11 Apr 2022
Crew communications are widely accepted as an important element of seafarer welfare provision and vessel operators are now prioritising onboard systems to enable crew to keep in touch with home. The crisis in Ukraine and the Covid-19 pandemic have highlighted the vital need for internet access and contact with home, while seafarer surveys regularly identify connectivity as a key factor in onboard happiness, recruitment and retention. The IMO Council also recently welcomed the proposal from industry groups and NGOs that a number of steps should be taken to reduce the suffering of seafarers and their families. These included that seafarers affected by the conflict should be allowed free access to communications with their families.
MarineStar E-Lite delivers voice and data connectivity in a package that is specially optimised for smaller vessels. Voice services are delivered over Thuraya’s MarineStar terminal while encrypted email provision comes via IEC Telecom’s OneMailLite application. Quick and easy to install, this enables crew welfare communications as well as reliable access to navigation updates, port notifications, operational instructions, and continuous tracking and monitoring. With fleetwide management control, separate lines for corporate and crew communications, and flexible crew-calling plans, MarineStar E-Lite is a cost-effective alternative to radio and GSM.
