Can improved connectivity onboard lead to more seafarers extending their time onboard before pursuing a career ashore? The second installment of Connectivity with Inmarsat, a special report contained within Ship Concept 2035, our new magazine. Shipping faces a shortage of qualified staff at sea, a problem that risks becoming more acute over the next 10 years. One way to help fix the problem is to ensure people stay longer in their jobs at sea with many experts saying for this to happen connectivity must improve. The availability of internet access is now a critical factor in seafarers’ career decisions, something that will only become more important in the years ahead. “Improved connectivity is an essential expectation for people coming out to sea,” says Pradeep Chawla, the CEO of training specialist MarinePALS. “You cannot explain to an 18-year-old who is used to connectivity of one gbps to accept a VSAT connection of two or four mbps.” Improved connectivity is an essential expectation for people coming out to sea “New entrants may not even join the industry if the comms plans are not conducive,” warns Peter Schellenberger, who runs Novamaxis, a consultancy. By 2028, Schellenberger predicts that 90% of quality vessels will have a LEO type comms plan. “By staying connected with family and accessing digital resources, seafarers can enjoy a better quality of life, which can positively impact their well-being and job satisfaction. This, in turn, may lead to longer tenures at sea,” says Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and CEO of Greek owner Seanergy Maritime. Improved internet access can significantly reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation amongst seafarers. The ability to stay connected with family and friends via video calls, messaging, and social media can help seafarers remain a part of family milestones and important life events in real-time, and maintain a connection with the outside world, which can reduce the emotional distance between shore and sea, alleviate feeling of being alone during long ocean voyages, boost morale, and create a more positive and motivated work environment. By enhancing work efficiency and providing access to a wealth of online options in their free time, a more rewarding work-life balance can be achieved. From communicating with family and friends, managing personal matters, and following the latest news to watching sports, movies, and listening to music, a reliable internet connection opens up a world of opportunities to seafarers, allowing them to relax and enjoy their free time as they wish, which is essential for their overall wellbeing. “The work-life balance can make a career at sea more sustainable,” says Niraj Nanda, chief commercial officer of shipmanagement giant Anglo-Eastern. “Connectivity helps facilitate meaningful social interaction with friends and family ashore and supports recreational engagement like browsing and streaming—both of which ease the psychological burden of long voyages,” says Ajay Chaudhry, CEO of shipmanagement at Synergy Marine Group. “By prioritising safety, improved connectivity onboard can positively impact seafarers to extend their careers at sea,” Nanda says. “Better connectivity can help improve operational efficiency and the well-being of seafarers onboard, thereby contributing to a more fulfilling and secure work environment,” he says. “Improved connectivity allows seafarers to access news, digital banking and services, entertainment, and educational resources. Sta