by Lloyd's List
1 May 2025 (Lloyd's List) - CONSTANT use of mobile phones and other personal devices by seafarers is an emerging safety risk at sea, according to the world’s largest marine insurer.
This issue has been linked to numerous casualties in recent years, including collisions, groundings, personnel injuries, pollution, and even fatalities, Gard said in an article on its website.
“The notion that we can effectively multi-task, for instance, by using our mobile devices while simultaneously performing a critical task such as watchkeeping on a ship’s bridge, is largely a misconception,” it added.
The warning echoes expressions of concern from the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the UK, the US Coast Guard and the Australian Maritime Safety Authority.
While internet connectivity on ships arguably improves the quality of life for crews, it can also act to divert attention away from operational responsibilities.
Many psychologists recognise the habit-forming propensities of mobile phones and the resultant urge for instant responses, with some even making serious comparisons to drug addiction.
The problem can be compounded by the mistaken belief that individuals can operate personal devices while safely performing critical duties, by way of so-called multi-tasking.
The risks extend well beyond a ship’s crew. Pilots in many ports frequently use mobile phones and portable devices for essential navigation and real-time communication with tugs and shore authorities.
While these uses are obviously legitimate, there is a temptation to engage in personal use as well.
It is not productive to handles emails, social media and various apps while maintaining a navigation watch, because the human brain cannot process these activities in parallel. Instead, it rapidly shifts focus between them.
This division of attention distracts from the primary task and ultimately reduces ability to engage fully and effectively with either activity.
This constant mental juggling of demanding activities overburdens our cognitive resources, which impacts situational awareness and slows down reaction times, especially in dynamic environments.
Many of the findings from research into the use of mobile phone use when driving are also applicable to shipping.
Drivers using mobile phone had 30% slower reaction times than those impaired by alcohol at the 0.08 blood alcohol concentration, which is the legal limit in many countries.
Mobile phone use can also lead to night vision impairment, typically for five minutes and perhaps for up to half an hour.
BIMCO, IMAREST, the Nautical Institute and InterManager have published joint guidelines on the problem, which Gard recommends to shipowners, managers and seafarers.
The club also calls for efforts to raise awareness of the safety implications among seafarers, and to restrict or even prohibit the use of distraction-causing devices during working hours, irrespective of location.
