p-Ed: Digitalization won’t replace seafarers; it will protect them

Fabian Fussek. Photo: MarineLog

As part of our Career Connect Washington Maritime Sector ongoing work, we actively track, document, and inform about emerging technologies and trends. Shipping is an industry that often prides itself on tradition. But some traditions shouldn’t continue, especially when they create added burdens on crews.

Today, the reality on many vessels is that seafarers are still forced to manage an overwhelming amount of paper logs, excel sheets, and manual reports to demonstrate compliance. This outdated approach doesn’t just waste time, it actively undermines safety and wellbeing.

One of the most prominent examples is the routine adjustment of work and rest hour records to “make them look right.” In many cases, it’s a direct result of crews being asked to do too much with too few people. When crews are stretched too thinly, fatigue can become a constant risk.

Go to this link to read the full article published by MarineLog https://www.marinelog.com/news/op-ed-digitalization-wont-replace-seafarers-it-will-protect-them/