with a girlfriend back home would
the other person, and this was not seen result in a lot tension aboard the ship and
as very useful for anyone. The time-delay impact upon camaraderie and cohesion,
therefore meant that they would not use which could then not be resolved if the
emails to communicate with loved ones. individual had run out of data. For most
Third, participants noted how the server participants, therefore, the most important
would often be “offline”, which would mean aspect of digital connectivity was the speed
that emails could not get through. This would and immediacy that it enabled. This allowed
not only impact upon social relations, but also them to communicate with people back
upon the operation of the ship, as ship-to- home in a less disruptive manner. This was
shore and shore-to-ship communications also emphasised by one participant who had
were disrupted on these occasions. Emails decided not to use onboard WiFi because he
were thus not seen as a reliable way of had experienced that the unreliability and
communicating with family and friends. inconsistency of the connection did not suit
____________________________________ him and had caused more harm than good to
“On a scale from 1 to 10, I would say that his personal relations.
internet connectivity is an 8 in terms of
importance. The only thing that is more
important than connectivity is food.”
- participant, Ship1, February 2018
_____________________________________NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 22 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
As noted above and outlined in Table to be recognised and understood.
2, there was no WiFi aboard Ship2. • Uneven and unreliable connectivity creates
feelings of uncertainty and frustration amongst
Participants were unsure as to why this seafarers and their families.
was the case. However, there were a lot of • Access restrictions and blocked sites have meant
stories and rumours circulating about the that seafarers find ways of circumventing such
possibility that connectivity would soon be restrictions e.g. through VPNs.
available on the ship. Such rumours were • Company-provided emails are only rarely used
as they are seen to not provide seafarers or their
based on the fact that all the equipment families with a satisfactory communication
required for onboard connectivity had channel; this is mainly due to the built-in delay
previously been installed and had been which means that it is not possible to engage in
ready for use but then a decision was sensible “conversations” over emails.
made (somewhere) that all the equipment • Onboard ships without connectivity, perceptions
and expectations of internet access are out of
should be taken out again. This fuelled sync with what is experienced by those that have
wide-reaching speculations as to why this onboard connectivity.
was the case, on the one hand, and raised
expectations that new equipment would
soon be installed, on the other. However,
there was also a sense that shipping
Rhythms and routines
companies did not appreciate the impact
that such uncertainties about internet _____________________________________
connectivity had on people’s wellbeing Seafarers become avid mobile phone users
or the labour involved in installing this and rely on digitally facilitated channels
equipment. One participant explained how to stay in touch with family and wider
he had been instrumental in setting up WiFi networks of friends.
equipment on his previous ship, but had _____________________________________
never benefitted from it.
The study uncovered how uneven and
unreliable digital connections disrupt the
Findings summary
• Limited connectivity is better than no patterns and rhythms of everyday life,
connectivity. work and rest, during long periods at sea.
• Providing WiFi onboard ships does not solve or It revealed the creative ways in which
respond to all the challenges facing seafarers, seafarers navigate and negotiate digitally
but it may reduce some of the emotional stresses facilitated connections to establish “safe
and pressures that come with separation and
isolation; it also creates new challenges that need spaces” that allow them to maintain strongNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
• Page 23
ties and intimate relations during times all participants explained how they would
of separation from family and friends. To ration their internet use to make sure that
this end, this section outlines research the 50MB weekly allowance would last for
findings relating to the ways in which the entire week. This meant that although
multiple onboard connectivities as well as they would generally message on a daily
connections facilitated through external basis, they would make sure that they would
channels (e.g. mobile phone sim cards not go over 7MB per day. All participants
purchased in different ports) affect the noted how they would “budget” their usage
rhythms of the ship. Research findings in different ways. Some explained that
in relation to the overarching theme of they would only do one or two messages
“rhythms and routines” cover a range of a day, others would save up data to use on
observations about everyday practices a Sunday. It was seen as important to not
relating to digital connectivity and mobile run out of data half-way through the week,
phone usage by seafarers. These include the especially during long sea passages. If they,
rationing of data consumption, a culture of by Sunday, still had any data remaining
sharing knowledge about ways to connect, they would either share it with other crew
internet use in port, and how connectivity members or download videos or TV series in
may disrupt work and rest patterns. order to use up any remaining data.
