STEER Project: Ensuring technology supports decision-making at sea

Safety4Sea, Issue 116

Last year, The Nautical Institute and Lloyd’s Register Foundation launched the STEER Project to explore the real-world impact of introducing new systems alongside evolving working practices at sea. Captain Ann Pletschke CMMar FNI, STEER Project Lead, and Captain David Patraiko FNI, Director of Projects at The Nautical Institute highlighted that the project aims to give seafarers a voice by actively listening to their feedback, in order to better understand the impact of technology on wellbeing, fatigue, and stress levels.

SAFETY4SEA: Maritime automation and AI are often presented as solutions for safety and efficiency. What human challenges are emerging alongside these technologies?

When autopilots were first introduced, GMDSS DSC watch receivers were fitted, or DP manual manoeuvring was replaced by joysticks, seafarers went through a transition period in learning to trust the new automation, learning how the new systems worked and adapting their working practices to use the systems to their benefit. Today, we observe similar challenges as evolving technologies are implemented. For example, AI route optimisation has been introduced to the bridge, but crews still have to assess the accuracy of the new systems. This kind of challenge is not new to crews, but companies need to allow sufficient time for familiarisation and provide adequate training for any new technology introduced.

S4S: How are roles and responsibilities on board ships changing as new technologies are introduced?

The responsibility of seafarers has not fundamentally changed; however, the tasks they perform and the way they handle them have changed significantly due to these technologies. Many of these tasks are now more data-driven than ever and monitored by shore authorities in real time. This requires seafarers to have a far deeper understanding of technology and data management in order to make informed decisions and to understand that these decisions will be recorded in ways they never have been before. This is why The Nautical Institute is so keen to understand and document the best practices and risks in this changing environment.

S4S: Are seafarers generally enthusiastic, cautious, or concerned about these technological shifts, and why?

Seafarers are cautious about the range of surveillance and monitoring, including collaboration using shared file access, live CCTV and VDR recordings on bridges. They are enthusiastic about opportunities and the opportunity to develop new skills. It is on a case-by-case basis; technology brings both benefits and challenges. Seafaring is broad and diverse, as are technological shifts, so there is no onesize- fits all. Used correctly, technology can take away some of the burden from the seafarers. Increased access to the internet is reshaping personal relationships for seafarers. These changes will have a significant impact on how we recruit and retain seafarers and maritime professionals in the future.

S4S: What does the STEER Project reveal about the balance between human authority and machine decision- making?

The challenge is not about adopting new technologies for technology’s sake. It’s about identifying which technology is supporting better decision making and using it correctly. The STEER Project started on the premise that humans are excellent decision makers when they have the right information and technology to hand. Although the STEER Project is still in its early stages, its goal is to listen to seafarers about how the advanced application of technology is helping with decision making, how it can improve decision making and what hindrances need to be addressed.

S4S: How are new technologies influencing crew wellbeing, fatigue, and stress levels?

This is where the STEER Project comes in. Our aim is to listen to seafarers’ lived experiences with technology to understand the impact on wellbeing, fatigue and stress levels. From personal devices and AI chatbots to connectivity and regular contact with friends and family while operating on different time-zones, to access to resources that improve professional development, even personal hobbies, we will take everything into consideration. The positives and the negatives, such as technostress and cyber-harassment.

S4S: Are current training standards keeping pace with technological change, and what new skills do seafarers need to develop?

Minimum training standards as defined within our industry are essential to form the foundation of seafarer competence. However, as technology advances, at a rapid rate, offering new tools and solutions for safe shipping operations, it will be essential for seafarers and the industry to embrace a culture of continuous learning to ensure that existing and new tools are fit for purpose and used effectively.

S4S: How can the industry ensure that technological progress genuinely improves safety and wellbeing at sea?

The Nautical Institute is acutely aware that not only is technology changing rapidly but that the new generations entering the shipping industry, both at sea and ashore, are also changing. Their values, digital skills and wellbeing are evolving and our industry will need to adapt to ensure that not only do we focus on safety and environmental protection but also ensure that these objectives are in line with our new leaders of tomorrow.

S4S: If you could make one practical change to improve how new technologies support seafarers’ safety, welfare, or decision-making, what would it be and why?

This is what the STEER project is all about. Our greatest aspiration for the STEER Project is to deliver fit-for-purpose solutions that will improve recruitment and retention while taking into account our digital transformation in the shipping industry.

S4S: What key message would you like shipowners, regulators, and technology developers to take away from this work?

The STEER Project aims to foster industry-wide behavioural changes that prioritise human factors alongside technical capability. Seafarers need to be at the heart of technological advancements. We want to ensure that existing and future seafarers are equipped with the tools, skills, support and agency to thrive in an increasingly automated maritime environment.

Please take part in our #ListeningToSeafarers survey and have your voice heard.