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1 INTRODUCTION

Since the popularization of Facebook at the beginning

of the millennium, the use of social media has exploded

worldwide (Abraham, 2023). In 2024, approximately

five billion people used social media, and the number

is expected to exceed six billion by 2028 (Statista, 2024).

According to Oxford English Dictionary (n.d.), social

media is “websites and applications that enable users

to create and share content or to participate in social

networking.» Using social media can involve sharing

and consuming user generated content such as images,

videos, or text. It offers a plethora of opportunities to

interact with other people in forums etc. Further,

several social media platforms also offer opportunities

to connect directly and privately with each other

through direct messages and chat. Some platforms also

offer features that allow audio and/or video calls.

Social media is easy to use and is often available to use

free of cost, as long as the user has access to the

internet. The development of devices such as

smartphones enables easy access to social media

content anywhere, anytime (Li et al., 2014). It is fair to

say that social media has become an integrated part of

many peoples’ lives, providing entertainment and

social connection readily available at the users’

fingertips. This has contributed to changing the way

individuals, communities, and organizations

communicate (Defede et al. 2021).

For Norwegian seafarers, it used to be a

cumbersome process to contact family and friends on

shore. For most of the time, being out at sea meant that

sailors lived in relative isolation on board the vessel,

unaware of what was happening on land, and those on

land were unaware of shipboard activities. However,

recently, the proliferation of internet services like

Starlink™ offers an increasingly more stable internet

How do Bridge Officers Understand and Experience

the Use of Social Media at Sea?

A.L. Soerli, I. Sangolt & G.P. Fjeld

Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway

ABSTRACT: Recently, the use of social media at sea has increased. However, the research body that concerns

seafarers’ use of social media is still sparce. This study aims to contribute to fill this gap, through an exploration

of how maritime bridge officers understand and experience the use of social media at sea. A thematic analysis is

applied to six in-depth semi structured interviews with seafarers sailing along the Norwegian coastline. Two

global themes were identified: Social media use impacts interpersonal relationships, and Use of social media at

work. Findings suggest that social media influences relationships with family and friends ashore, as well as

interactions among crew members on board. While informants raised concerns about social media’s potential to

distract bridge officers and impair concentration, it is used to counter boredom while at sea. It is also described

that social media can be used as both as an informal work tool, and communication channel amongst crew.

Despite many shipping companies having restrictions regarding cellphone use on the bridge, our results indicate

these are not necessarily known or followed by the crew. The implications of this research are discussed.

http://www.transnav.eu

the International Journal

on Marine Navigation

and Safety of Sea Transportation

Volume 19

Number 3

September 2025

DOI: 10.12716/1001.19.03.07

752

connection available in many previously unreachable

places. With better access to internet comes more

opportunity to use social media at sea. However, while

use of social media at sea increases, the research body

that relates to seafarers’ use of social media is still

sparce (Tang 2024).

People use social media for various reasons. For

instance, social media is used to relax, for

entertainment purposes and to share values, beliefs,

knowledge, and experiences. Further, social media is

widely used to communicate and connect with others

(Sood et al. 2020) and studies have found that social

media can bolster the feeling of being “in touch” with

people and receiving support from others (Quinn,

2018). For seafarers, the aspect of staying in touch with

family and friends is considered important by most

(Vassiliadou & Yakinthos, 2020). However, research

has indicated that use of social media on ships has both

positive and negative implications for seafarers well-

being (Gheorghe, 2019). For instance, studies have

linked excessive use of social media to a sense of social

isolation (Primack et al., 2017), and other negative

outcomes such as susceptibility to depression and

anxiety disorders (Zamora et al. 2021).

When it comes to safety, it has been indicated that

an increased use of social media at sea may impact the

seafarer´s ability to perform well at work: cell phone

use at the bridge may affect concentration, attention

and situational awareness negatively (US Coast Guard

2010). As excessive phone usage proves to be a

distracting factor for workers at sea, several maritime

actors recommends that shipping companies and

shipmasters establish restrictions regarding phone

usage on the bridge (International Chamber of

Shipping, 2022; US Coast Guard, 2010).

