Boaters embrace the ‘Internet of Things’


It seems that we are increasingly governed by technological developments and new Apps in all areas of our lives. For example, I love my new fridge App that tells me from anywhere, at any time, what is in my fridge. And I am about to take delivery of Noah the Mower, a sophisticated robot that will automatically set out from its hutch each day to trim the lawn as I sit with a cold beer in hand. So, it is with interest that I read about a new tank sensor that is becoming the norm in the small boat market.


Gobius Sensor Technology has launched a tank sensor in response to the leisure marine sector increasingly embracing the ‘internet of things’ and pushing to integrate equipment and technology.


Chief executive, Anders Meiton, explained how the ‘internet of things was affecting and changing the lives of boaters.


“The biggest trend is now to integrate all equipment, not only in the boat, but also via the internet to your phone, work or home PC,” he said.


The company has been an increase in demand for its waste tank sensors, now supplying much of the market including Axopar, Hanse Yachts, Bavaria Yachts, Elan, X-Yachts and all Swedish boat manufacturers. The sensors determine the liquid level in a tank by measuring vibrations in the tank wall. The company has sold close to 90,000 sensors for water, septic, fuel, and other liquid tanks.


Who knows what the next innovation will be? Industry groups warn of serious


shortage of seafarers by 2026 Now this is an alarming story and founded on the findings of a solid report too it seems. The ramifications go much deeper than ships just not having any crew to sail the vessels. We should all be concerned if there are no ship’s crew to transport our daily needs that we rely on.


The report suggests that the growing demand for standards of training, certification, and watchkeeping (STCW) certified officers could mean a further 89,510 officers are required by 2026 to operate the world merchant fleet. The new Seafarer Workforce Report by the International Chamber of Shipping and BIMCO estimates that 1.89 million seafarers currently serve the world merchant fleet, operating over 74,000 vessels. And according to the published data, there is also a current shortfall of 26,240 STCW certified officers, indicating that demand for seafarers in 2021 has outpaced supply.


In addition, some officer categories are in especially short supply. There is a shortage of officers with technical experience especially at the management level. In the tanker and offshore sectors, there is a shortage of management level deck officers, the report reveals.


“To meet the future demand for seafarers it is vital that the industry actively promotes careers at sea and enhances maritime education and training worldwide, with a focus on the diverse skills needed for a greener and more digitally connected industry,” Guy Platten, Secretary General of the International Chamber of Shipping noted.


“The insight and data contributions from shipping companies, national maritime administrations, and maritime education and training institutions to the new report is invaluable in gaining a picture of what our industry must prepare for in the future of seafarer recruitment and retention,” BIMCO Secretary General & CEO, David Loosley, added.


So what is the solution to what is clearly a serious issue? How does the shipping industry market itself as one that offers good career prospects and makes crewing and live onboard a ship more desirable? I for one have no idea, but remain a concerned bystander and observer.


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