Seaways STEER Project Update

Meet the team

We are pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Ann Pletschke CMMar CMarTech FNI as Project Manager for the STEER Project, delivered in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation. The Institute is also delighted to confirm that Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, Senior Technical Manager, will provide specialist technical support as a member of the STEER Project team.

Captain Ann Pletschke brings more than 25 years of seagoing and shore-based experience to the project, including offshore operations and the design, management and operation of newbuild and existing autonomous vessels, marine assurance, vessel inspection and safety management. A Chartered Master Mariner and Chartered Marine Technologist, she is also actively involved with the IMO MSC working groups for the MASS Code as part of The Nautical Institute delegation.

‘I have seen a great evolution in how technology is introduced and used at sea,’ Ann says. ‘I have witnessed firsthand, most recently as a Master of a newbuild DP 2 vessel, both the benefits and the challenges for seafarers. This is why I am so passionate about leading the STEER Project.

‘Listening to seafarers is at the heart of this project. My vision is to ensure that no demographic is left unheard, including those who have dealt with the technological shifts over the past 50 years and those who will work in a very different maritime environment in 50 years to come.’

Human-centred design

Supporting the project, Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI brings over 25 years of maritime industry experience spanning vessel operations, maritime training and applied research. As a Master Mariner he holds deep operational expertise and brings specialist experience in simulation-based ship handling and technical training. Captain Elsayed also represents The Nautical Institute at the IMO, contributing to the MASS regulatory and technical discussions.

Outlining the importance of the project, Aly said: ‘The human element and human-centred design (HCD) are fundamental to safety. Usability and ergonomics determine whether technology truly supports seafarers or overloads them. Technology strengthens safety when systems are well aligned with human capabilities, supporting situational awareness, enabling better decisions and helping seafarers perform tasks effectively while managing workload. When that alignment is missing, distraction and cognitive load can increase, which may in turn raise the risk of human error.’

An industry-wide initiative steered by collaboration

The STEER Project is about listening to those on the front line while engaging shipowners, equipment manufacturers, regulators and trainers, to create a practical toolbox, enabling the industry to adopt new technologies in a way that strengthens human competence, knowledge and expertise.

Use the QR code below to join the STEER community and make your voice heard.