As we have seen in the above sections, there is no

doubt that the use of social media at sea is an important

area of research and reflection, closely tied to both well-

being and safety. However, as mentioned, the research

in this area is still sparce (Tang, 2024). We have not

encountered any peer reviewed studies that explore

how bridge officers themselves understand the use of

social media on board. Developing knowledge on this

topic may increase our academical understanding of

social media use at sea, including the specific benefits

and drawbacks of social media use among bridge

officers. It may also be informative for the practice

field, such as shipping companies’ recommendations

and regulations and bridge officers’ training.

This study aimed to contribute to fill this gap, and

explore the research question: How do bridge officers

understand and experience the use of social media at sea?

2 METHODS

2.1 Research approach

To address the research question, we opted for a

qualitative approach, using six in-depth semi

structured interviews with seafarers sailing along the

Norwegian coastline. This is a geographical area where

stable internet connection has been introduced and is

now widely available (Starlink, n.d.). This research

approach is well-suited for delving into nuanced

perspectives, allowing for unexpected and contextual

insights.

2.2 Informants

Our target population were Norwegian bridge officers

operating in or around the Norwegian coast. Officers

engaged in international voyages were excluded due to

potentially limited internet access during such

journeys. An availability sampling method was

applied. We recruited six informants in total. Five of

them were previous acquaintances of the researchers,

while one participant was previously unknown to the

researchers. The informants held positions as first

officers, chief officers and captains in six different

Norwegian shipping companies. Their work areas

spanned the North Sea (offshore platform supply

vessels), coastal routes on the Norwegian west coast

(passenger vessels), and cargo routes throughout the

country (cargo ships). Among the informants, there

were five men and one woman, with an age range of 22

to 50 years. Three of the officers included in the study

were on a four-four rotation, meaning that they

alternate four weeks work at sea, with four weeks at

home. Two officers had shorter rotations such as two

weeks work –two weeks at home, and one week work

– two weeks home. One informant did not have a set

rotation, but would have a varied sailing schedule.

2.3 Planning and performing the interviews.

The interviews were conducted using a semi

structured interview guide in the form of a list of open

questions and themes. We allowed the informants to

guide the sequence of topics as much as possible. We

also welcomed new themes which emerged during the

interviews. Before the research interviews were

conducted, we performed a pilot study. The pilot study

allowed us to test out the interview guide and

provided us with valuable feedback that was used to

refine the themes and questions in the guide.

Five interviews were conducted face to face, at a

calm and neutral meeting room. One interview was

conducted via video conference call at the

communication platform Teams™. Each interview

lasted for appx 45 minutes. Great care was taken to

assure that there would be no distractions during the

interviews. Audio from the interviews were recorded

using Sony ICD-PX370 digital voice recorder™. All

informants had Norwegian as their native language,

and the interviews were performed in Norwegian.

2.4 Transcriptions and analysis of data

The data was transcribed in verbatim. Data was

anonymized during transcription, so that no

individual or shipping company could be recognized.

To further ensure informant anonymity, the voice

recordings were deleted immediately after

transcription. To analyze the data, we employed a

Thematic Analysis following the framework proposed

by Braun & Clarke (2006; 2014). According to Braun et

al. (2014), thematic analysis is a theoretically flexible

approach that effectively identifies and analyzes

themes and patterns within qualitative data. The

researchers familiarized ourselves closely with the

data, before basic themes were identified in the text.

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Then, basic themes were grouped together in

organizing themes, before basic and organizing themes

were sorted into global themes. In line with the

recommendations of Braun & Clarke (2006), the

analysis was performed in a recursive manner, where

researchers moved back and forth between raw data

and the different levels of themes throughout the

process.