Key findings
The research exemplified, in a number
of ways, how participants would ration _____________________________________
their internet use by using “low data Participants noted that they would spend a
consumption” apps to make their internet lot of time and energy constantly tracking
data last for longer. On Ship1, this was their own data usage and searching for low
particularly evident through the rationing of data consumption apps, in order to make
the onboard data allowance, which provided their weekly MBs last for longer.
them with 50MB to spend over a week. This _____________________________________
limited access to onboard internet meant
that all participants would restrict their own
personal use. For many, this was not only
seen as frustrating and unnecessary, but
also disruptive to their wider networks of
friends and family. Extending this narrative,NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 24 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
This form of everyday “budgeting” of and app updates. The sharing of data
internet data exemplifies the importance was also particularly used in situations
that digital connectivity plays in the daily where a crew member was out of data
lives of individuals whose lives are lived at but was in desperate need of being able
a distance and away from their family and to communicate with home; examples of
friends, for long periods at a time. Moreover, unresolved arguments with girlfriends and
it exemplifies the efforts and creativity that wives were used to explain when the sharing
participants invest in ensuring that they of MBs would be particularly important. This
can stay in touch with loved ones whilst at was seen as a way of managing everyday
sea, even if this is only through restrictive cohesion onboard ships as well as managing
and restricting channels and platforms. relationships at a distance. Everyone
Participants also noted that they were noted that they would always change their
always on the lookout for new apps that passwords the following week, when their
would allow them to do what they wanted accounts had been topped up in order to
to do without using much data. In this stop anyone from using their designated
sense, IMO was seen as consuming less data allowance. It is important to note that
data compared to WhatsApp. Similarly, this form of password and data sharing
most participants explained that they had was not common practice but happened
not brought their laptops because trying occasionally when someone was in need of
to connect a laptop to the internet would instant online communication. However,
consume too much data. this particular aspect of a culture of sharing
exemplifies the often hidden practices that
As noted above, Ship1 participants revealed shape how people maintain everyday lives
how they would share any remaining data in exceptional circumstances, and the roles
with other crew members if needed. This that digital connectivities play in bridging
was done through the sharing of account and connecting people and places.
passwords, so that they could use each
other’s data allowance. This practice
was particularly used if someone did not
want to use their weekly allowance or if
someone was low on MBs because they
had accidentally used up their data. This
often happened when someone had failed
to deactivate automated mobile phoneNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
• Page 25
Similarly, onboard Ship2, where participants
had to rely on external methods of
connecting, there was a culture of sharing
knowledge about which sites to use in
terms of reducing data consumption, which
sellers to buy from and not to buy from to
get the best deals on mobile phone sim
cards, and in which ports to buy sim cards
that would cover larger areas. For example,
northern Europe was seen to be better
than southern Europe and Asia because the
cards covered larger areas – and not just
one country (although these cards were
also seen to be expensive by the crew). This
culture of sharing knowledge and experience
was particularly evident when new crew
members joined the ship.
All participants noted that the atmosphere
on the ship would change when people had
internet connectivity. This was particularly
evident on Mondays when everyone’s
internet allowance had been topped up
(Ship1) and when the ship was nearing port
or close enough to land to pick up a mobile
phone signal (Ship1 and Ship2). Having
this level of connections from outside the
confinements of the ship also meant that
new information reached the ship which
created new topics for discussion. This
Image 5: The everyday rhythms and routines of the ship are was particularly important for onboard
driven by the core function of the ship; the transportation socialisation and cohesion.
of goods across great geographical distances. Seafarer
lives are lived alongside these rhythms.NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 26 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
It was also evident that the mood of the onboard connectivity, albeit limited and
ship could be impacted by changing routes restricted, made a significant difference in
and sailing schedules, as this would not only terms of being able to maintain everyday
increase the workload but it could have an communications with close family members
effect on the crews’ ability to connect with and to feel “in control”, as some participants
people beyond the ship. Onboard Ship2, explained.
