Impact of Digital Technologies on Seafarers' Mental Health and Wellbeing

Despite transitioning towards a net-zero world over the past decade, demand for oil and gas has grown unabated, encouraging the industry to travel further into remote areas to extract and process natural resources. Behind all those endeavors and sophisticated machinery, it's easy to overlook the important roles that men and women play in making this happen.

They are the foundation of every development, often working in rough and remote conditions with little interaction with the modern world. The recent emergency of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations and 5G networks have revolutionized the perception of time and space, but how can these seafarers benefit from the new technology to enhance their wellbeing?

In this article, we will explore how seafarers’ mental health can be improved with reliable internet connectivity (entertainment services) and what benefits this brings to corporations.

Take care of your sailors, attract sailors

One of the primary concerns of professional seafarers is their work-life balance and wellbeing.  

The truth is, we all need someone to talk to when we are feeling overwhelmed or are overcome with feelings of loneliness.

With the constant evolution of technology enabling us to stay connected, we can help sailors and other members of the marine merchant community feel connected while they are at sea.

Whether you are looking forward to a video call with your spouse, partner, friends, or family, or you are simply planning to relax after your shift by catching up on the news or a Netflix special, being connected is important. Having reliable internet access to stay connected with the mainland can improve your morale and reduce the sense of isolation that many seafarers struggle with.

In the evening, watching a sports event or a film/series becomes an event the crew can rally around and enjoy together. This shared experience will help the crew bond together in the meantime, releasing the pressure of the day. A new fun corporation culture onboard may even arise.

Companies that take this matter seriously gain visibility and respectability to attract and retain talent. Their sailors will be happier and more satisfied, leading to productivity gains and safety gains. It's a win-win relationship.

How Techfirm Canarias Help with Crew Welfare

Techfirm Canarias recognizes how important being connected is when you are miles from home for months at a time. Its solutions connect people to their family, sports team, and the news even when they are miles from home. 

A managed service to deliver welfare programs to each end-point on board

Techfirm Canarias’ CEO Pierre Marc Noel spent years working offshore around the world installing telecoms equipment in challenging and rough environments. He understands the frustration when the TV is not working, so he decided to specialize in Sat TV services to get things working, all the time instead of intermittently.  

Aside from TV services, Techfirm Canarias provides a complete telecom service, from an initial survey to installation and managed services covering maritime antenna maintenance, infrastructure troubleshooting worldwide, Sat TV packages, and Internet WiFi services. Techfirm Canarias is a comprehensive provider giving you a single point of contact for everything you need. 

Global Sat TV & Entertainment services à la carte

Techfirm Canarias proposes a single solution to provide a customizable global TV sat service without the need to have many interlocutors and losing valuable time. It is a one-stop shop where everything can be discussed and solved at the same time.

Crew Welfare

The crew will have the opportunity to bond around TV programs or sports events. Sailors can access the same offering in their cabin if they seek privacy. These services promote a positive working culture around companionship and mental health.

The positive impact is demonstrated by the comments from users:

« Always excited to watch a FormulaOne GP with my teammates! Thanks for making it possible » Pierre S (FPSO / West Africa).

« My shifts onboard are not the same when I know I can call home after many hours on duty! » Ruslan O. (Drillship / West Africa).

« We never miss a single NFL NCAA game onboard thanks to Techfirm Canarias services! The support team rocks, always ready to go the extra mile. » Josh K. =New Orleans Saints freak= (Drillship / GoM)

« I remember the last Celtic / Rangers derby onboard as if it was yesterday! We had such a good time all together! » Paul P. (Jackup rig / North Sea)

Reduction of operations overhead

Single interlocutor providing a unique managed service to help IT departments concentrate on their core activity.

 

This article is sponsored by Techfirm Canarias. Learn more about the firm and how it can provide the connections crewmembers need to stay in touch with their family and friends which is essential to positive morale and productivity by contacting Techfirm Canarias or visit them online.