Three researchers were involved in the analysis

work. In the case of any dispute, agreement was

reached through discussion. Use of several coders and

analyzers, can be seen as an advantage in qualitative

research, as it can provide different perspectives and

enables in-depth discussions and exploration of

findings (i.e. Church et al. 2019; Frost et al. 2016). For

the presentation of results in the paper, we selected and

translated (and re-translated when necessary),

exemplary quotes. In this process, great care was taken

to ensure that no meaning was lost from the text.

2.5 Ethical considerations

Approval for this research was obtained from the

Norwegian Agency for Shared Services in Education

and Research (SIKT). SIKT is a privacy service that

ensures lawful use of personal data in accordance with

privacy regulations. In accordance with the SIKT

agreement, we have anonymized the informants,

ensuring that individuals and/or workplaces cannot be

recognized in transcriptions or the final report.

Informed consent is a crucial research ethics principle.

Prior to data collection, all potential informants were

duly and thoroughly informed about the project and

their right to withdraw at any time. All informants

signed informed consent forms.

2.6 Limitations

While great care was taken to ensure that the research

interviews were in-depth, gathering as thick

descriptions as possible, one potential limitation with

our study, is that the sample size of informants was

small. Small sample sizes in qualitative research can

pose several limitations. For instance, there are

challenges with drawing inferences from small

samples (Bock & Sergeant, 2002). Further, it can be

challenging to achieve informational redundancy and

data saturation through a limited number of interview

objects (Sandelowski, 1995). Data saturation is often

considered a sign that enough data has been gathered

in qualitative research. According to Fusch & Ness

(2015), data saturation is the point at which no new

information is obtained from additional interviews.

Achieving some degree of saturation is crucial for the

quality and validity of qualitative research. There is no

consensus on the exact number required for saturation,

but it has been claimed that it is in fact possible to

achieve saturation in small samples (i.e. Hennink &

Kaiser 2022). Further, it has been claimed that the

decision of whether saturation has been achieved is

dependent on aspects such as research paradigm

(Boddy 2016) and the judgment and experience of the

researchers involved (Aguboshim, 2021). With only six

informants, it is difficult to determine whether

complete saturation was actually achieved. However,

the researchers experienced signs that data saturation

was achieved. By the last interviews, the content and

themes from the informants became repetitive (as

described and recommended by Hennik & Kaiser,

2022).

Another potential limitation of the study is related

to the relationships between researchers and

informants. During recruitment, availability sampling

method was used. The interviewers were already

acquainted with five of six of the individuals that were

approached and recruited to participate in the study.

Such recruitment approach has both advantages and

disadvantages: prior knowledge of informants can lead

to richer, more personal accounts; However, it may

also influence data content – and it is important to note

that interviewing acquaintances could make critical

reflection more challenging under certain

circumstances (Chew ‐ Graham et al., 2002). In our

experience, the familiarity with the informants

established a foundation of trust between the research

team and informants even before the interviews began.

To avoid any role related unclarity we took great care

to inform the participants about the interview setting,

and our role as researchers.

3 RESULTS

In this section, the results from the in-depth interviews

are presented. The informants described that they use

a variety of social media platforms while at sea: For

instance, they use Snapchat and Messenger to stay in

touch with family, friends, and colleagues. Facebook™,

Instagram™, and TikTok™ are also frequently used for

entertainment purposes, such as viewing videos and

pictures. Additionally, informants described that they

use various social media to stay informed about news

and other personal interests.

Table 1 provides an overview of organizing themes

and global themes identified, as well as a brief

description of theme content.

3.1 Social media use and interpersonal relationships

3.1.1 Relationship with family and friends ashore

Our informants considered it positive to be able to

maintain contact with family and friends while at sea.

One informant explained: I would say it [using social

media] affects me really positively. Because then you can stay

in touch with those at home, and they can see that I’m alive,

and I can see that they’re alive... but it’s simply to stay

connected.