where all digital connectivity was facilitated
through external channels, the uncertainties One aspect of connectivity that was true
that were introduced by delays or last- of both ships was how the moving in and
minute changes impacted upon people’s out of connectivity disrupted work and rest
ability keep up with life back at home. A patterns. At moments when participants
number of examples were given where crew had either used up their weekly data
members had missed a child’s birthday allowance (Ship1) or were connecting using
or a friend’s wedding, for instance, due to mobile phone sim cards they had purchased
unforeseen delays or changes. in port (Ship1 and Ship2), the position of the
ship would be closely monitored in order to
_____________________________________ get a sense of when and where it would be
“You may have planned to message possible to pick up a mobile phone signal.
someone or speak to your family when The inability to connect using onboard
you’re in a certain port on a certain date, internet therefore disrupted established
but when the schedule then keeps changing work and rest patterns and routines in
these plans are disrupted and you feel particular ways.
terrible. You eventually lose your friends.”
If the only method of connecting using
- participant, Ship2, April 2018 digital technology is through personal
_____________________________________ mobile phones then it must be expected
that crew members will use every
Plans to connect with friends and family opportunity they get to connect with family
were therefore constantly disrupted and friends, when the ship is within mobile
onboard Ship2, as there was no alternative phone signal range, regardless of the time of
to connecting using mobile phone sim cards day, work or rest hours.
bought in port, which caused a lot of stress
and headache for seafarers and for their
families. To this end, as observed on Ship1,NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
• Page 27
_____________________________________ noted by all participants that if they had
“Sometimes you don’t want to go to sleep reliable and sufficient internet connectivity
because there is a chance that you will have on the ship, they would not have to go into
mobile phone signal.” port at all i.e. for many, the main reason for
going into port was to use the internet.
- participant, February 2018
_____________________________________ Findings summary
• Limited data allowance leads to the rationing of
The mobile phone was thus present in all data use and creative approaches to finding low
data consumption applications and platforms.
aspects of daily life and work aboard the two • A culture of sharing in terms of internet
ships, and it was often used to search for connectivity and data allowance was observed on
connectivity (sometimes where there was both ships, in differentiated ways.
none) to establish contact with loved ones • The lack of reliable and sufficient onboard digital
beyond the ship. connectivity disrupts work and rest patterns as
crew members connect using their mobile phones
when these are within signal range, regardless of
In terms of disrupting rest and work time of day.
patterns, participants on both ships • The main and overshadowing reason that
assumed that the underlying reasons for not participants go ashore during, sometimes
providing better internet connectivity were very short port stays, is to connect with family
members using reliable internet connections.
costs and the perception that they would • Moving in and out of connectivity, and the lack of
spend too much of their resting time online constant connectivity, may have a negative effect
between shifts. However, as was noted by on sleep and work patterns.
one participant: “We know that we have to
rest between shifts, we’re professionals.”
The rhythm of going into port was
dominated by the search for good, cost-
effective (free) internet connectivities. In
fact, the ability to connect with wider kin
and friendship networks through different
social media platforms, such as Facebook
and Instagram, and video calling services,
such as Skype and FaceTime, was the main
priority for participants when in port. It wasNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 28 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
Pressures of connectivity spoke of an ecosystem of sim card sellers
in ports, upon whom they would rely for
_____________________________________ mobile internet connectivity. Whilst many
Digital connectivity during times of participants (ratings in particular) noted that
separation comes with both positive and they would weigh up the value of spending
negative qualities. Seafarers experience money on a sim card in one port over the
the freedoms that it enables as well as the other, they still felt that they had “no choice”
pressures that it creates. other than to buy “over-priced sim cards”.
