The Digital Distraction: Smartphones Blamed for Rising Ship Collisions
An alarming surge in maritime collisions at sea is attributed to sailors increasingly distracted by smartphones. This leads to a dangerous decline in vigilance during watchkeeping, highlighted by Britain’s chief inspector of marine accidents. This trend points to a critical safety issue in modern shipping.
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Key Takeaways
Seafarers spend significant amounts of time on mobile phones while watching, leading to lapses in attention.
Increased ship automation has made watchkeeping monotonous, fostering a culture of rest over safety.
Mandatory lookouts are often ignored, and critical safety alarms are being deactivated.
Distraction and fatigue are cited as primary factors in recent high-profile maritime accidents.
The Blame Game: Smartphones and Boredom
Captain Andrew Moll, Britain’s chief inspector of marine accidents, has identified the pervasive use of smartphones as a major contributor to the rise in ship collisions. He notes that shipping automation has rendered watchkeeping duties dull, prompting crews to view their shifts as opportunities for personal leisure rather than crucial safety periods. This chronic boredom, coupled with the allure of digital devices, has led to a significant waning of attention spans on the bridge.
Alarms Ignored, Lookouts Neglected
The need for extra lookouts to help watchkeepers is often ignored. Also, some sailors reportedly turn off alarms to keep them focused on screens. The Maib has connected these lapses to recent disasters, like a fatal collision off the Humber and a significant fire.
Case Studies of Catastrophe
Recent incidents underscore the severity of the issue. The collision between the container ship Solong and the oil tanker Stena Immaculate, which killed one seaman, occurred while the Solong was on autopilot with a reportedly inattentive watchkeeper. Another tragic accident involving the Scot Carrier and the barge Karin Høj, which claimed two lives, was attributed to an officer distracted by a tablet computer and alcohol consumption.
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The Evolving Role of the Watchkeeper
Captain Moll emphasizes that the problem is intrinsic to the changing nature of the watchkeeper’s role. Unlike in the past, when watchkeepers actively gathered information and plotted navigation fixes, modern technology has automated many tasks. This shift has reduced engagement, leading to what he describes as “chronic boredom” and a lack of meaning and purpose in the job. The Maib’s annual report concludes that humans are poor monitors and will seek other distractions when under-stimulated.
Deactivating Safety Measures
Even systems designed to keep watchkeepers alert, like a “dead man’s” handle that needs regular resetting, are being turned off. Navigational and radar alarms warning of danger are also being muted or deactivated. This disengagement with safety systems is a significant concern. Captain Moll suggests manufacturers modify warning systems to prevent disabling.
It is concluded that Smartphones can distract the crew during watch-keeping activities, and the ILO and IMO should consider recommending that they not be used while the crew are on watch, especially on the bridge.