This quote exemplified that social media affect the

informant positively, as it allows them to stay in touch

with their families and friends. The informant indicates

that it feels meaningful to be able to both send and

receive “signs of life” while at sea. However, some

informants mentioned that maintaining such close and

frequent contact may have a downside. One informant

described: (..) when you constantly have to shift focus to

something else [happening at home] and have to deal with

everything at home in addition to onboard responsibilities, it

can become overwhelming. Time can pass slowly, and stress

levels can rise.

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Table 1. An overview of the results

Global themes

Organizing themes

Brief description of theme content

Social media use

and interpersonal

relationship

Relationship with family

and friends ashore

Social media allows closer contact with friends and family while at sea. This aspect is highly

appreciated At the same time, close contact and continuous updates from home can be

stressful, as it forces the seafarer to focus on both work- and home at the same time.

Relationship between

crew on board

Use of social media impacts the relationship between crew members. When bride officers are

off duty at home, social media is used to stay in touch with coworkers. This is considered

positive for the work environment. On the other hand, when seafarers use social media while

on board, this can lead to less interaction and socialization amongst the crew. The informants

describe that this can affect relationships negatively and could potentially lead to loneliness.

Use of social media

at work

Using social media as a

communication channel

on board

The informants describe that social media can be used as an informal work tool by the crew.

For instance, they use social media chat function to relay important information. Both

seafarers that are on duty, and crew members that are at home follow this chat.

Using social media while

on duty on the bridge can

have a negative impact

While social media is in use at the bridge occasionally, it is considered dangerous as it may

impair concentration, attention and situation awareness etc.

Restrictions on social

media use at work

Our informants recognize that while many shipping companies have restrictions regarding

cellphone use on the bridge, these are not necessarily known or followed by the crew.

Informants describe that captains' attitudes and informal norms are important influencers of

cell phone use on the bridge. However, cell phones and social media are often used covertly

on the bridge, despite regulations and recommendations.

While it feels good to be able to communicate with

friends and loved ones - the informants pointed to a

duality of getting frequent updates from home. The

above quote indicates that closer and more frequent

contact with loved ones also can be stressful and

taxing, as it could create an expectation of being able to

actively participate in both arenas at the same time.

3.1.2 Social media use and relations between the crew on

board

Our study clearly indicated that social media has

started to change the way the crew interacts with one

another in several ways. For instance, the informants

described that they use social media to stay in touch

with colleagues – especially when at home: Yes, we have

quite a bit of contact through social media while we’re off-

duty. (…) you can send a message if something’s up, and you

know what they’re up to... yes.

The quote exemplified how social media is used to

interact with colleagues from the vessel, even during

their off-duty period. As one informant exemplified,

there is a link between the quality of the relationship

between crew members, and their contact on social

media: …there’s a very friendly relationship among…

yes… everyone, so there’s a bit of meme-sharing back and

forth (…). That’s how it is..

Keeping in touch with colleagues outside of work

context can indicate friendly relationships and positive

connections. The above quotes indicate that use of

social media influences crew dynamics positively

when they’re not on duty.

However, our informants also described that use of

social media on board can affect relationships between

colleagues in a more negative manner too. One

informant described how some may prioritize using

social media, over socializing with other crew

members in their free time onboard: What we see now is

that after a shift, after work, one goes to the cabin and (…)

sits in front of a PC or phone, completely isolating

themselves from other social events on board. (…) The

danger with this is that one actually becomes lonelier on

board. Even though there’s plenty of contact through the

screen, it can feel incredibly lonely. It’s not the same as being

social together in real life.

The informant is concerned that this shift can lead

to feelings of loneliness and social isolation for crew

members. Another informant supplements that such

withdrawing behavior may affect the crew

relationships too: I think many people would have had an

“eureka” experience if they had lost it (internet). How much

more united the crew onboard would have been, and that the

time actually would have passed more easily.

