With many seafarers away at work for long periods, ready access to 21 st century communications facilities is vital at sea and in port. Among other considerations, the Maritime Labour Convention 2006, enforceable from September 2013, includes a section on communication requirements to enhance crew welfare."With access to the internet and email fast becoming a human right and part of our everyday lives onshore, seafarers must not be left behind," Roger Harris, executive director of the International Committee on Seafarers Welfare (ICSW) explained to SAS. "We know that many seafarers now own laptops and smartphones. Most seafarers' centres in ports provide free or cheap access to wi-fi that seafarers take full advantage of. However, with short turnaround times in ports, not all seafarers can visit seafarers' centres."
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