Published on 11/06/2019
Reliable broadband at sea can have a dramatic effect on your running costs and save you money in a variety of different ways. Here we look at 10 reasons why operators need to stay connected…
Being connected means data collection and reporting systems are able to operate in real time. The Internet of Things (IoT) enable sensors on mechanical and digital devices to transfer information over a network without human interaction. This can provide you with precise details about fuel consumption, operating conditions, regulatory compliance and many other performance indicators which can either be managed onboard or transmitted instantly to shore.
Today’s crews are made up of a multitude of different nationalities working longer hours with much faster turnarounds in ports. The average person touches their smart phone 2,617 times a day so being in an isolated environment without the ability to connect with family and friends can have a debilitating effect on a seafarer’s morale. This is particularly important as crews get younger – millennials’ have grown up in the digital age where connectivity is taken for granted.
A good internet service will allow people to use their own devices in the privacy of their cabins, accessing news services in their native language, internet banking, instant messaging and a variety of sport and entertainment options.
As well as keeping close contact with onshore support and guidance, you’ll also be able to receive live reports of hazardous situations and get instant access to medical specialists if one of your crew falls ill or is injured.
Additionally, the IoT enables operators to easily monitor potentially dangerous materials and maintain safety equipment by using live cameras and sensors. For example, if a lifebuoy or raft is deployed and this information is automatically transmitted back to shore as soon as it hits the water, then rescue operations can begin much quicker.
The data you receive from onboard sensors can be used to demonstrate your safety record to insurance companies. This can result in significant savings for ship operators.
Data collection and constant monitoring of equipment is much more cost-effective than being suddenly surprised by an unexpected problem which could result in lengthy delays.
If your ship has good connectivity, it will also allow remote access. This means that experts can access computers, software and networks from shore, cutting down on the need for onboard visits when you’re in port. System maintenance, upgrades and troubleshooting can all be done by remote administration without interrupting your day-to-day operations.
Updates to navigational charts, weather forecasts and operational procedures can all be done effortlessly with a good internet connection at sea. Additionally, media services like the one offered by KVH will allow shipowners to send video messages easily from headquarters to vessels in the fleet.
The mini-VSAT Broadband provides exceptional call quality with perfect clarity as well as supporting Wi-Fi calling between cell phones. It’s able to do this by automatic fast switching between its global network using redundant beams for seamless and completely reliable communications wherever you are in the world.
The shipping industry is constantly developing and improving so modernising working practices is an ongoing challenge. New equipment, new processes, new techniques – crews always need to be operating at maximum efficiency. Training can therefore be an issue, taking up valuable time.
Access to learning and professional development is much simpler when there’s a strong internet connection at sea. It allows real-time chat between the shore and the vessel and downloading content isn’t a problem – training materials and large files will be easily accessible with a high-speed data channel.
As all modern companies know, a lower turnover of staff is more cost-effective and business savvy. You don’t spend as much money on recruitment costs or training which can soon stack up as new ships enter fleets and workforces become older.
Research shows that full access to the internet is an important consideration when seafarers are deciding which vessel to work on – 75% say that this influences their choice. In terms of just how important, 92% of both officers and regular crew said that it has a ‘strong or very strong influence on who they worked for’.
Operators need to keep up with advances in technology in order to future proof their vessels. They can’t afford to ignore developments in efficiency, cost-effective practices and data collection as their rivals will undoubtedly be using them to give them the edge in their operations.
The maritime industry now understands the important role technology plays with 69% of seafarers seeing big data and analytics as a valuable part of their jobs in the next five years. 75% also see predictive maintenance as an opportunity rather than a threat. This shows just how vital being connected is in today’s environment – operators need to take care not to be left behind.
Getting reliable broadband onboard your vessels is no longer a complicated and expensive process. With the mini-VSAT Broadband package, you can easily monitor bandwidth use, charge seafarers for what they use, manage traffic settings and maintain cyber security.
It’s powered by a high-speed worldwide network and provides expanded global coverage. The plan is simple and flexible with a single monthly subscription and no long-term contract so there’s no commitment – your airtime options can be adapted to fit the needs of your particular operation. If you need to cancel at any point, you won’t be penalised.
Instead of using a whole rack of equipment, this one simple box which can be installed free in selected international ports. There’s also a global support programme with up to five years warranty on parts and labour.
Make sure you’re reducing costs and improving efficiency by using a safe, reliable internet connection at sea.
NO commitment, NO penalties, NO hassle.
Contact us to find out more.