This quote also illustrates that the informant

suspected that crew members themselves may not be

aware of the consequences of prioritizing social media

use over socializing with other crew members in their

free time on board. Another informant highlights the

importance of knowing the other crew members: There

are some things we do [during operations] that can be

potentially dangerous, and it really helps to know the people

you work with. (…) Understand how they think - and be able

to anticipate in advance how they will react to situations..

and what they will think. So, it’s a significant advantage to

know your colleagues well. However, with social media, not

everyone feels compelled to socialize in the same way, so you

might not get to know each other as well now.

The informant expresses concern that less

socialization between crew members may hinder high-

quality relationships to form between crew members –

and that this may ultimately affect safety on board

negatively.

The results of this study highlights that use of social

media affects interaction and relationships between

crew members in both positive and negative manners.

On the one hand, social media is used to form and

maintain relationships between crew members, as it

allows them to stay in touch with each other in their

time away from the vessel. At the same time, there is a

concern that using social media may steal away from

the same relationship – as social media use while on

board limits face to face contact and relationship

building with crew members on board.

3.2 Using social media at work

3.2.1 Social media is used as a communication channel on

board

The informants share that social media can also be

used as a work tool. Amongst our informants, it’s

commonly described that they have a full-crew chat

group, where information and updates from the crew

and vessel is posted. This allows information to reach

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everyone (both on and off duty). Thus, crew members

are already updated on ongoing activities and plans

even before they come on board: It really [very good]

because they get running updates about [everything] instead

of having only a quick run through of everything that

happened over the last... well maybe 8 weeks when you come

on board.

The informant sees advantages with using social

media as an across-shift-communication channel, that

supplements the formal handover between shifts.

According to the informants, such communication

channels are also used to give more immediate

messages within the active crew. One informant

explains: For instance, If we’ve been on a charter trip and

are waiting overnight, communication between the skipper

about when we’re going (…) then he just sends a message

like, ‘Be ready at two o’clock.

The above quotes show that social media is also

used for practical aspects such as keeping the crew

informed. The informants were clear that this was not

a solution that is organized from the shipping company

– but rather a communication channel that emerges

locally on each ship. We take this as an example of

social media can change both work practices, and the

manner in which crew communicate with one another.

3.2.2 Using social media on the bridge

According to our informants – using social media

on the bridge is considered dangerous as it may divert

attention from important navigation tasks. One

informant described: I think it’s really dangerous, a bit like

texting on your phone while driving. Of course… you have

more time on the bridge than on the road. But it’s incredible

how quickly you can find yourself in a dangerous situation

if you’re not vigilant all the time.

However, while the informants express concerns

about the dangers of using social media while on duty

- they also describe that such use happens frequently.

One informant shares: …I’ll be honest, if you’re in the

middle of the Pacific Ocean and it’s 48 hours until you

change course… well, it’s easy to pick up your phone and

start browsing.

The above quote describes how it is particularly

tempting to use social media on the job in periods with

less activity. In this sense, social media is used to

alleviate boredom for the bridge officer on watch.

Another informant supplied that they evaluate the

situation, and whether it is safe to use social media in a

certain situation: …if everything around you is blue, and

you don’t have anything on the radar screen, then of course,

you can check the news. But yes, it all depends on the

situation.

This informant suggested that the use of phones

and social media depends on the situation at hand. In

the above quote, the informant indicates that it is safer

to use social media in a quiet situation. However,

others had a different perspective: I think there’s a

greater risk when nothing is happening, and people take out

their phones, missing things in their peripheral vision…

things they might have noticed if they didn’t have their

phones.

This informant suggested that there could be

dangers to using the phone even at quiet moments.

Unexpected events can occur, and escalate quickly, so

picking up the phone could cause crew members to

miss important details.

3.2.3 Restrictions regarding the use of social media on the

bridge

Many Norwegian shipping companies have

restrictions regarding use of cellphones and social

media onboard. Our informants were aware of this.

