The Britannia P&I Club has issued its latest “Crew Watch” edition, which includes an article that presents ways seafarers can properly use social media onboard.
Understand your employer’s social media and internet policy
According to Britannia, employers may have guidelines regarding the use of social media during working hours or while on duty. It’s important for seafarers to be mindful of these rules to avoid disciplinary action and to ensure they are focusing on their responsibilities. Awareness and adherence to these policies not only protect the company but also help maintain a professional image for the seafarers themselves.
Tips for adherence:
- Familiarize yourself with policies: Carefully read and understand the company’s social media and internet usage guidelines.
- Avoid sensitive content: Refrain from posting images or information related to operations, colleagues, or company details that could be sensitive or confidential.
- Respect work hours: Limit social media use to personal time to ensure that it does not interfere with professional duties.
Furthermore, Britannia offers additional tips for using social media, covering various important considerations:
Tips to combat isolation:
- Schedule offline time: Set aside specific times for social media use and commit to engaging with colleagues during meals or downtime.
- Participate in social activities: Join in onboard activities to engage with other seafarers.
- Share experiences: Discuss online content or news with others to stimulate conversation and shared interests.
Tips for professionalism:
- Think before you post: Consider the potential impact of your posts on your career and relationships. Avoid sharing controversial or negative comments about the company or industry.
- Maintain privacy: Adjust privacy settings to control who sees your posts and be mindful of the information shared online.
- Be respectful and inclusive: Consider the diverse backgrounds of colleagues when sharing content, avoiding posts that could be seen as offensive or insensitive.
Tips for online security:
- Use strong passwords: Create unique passwords for each account and change them regularly.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security, making it harder for unauthorized users to access your accounts.
- Be wary of phishing scams: Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading unknown attachments, as they may be phishing attempts or contain malware.
- Keep software updated: Regularly update your devices’ software and apps to protect against the latest security threats.
INTERTANKO’s Golden Rules for social media
INTERTANKO has issued ‘Social Media Guidance for Seafarers’ to help seafarers use social media, whilst avoiding its many pitfalls. The tips provided include:
- Never publish inaccurate information.
- If you are unsure of the accuracy of your comments, do not publish them.
- Always ensure that if you are talking about your workplace online that you have made it clear any statements are your own and do not represent the views or values of the company.
- Avoid violating the privacy of your fellow seafarers and co-workers.
- Only post online what you would be comfortable saying to people in person or in public.
- Never use social media as a platform to harm, intimidate, insult, threaten, defame or embarrass others
