Nautilus urged to push for tougher controls on smartphone use at sea

A motion submitted to the 2025 Nautilus UK Branch Conference on 19 November has warned that smartphones and social media activity are increasingly interfering with safety-critical duties onboard ship.

Proposing the motion, Nautilus member Jun Ranario highlighted a recent grounding incident in which a general-cargo vessel veered off course for more than two hours after the officer of the watch began viewing content on a mobile phone instead of monitoring the ship's position. Investigators found that the vessel's safety management system did not contain a clear policy on mobile phone use, leaving dangerous gaps in oversight.

Mr Ranario stressed that he was not seeking to judge individuals, but to draw attention to a cultural shift in recent years that has seen some seafarers filming vlogs, livestreams and other social-media content while onboard. While often well-intentioned, such behaviour risks undermining professionalism and increasing the chance of serious incidents – and both Union and company policies are lagging behind the current situation onboard many vessels.

Seconding the motion, member Dawn Franklyn said that she strongly supported the need to reassess policies on smartphone use, pointing out: 'We've all experienced digital distraction.' Smartphone use can become an addiction, she argued.

Jessica Tyson added that smartphone use should be treated as a maritime safety issue worthy of effective company policies in the same way as drug and alcohol misuse or wearing protective clothing.

The motion was passed by a vote of members at the conference, with 90% in favour. It now becomes a resolution committing the Nautilus UK Branch to work with UK employers, regulators and maritime training bodies to strengthen guidance, raise awareness and uphold professional standards.