However, not all informants were fully familiar with

their company’s official policy: It’s said that private

phones shouldn’t be in the wheelhouse. Well, at least that

was the case for a while, but I wonder if that’s changed. I’m

not entirely sure about the current policy. (…)

According to our informants, there are significant

differences between various vessels - and between

different bridge leaders. One informant explains: It

varies, depending on how strict the captain is. (…) On the

first boat I worked, the captain was on the phone all the time.

Whether leaving port, arriving at port, or in the middle of

the fjord. On the next boat [in the same shipping company],

there was a large sign saying ‘mobile phones not allowed.

It is the informant’s understanding that the

regulations regarding cell phone and social media use

varies to a large degree, and that it largely depends on

the individual captain’s attitude and preferences.

Further, our informants also admitted that while

restrictions and regulations may be in place, they were

not necessarily followed. One informant openly shares:

Well, the shipping company’s guidelines state that phones

shouldn’t be used during watch. But well.. it’s not followed.

Another informant officer supplies this notion

through a story of how officers may choose to use their

phones covertly, despite regulations and

recommendations: The officers on the vessel use their

phones. Then we quickly put them back in our pockets when

we hear someone coming up the stairs (to the bridge).

While the officers know that they are not allowed to

use social media at work, they choose to continue to

use social media covertly. These quotes may indicate

that while company regulations may not be followed,

aspects such as captains’ preferences, and informal

norms may play an important role in regulating bridge

officers’ use of social media.

4 DISCUSSION

4.1 Social media use and interpersonal relationships

4.1.1 Relationships with family and friends

In recent years, the use of social media at sea has

become more common due to better internet access.

This means that seafarers have gained better

opportunities to use social media to stay in touch with

family and friends while they are away. Our

informants expressed that they are happy with this

development. Sending and receiving updates reduces

the perceived distance between seafarers at sea and

their loved ones back home. This experience is reflected

in research. For instance, Quinn (2018) claims that

social media can contribute to a sense of connection

and support from others. Further, in a study conducted

on cadets at sea, 70% considered social media highly

positive for maintaining contact and communicate

with those at home (Vassiliadou & Yakinthos, 2020).

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On the other hand, this study indicates that there is a

duality to this. More, and closer contact also comes

with an expectation of participation in both arenas: job

and home. Our informants clearly state that this

dynamic can be stressful – as it requires them to divide

their focus. While social media allows frequent

interaction between the seafarer and the family at

home - the interaction still remains long distance. In a

sense, while bridge officers are well informed about

homelife - they are still left as spectators - without

being able to contribute as a fully present member of

the family or friend group. This finding is reflected in

previous research. For instance, Rotariu & Șerbu (2015)

highlighted that technological advancements social

media, may blur the boundary between private life and

work life. Potential negative consequences for the

individual are stress, frustration, irritability,

uncertainty, and vulnerability - resulting in lower

productivity and, in extreme cases, absenteeism. To

our knowledge, no other study has identified or

explored bridge officers’ experiences with this dual

dynamic of using social media to stay in touch with

loved ones. We suggest that future research could look

closer at this aspect.

4.1.2 Relationships with crew onboard

This study indicates that social media affects

relationships between colleagues both positively and

negatively. For one, the bridge officers described that

they use social media to keep in contact with each other

when they are at home. This is considered positive for

the crew cohesion and relationships. These results are

mirrored by Bartels et al. (2019) which concluded that

having contact with colleagues on social media, can

lead to positive outcomes such as an improved work

environment. However, our study also indicated that

extensive use of social media may steal time away from

crew socialization on board, and cause individuals to

withdraw from social interactions with colleagues.

This was considered very negative by our informants.

