The wearable tech monitoring seafarer wellbeing

How is the data recorded?

While the initial research provided valuable anecdotal evidence about the value of social interaction for seafarers, it was also necessary to quantify the findings.

'This time, we're using technology in the form of a Fitbit wrist device that collects data on physical activity, sleep patterns and other metrics,' explains Dr Pike.

'Concurrently, seafarers answer a daily wellbeing question using mobile phone technology which delivers one of 30 questions to those taking part over a three-month cycle. Wellbeing topics range from fatigue and rest, crew cohesion, types of social interaction and how valued people are feeling, among others.'

Participating seafarers and shipping companies give signed consent and their data is anonymised.

Pivotal to the project is the use of 'social ambassadors' – crew who volunteer to engage colleagues in various social activities and keep wellbeing logs during the research. Dr Pike says that the use of social ambassadors provides crucial context to the data – providing further understanding about the how weather, port calls, or shore leave, among others, impact crew wellbeing. She notes that some vessels which participated in earlier phases have now implemented their own versions of the social ambassador role onboard, and this is a key recommendation of the project so far.

'Seafarers across the ranks are eager to participate and the project has generated good engagement from those participating, with some crews developing healthy competition around their Fitbit stats,' said Dr Pike.

Ms De Luca, who has also been one of the social ambassadors, agrees the project has been a positive experience. Being on a charter yacht means opportunities for social interaction are often limited for the crew, but she says ensuring crew can have downtime together does not have to be a huge social interaction for improved mental wellbeing.

'As an example, we had a charter for three weeks and it had been terrible weather outside, and the decks were getting buffeted with 50 knot winds and torrential rain. So, the interior team and I decided to set up a pop-up hot chocolate stand for when the deck department came in. It's a very small gesture. But it gave everybody a 10-minute reprieve from the weather and reminded each other that we're a community and that we're all in it together.'

The daily wellbeing questions also benefited the leadership team, adds Ms De Luca. 'It was a really great reminder for us as leaders to take stock: "Have we provided enough rest for our crew, enough positive feedback"? These things do affect mental health, and so each day, there was a little reminder for us.'

Results due

ISWAN's SIM Project is funded by the Trinity House Maritime Department for Transport Fund and the Seaspan Corporation. The third phase results are due to be released in 2025 and will provide detailed insights not just across the different maritime industries, but also on specific areas of concern like fatigue patterns and internet connectivity equality. Researchers are also aware of the recent damning fatigue findings in a report by the World Maritime University, funded by the ITF Seafarers' Trust. However, the SIM project's third phase is unlikely to be the end of the ISWAN research.

'Social interaction covers many areas, and there are multiple aspects that support the interaction and the wellbeing of seafarers,’ Dr Pike reflects. 'It's very important for seafarers mental health and safety on board generally that we understand and support that better.'