SAFETY4SEA Log I June 2025 I ISSUE 104 I 15 safety4sea.com In other words, it’s not just a connectivity gap—it’s a mindset gap. MarPoint’s Seafarer’s Companion: A tested, fleetproven solution MarPoint recognized this challenge early. That’s why we built the Seafarer’s Companion Suite—a complete solution built around three key pillars: 1.Advanced Network Management 2.Starlink & 5G Connectivity 3.Evo News Onboard Newspaper This isn’t a “bolt-on” service. It’s an integrated system engineered to give crew members fast, fair, and secure digital access—while maintaining full control and visibility for the shipping company. We handle bandwidth allocation, firewall rules, role-based access, DNS filtering, and secure remote support— everything needed to keep the network stable and cyber-secure, without overloading the IT team onboard. Always-on, high-speed access At the core of Seafarer’s Companion is high-speed internet through Starlink and 5G. This ensures reliable access even in remote regions. But it’s not just about speed, it’s about smart usage. MarPoint's system keeps business traffic separate from crew traffic and ensures fair access without clogging the network. No more complaints about slow Netflix or frozen WhatsApp calls. With real-time visibility and usage policies, crew welfare doesn't come at the cost of operational stability. Evo News: Keeping crews informed and connected One of the standout features of the Seafarer’s Companion is Evo News— a dedicated onboard digital newspaper, available in 20+ languages. It delivers daily global current events, business updates, sports scores, and more from trusted sources. guidance can backfire—crews staying up late online, showing up tired for watching, or getting emotionally overwhelmed by bad news from home. It’s not just about giving access— it’s about training both seafarers and their families to use it responsibly. Digital wellbeing at sea requires education, not just bandwidth. The generation gap is real Younger seafarers expect more. They’ve grown up digital and won’t accept a job without high-speed internet. But the gap isn’t just technical, it’s also structural. More than 50% of young Greeks believe maritime lacks opportunities, while shipping companies cite a lack of awareness and limited entrylevel positions as key barriers. Both sides value education and theoretical training, but there’s a misalignment of expectations. Young professionals focus on academic credentials. Employers want more: digital skills, languages, responsibility, and strong communication. They also emphasize ethics and professionalism—qualities they feel are being overshadowed by short-term thinking and unrealistic demands. Beyond news, it serves as a platform for company communications, sharing internal updates, safety bulletins, training content, and entertainment. The best part? It works without internet access, using low bandwidth syncing to keep things current. Whether they’re crossing the Pacific or anchored in port, your crew stays engaged and informed. Why it matters Connectivity done right is more than an amenity, it’s a strategic advantage. It helps retain talent, builds loyalty, and supports mental health at sea. But connectivity done wrong? It’s a liability. Poor systems frustrate crews, waste money, and expose fleets to cyber risks. MarPoint’s Seafarer’s Companion Suite offers a way forward. It’s not just about ticking a welfare box. It’s about creating an onboard experience that respects the crew, protects the network, and works in the real world. Final word Seafarers don’t want gimmicks. They want real connection—secure, fast, and fair. The ones who provide it will lead the next generation of shipping. At MarPoint, we’ve spent years building and refining a system that works. Across fleets, oceans, and crew nationalities, one truth holds: when you take care of your crew’s digital life, the rest follows. OP I N I ON
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