From other studies it has been found that loneliness is

a significant factor affecting life satisfaction among

seafarers (Sekhon & Srivasta, 2021). In the present

study, our informants were concerned that use of social

media may increase loneliness, rather than mitigating

it. In particular, while social media can facilitate contact

with friends and family at home, it does not provide

the same sense of social connection as physical

interactions. This is mirrored in research from other

domains, where it has been found that people with a

high social media consumption may experience a

stronger sense of social isolation compared to those

with a lower consumption (Bonsaksen et al. 2023;

Primack et al 2017). Further, the informants expressed

concern that less interaction between crew members

can lead to a lower level of trust – and that safety may

be impaired as a result of this. This perspective aligns

with studies such as Gausdal & Makarova (2017), who

emphasized that trust significantly influences safety-

related aspects on ships.

As presented in the above paragraphs, our study

supports the notion that social media affects the

relationships between crew in fundamental ways –

impacting seafarers emotional wellbeing, the

psychosocial work environment - and potentially

safety on board. Based on our results, we recommend

that more research is needed to explore the particulars

of how social media use affects the well-being of

seafarers, psychosocial environment and trust between

crew members, and ultimately safety at sea. Increased

insight into these aspects could be of great interest to

different domain actors, such as shipping companies,

seeking to improve these aspects.

4.2 Using social media at work

4.2.1 Using social media as a communication channel

between the crew

Our informants described that social media is

sometimes used as an informal work tool; chat groups

are used to share and receive continuous updates on

ship activities and is used to |exert leadership, and

organize and coordinate team effort. While it’s

essential to note that this solution may not be common

across all shipping companies, we take it as an

indication that social media not only changes the way

in which people interact socially – it may also impact

how work is performed in the field. It is known from

other domains that the use of social media within

existing teams may entice information sharing, and

improve performance (Cui et al., 2020). Research has

also indicated that the use of enterprise social media

may improve team creativity and task performance in

dispersed teams (Suh & Bock, 2015). However, while

none of our informants explored the potential

drawbacks of such practices, there could be some cons

to the use of personal social media in the professional

work setting. For instance, such practices may exclude

crew members without social media presence. Being

excluded from online communities could take the

individual “out of the loop” (Pennington, 2020), and

lead to negative outcomes such as low self-esteem and

a sense of not belonging (Schneider et al., 2017). To our

knowledge, no studies have previously identified or

explored how social media is used as a work tool at sea.

Further research could aim to increase understanding

of the benefits and drawbacks of such use.

4.2.2 Using social media on the bridge

Maintaining a proper lookout is one of the most

important tasks on the ship bridge (International

Maritime Organization, 1975). Most seafarers are well

aware if this. Several of our informants expressed

concern that use of social media on the bridge may be

dangerous, as it has a negative impact on concentration

and lookout. These concerns are mirrored by research

and recommendations. For instance, United States

Coast Guard (2010), recommends that mobile phones

and other irrelevant electronics should be avoided at

the bridge as they can cause distractions and lapses in

attention.

However, despite relatively clear recommendations

and concerns about the dangers, the informants

describe that social media use happens frequently on

the job on the bridge. It is well known that social media

is commonly used for entertainment, relaxation, and

passing time (Sood et al. 2020). This seems to be the

case at the ships’ bridge too: social media is used as a

means to alleviate boredom during periods of low

activity. Some informants suggests that use of social

media depends on the situation and may be safe during

quiet moments. They describe how they evaluate the

situation before picking up the phone. On the other

757

hand, other informants highlight that unexpected

events can occur and escalate quickly, and argue that

there may be an even greater risk associated with using

the phone during quiet periods. Despite

recommendations and concerns about the dangers, the

informants describe that social media use happens

frequently on the job on the bridge. It is well known

that social media is commonly used for entertainment,

relaxation, and passing time (Sood et al. 2020). This

seems to be the case at the ships’ bridge too: social

media is used as a means to alleviate boredom during

periods of low activity.

