While communication at sea is still trailing behind what is possible on land, for many seafarers it is no longer acceptable to be out of contact with their loved ones for weeks or months on end. The gamut of connection options is ever increasing too, with the internet birthing social media and instant messaging applications, adding to the antecedent phone calls and text messages. "I don't think there are enough communication facilities available for seafarers onboard vessels, especially compared to the level of digital communication the world population has achieved," believes Luca Tommasi of the International Transport Workers Federation (ITF)'s Seafarers Trust, which provides funds to improve crew welfare. "On more modern vessels such as the Maersk containership fleet, apparently there is an internet connection available for crew, but that is an exception."
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