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Initial results of a more recent survey carried out by the Sea- farers’ Trust shows that while the majority of on-board com- munication is still undertaken via telephone, instant messag- “ICS always welcomes ing (WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, etc.) is increasing in new tools to help sea- popularity; hindered only by the lack of reliable connection.

In lieu of improved Wi-Fi access for seafarers, apps which farers have a proper require no on-going internet connection become more vital – especially considering the ? ndings of the Futernautics survey and refreshing break. revealing that on average, seafarers’ monthly internet-related expenditure amounts to approximately $70. The Seafarers’

This new Shore Leave

Trust’s own survey reveals that over 35% of respondents spend between $50 and $100 on communication costs per app will allow them to month. The more that digital technology can integrate with make the most of their the port services that matter most to seafarers, the more useful of? ine apps such as Shore Leave 2.0 can become. limited free time.”

Alongside app development, in the coming few months and years, the Seafarers’ Trust will be implementing a range of pro- grams and projects seeking to improve connectivity both ashore – Peter Hinchcliffe, and at sea, making it easier for seafarers to communicate. Cur- rently in the piloting phase, Onboard Online aims to provide

Secretary General of the

ITF inspectors with a portable Wi-Fi hot spot to be carried with them on inspections. The device will be capable of turning the

International Chamber mess room into a free Wi-Fi zone for the use of seafarers.

of Shipping

The Seafarers’ Trust is also in the process of rolling out the construction of unmanned seafarers’ centers in ports lack- ing in existing welfare provision. Working with port authori- ties, unions and other interested stakeholders, these centers will enable seafarers to access the internet in ports on tab- let consoles. Together with Shore Leave, the Seafarers’ Trust believes that these initiatives have the potential to effect real change, attending to the welfare needs of the world’s popula- tion of seafarers.

Since the launch of Shore Leave 2.0 in November, 2015, the Seafarers’ Trust has reported a steady increase in the total number of downloads. Like any other charitable organization, however, the Seafarers’ Trust’s ability to conduct a wide scale promotional campaign over and beyond the use of social me- dia and the Seafarers’ Trust own website is of course limited.

Calling all Shipowners

Henry Norman is an ITF Seafarers’ Trust

The Seafarers’ Trust is therefore calling upon the participation

Assistant Trust Administrator. He has of shipping companies, manning agents, welfare providers and completed an MPhil in International Relations port authorities alike to help them in promoting Shore Leave at the University of Cambridge specializing more globally. While the Seafarers’ Trust already has the sup- in labor relations. He is assisting the Trust on port from Intermanager, ICS, AMOSUP and the P&I Club West a range of projects including improving the

Seafarers’ Trust’s external communication

Coast of England to distribute promotional posters on board strategy. Established in 1981, The ITF Seafarers’ Trust is a their member’s vessels and facilities, more can be done to help charitable organization that ? nancially supports welfare publicize this important tool for seafarers. As Peter Hinchcliffe, services to seafarers, acting as a catalyst for positive change in

Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping has the maritime community, and supporting long-term programs stated: “ICS always welcomes new tools to help seafarers have that improve maritime workers’ health and welfare. a proper and refreshing break. This new Shore Leave app will

On the WEB: http://www.seafarerstrust.org allow them to make the most of their limited free time.” | | www.maritimeprofessional.com Maritime Professional 49 34-49 Q1 MP2016.indd 49 2/29/2016 11:15:17 AM