Some informants suggests that use of social media

depends on the situation and may be safe during quiet

moments. They describe how they evaluate the

situation before picking up the phone. However, other

informants highlight that unexpected events can occur

and escalate quickly, and argue that there is an even

greater risk associated with using the phone during

quiet periods.

These findings point to a complex balance between

the perceived dangers of distraction and the

temptation to use social media to manage boredom.

Further research may be needed to develop guidelines

that help bridge officers navigate this balance safety.

4.2.3 Restrictions of the use of social media on the bridge

Even though there still is limited research on the

topic, the use of private cellphones and social media

onboard vessels has been discussed in the maritime

industry. For instance, actors such as United States

Coast Guard (2010), and the International Chamber of

Shipping (2022, p. 37) has recommended that vessel

operators and owners should develop and implement

clear guidelines and restrictions regarding mobile

phone usage at sea. In most countries it is up to each

shipping company to introduce and enforce guidelines

with regards to cellphone use and social media at the

bridge. Our informants recognized that their shipping

companies have such guidelines. However, some

indicated that they were uncertain about the specifics –

and where to find this information. This could indicate

that the companies` official guidelines regarding

cellphone use are not as emphasized among workers as

the published guidelines recommends. Rather, our

informants give the impression that the allowance of

social media use at the bridge is largely dependent on

the individual captain’s preferences. Interestingly, our

results indicate that crew members continue to use

their phones covertly, even if there is an expressed

phone ban in place, which can indicate that informal

norms set by the crew themselves are also of great

importance. In the light of this, previous research

explains that banning or prohibiting use of cell phones

can provoke covert phone usage rather than being an

efficient measure against it (Maritime Mutual

Insurance Association, 2018).

In the light of these results, it could be claimed that

potential implications of the above discussion could be

that shipping companies should ensure that all crew

members are familiar with their existing regulations.

Further, all crew members should receive proper

training regarding the dangers of cell phone use during

the watch (i.e. during BRM training). However, our

results indicate that many of the informants already

consider social media use on the bridge to be

dangerous – and that they are well aware of the risks.

Yet, they explain that given regulations are not always

followed. While this duality seems to contain some

dissonance between attitude and behavior, previous

research has also shown that people often find it

challenging to regulate their social media use, even

when faced with negative outcomes of such use

(Hofmann et al., 2016; Sriwilai & Charoensukmongkol,

2016). Frequent social media users experience strong

and spontaneous positive reactions to social media,

making it difficult to resist the urge to use it (Van

Koningsbruggen et al., 2017). When introducing and

enforcing regulations and guidelines regarding social

media use on the bridge, shipping companies should

be aware of such urges. Further studies are also needed

to explore how difficulties of putting the phone away

may affect aspects such as risk perception and safety

related behavior on the bridge.

5 CONCLUDING THOUGHTS

This study explored how bridge officers understand

and experience social media use at sea. The informants

describe how use of social media has a complex and

multifaceted impact on life at sea; containing both

benefits and drawbacks. Social media is used for

different reasons: it is used as a work tool, as a way of

maintaining social relationships, and as entertainment

during times of boredom. While it is clear that social

media provides a much appreciated opportunity to

contact loved ones more easily, drawbacks of social

media use related to relationships are also highlighted.

While many shipping companies have guidelines to

regulate cellphone and social media use on the bridge,

our informants indicated that enforcement of these

guidelines depends on individual captains’

preferences. Further, it was indicated that covert phone

use persists despite formal bans, highlighting the

influence of informal norms among crew members.

Our informants expressed concern that social media

use on the bridge may decrease concentration and

attention, however it is clear that it may be difficult to

resist the urge to use their phones - even when aware

of the potential negative outcomes.

This study have highlighted several implications

for research, training and practice. However, while this

study provides valuable insights, it merely scratches

the surface of the topic and the complexity of social

media use at sea. More research is needed to fully

understand these aspects, and we recommend that

future investigations should focus on how social media

use impacts safety and work environment at sea, as

well as seafarers’ well-being.

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