Seaways Free Article: Introducing the STEER project
Investigating Seafarer Technology Engagement Empowerment and Resilience
by David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects
The Nautical Institute is delighted to announce a major research project looking into seafarers, technology and the future of the industry. In collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, the Seafarer Technology Engagement, Empowerment and Resilience (STEER) Project will harness The Nautical Institute’s extensive international network to explore the real-world impact of the combined introduction of new systems and working practices at sea.
Every week seems to bring an announcement about a new technology or digital tool which will transform life at sea as we know it. Whether you greet the news of the latest innovation with optimism, cynicism or a healthy dose of scepticism, one thing is for sure. There is a real gap in what we know about the ultimate change brought about by these developments at the human level. While individual technologies undergo rigorous testing, little is known about their collective effect on seafarers’ operational effectiveness, mental and physical health. The simplest and most direct way to find out about this is, quite simply, to ask – and then to look at how we make things better.
The STEER Project will officially launch a global research and engagement initiative designed to answer that question, act on the findings and drive safer outcomes for those who work at sea. For The Nautical Institute, this is an incredible opportunity to lead a research project with global reach that makes the most of the trust placed in us by the industry to deliver meaningful change.
Seaways talked to Director of Projects David Patraiko about what the project means and what form the research might take:
Why is it so important to carry out research on this topic?
Ultimately safe shipping is reliant on good decisions made by maritime professionals. Given the pace of change with technology it is essential that we understand the impact of technology on seafarers.
As with life in general, we are all using technology in ways we may not have imagined. Technology is transforming every aspect of our lives, often faster than we can understand its impact. Many of these technological developments, including automation and artificial intelligence (AI), are transforming how ships are operated. Some are extremely useful and make the lives of seafarers much better. But at the same time, there are also unintended consequences that affect safety, decision making and wellbeing. This project gives us the opportunity to listen to seafarers from around the world in a detailed, structured way, to better understand how these changes affect them in real life.
What do you hope to achieve as a result of the project?
We are trying to keep an open mind about what we will discover and what we will do with those findings.
That said, we will be guided by principles such as Human Centred Design, focusing on the human element and trying to find solutions that are effective and fit-for-purpose for each community. For example, we may be able to offer guidance to manufacturers on design, to shipowners on the application and use of technology on board, and advice to seafarers on safe ways of using technology. The form that advice takes and the way it is presented will vary depending on the most effective way of communicating it. I even hope that some of our observations could lead to better recruitment and retention practices in shipping.
What makes The Nautical Institute particularly suited to this project?
The international membership of The Nautical Institute and its focus on sharing good information to help those at sea and ashore puts us in an excellent position to reach out across the maritime sector. The support of Lloyds Register Foundation will help us expand on our existing network by providing greater resources for this activity, enabling us to talk to the right people – that is, those who are on the ground (or on the water) – and more importantly, to listen to them. The Institute also has a strong reputation for dissemination including books, magazines, industry guidelines, events, webinars and relationships with other leading international organisations such as the IMO, which we can leverage in sharing the conclusions of our research.
Are there any areas of technology in particular that you will be looking in to?
The scope of this research project needs to be wide indeed. Initially we’ll be looking at all areas of technology that impact seafarers. This will include technology used for operations, but also personal technology that impacts the lives of those onboard. Once the initial approach has been defined, we can focus on the changes which will have the greatest impact.
The topics that we cover might include, for example, the effect of sleep patterns due to high levels of screen time, the effect of social media on mental health (good and bad), the potential for continuous professional development enabled by ‘always on’ internet access, and so much more. One of the biggest challenges the industry faces is that due to the rapid pace of change, ‘learning from experience’ isn’t always possible, thus necessitating this type of ‘proactive’ research.
Do you have a timeline for the project? What are the first steps?
The STEER Project is a 2.5 year project. We hope to have a dedicated project team engaged by the end of 2025 or early 2026.
Once that team is in place, our first step will be to create a community where we can share thoughts and observations. Following this and some underpinning research, we will host a series of workshops around the world to better engage with all stakeholders, including the seafarers themselves, but also shipowners, managers, equipment providers, education and training professionals, welfare experts, regulators, and anyone else who has an interest in ensuring the smooth interaction between seafarers and technology.
Towards the end of the project we will deliver a comprehensive ‘toolbox’ of guidance designed to help smooth the introduction of new technology across all sectors of the shipping industry.
How can members of The Nautical Institute get involved?
On an individual basis, you can visit our website page and sign up to our online community to learn more about what we are doing and share your thoughts.
We will be looking to our Branches to host or support many of our workshops, and to make the most of their connections with their local communities to get as wide a range of input as possible. If you’d like to get involved right at the heart of the project, and join the HQ team working on the STEER Project full time, click here to find out more – or scan the QR code below.
Regular updates about the project will be sent to all those who register their interest on the projects web page. There will be regular articles in Seaways and our monthly newsletter.