_____________________________________ Participants also noted that they were in a
particularly vulnerable position and were
Fragmented connections, which surface prime targets for scammers who were
when the ship moves in and out of selling cards that did not contain either
connectivity or when on-board data the minutes, speed, or data that they were
allowances run out, create a series of promised. This was a recurring problem.
pressures and emotional stresses that often A number of examples were given of how
unsettle individual feelings of safety and seafarers had been scammed, which meant
security. To this end, the study highlighted that these sim card sellers were referred
how the reworking of sailor lives through to as “the Mafia” in the sense that they
technological advances and changing could not be trusted. Participants felt in a
work models produce feelings of distance particularly vulnerable position because of
and isolation, but also togetherness and their mobile lives and because they would
community. This section, outlines key be desperate to connect by the time they
findings in relation to the freedoms and reached a new port. There was a lack of
pressures that come with differentiated understanding amongst participants of why
connectivities during long periods at sea, their employer(s) would “force” them to
separated from family and friends. engage with these sellers.
_____________________________________
Key findings “In most ports, sim card sellers come onto
Because of the limited and restrictive the ship to sell their stuff. We call them ‘the
onboard digital connectivities experienced Mafia’ because they cannot be trusted but
by seafarers, they become key targets for we’re reliant on them.”
sellers of mobile phone sim cards in ports
around the world. The crew on both ships - participant, Ship1, February 2018
_____________________________________NAVIGATING EVERYDAY
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• Page 29
From a different perspective, participants
also noted that if no sim card sellers turned
up in a port this would have a significant
impact on the mood onboard the ship. In
some places it would be possible for them
to go ashore to buy sim cards in port, but
in other places this was not an option
either because of limited time or because
of security. Related to a wider culture of
sharing, it was also noted that they would
often buy sim cards for each other, in
situations where some crew members were
too busy to either go ashore or be present
when the seller(s) came aboard the ship to
sell sim cards.
_____________________________________
“If you go to the ship office and realise
that there are no sellers and you can’t buy
a sim card, it’s really depressing. You’ve
been looking forward to it for several
days, because you know you’ll be in port
and then you can get a sim card. It’s really
depressing.”
- participant, Ship2, April 2018
_____________________________________
It was noted by most participants that
during long sea passages there would be
Image 6: Participants voiced a number of different
pressures which were amplified by the lack of ability to no choice to buy sim cards because they
connect in a frequent and reliable manner. These included would not come into port. For those without
financial pressures, pressures from family and friends, work onboard connectivity (Ship2), this would
pressures, and pressures from being isolated.
cause a lot of stress as they had no option toNAVIGATING EVERYDAY
• Page 30 CONNECTIVITIES AT SEA
SECTION 3
RESEARCH FINDINGS CONTINUED
engage in everyday messaging with family eat vegetables all the time, they also need to
and friends. They noted that if they had eat meat.”
reliable and sufficient onboard WiFi they
would not feel the need to make themselves Another pressure in relation to digital
vulnerable to potential scammers. Similarly, connectivity expressed by many
free onboard connectivity was also seen to participants was the pressure coming from
even out the gap between officers and the family members who found it difficult that
rest of the crew, as it gave everyone the it was not always possible to connect using
same opportunity to connect with friends digital technology. It was unclear as to how
and family – regardless of salary and status. much crew members would know about the
levels of connectivity before they joined a
Participants voiced a number of pressures new ship. This would also make it difficult
during the group discussions. These centred for them to prepare family members for
on financial pressures, work pressures, what they could expect in terms of internet
family pressures and pressures related to connection. Many participants thus noted
limited digital connectivities. In terms of that they had to manage family expectation
financial pressures, these were related to about levels of and access to onboard digital
the costs associated with buying sim cards connectivity. In this context, the question
and onboard calling cards in order to be able of onboard internet cafés surfaced on
to connect with wider kin and friendship a number of occasions. Although these
networks. Because of the mobility of the were seen to be better than having no
ship, moving across large geographical internet, they did not meet participants’
distances and from country to country, need and desire to be able to have intimate
there is a need to buy multiple sim cards in conversations with loved ones.
different ports. For most of the ratings, it
was not an option to buy sim cards in every _____________________________________
port. Financial pressures also related to the “If you’re away from your family for nine
underlying reason why many participants months, you want to have the ability to
were spending up to nine months at sea communicate in private – especially over
away from their loved ones. To this end, all the internet.”
participants, in all group discussions and
conversations, voiced a very clear sense of - participant, Ship2, April 2018
their obligations to provide for their family. _____________________________________
As one participant noted: “They can’t justYou can also read
