The maritime welfare initiative Seafarer Connect has celebrated its 50th Wi-Fi unit installation, significantly enhancing internet access for seafarers at Australian ports. Operated by the Tas Bull Seafarers Foundation, this program provides free connectivity to crew members while their ships are docked, allowing them to engage with family, manage finances, and access telehealth services—capabilities often unavailable during their time at sea.
The Wi-Fi units, which include a 5G router and Wi-Fi connector linked to the Telstra network, are delivered onboard by health and safety officers during arrival inspections. They remain on the vessels for the duration of their stay and are returned before departure. The lightweight and durable units, developed in partnership with Claratti, can support multiple users simultaneously, ensuring that seafarers can stay connected without incurring costs.
Seafarer Connect has expanded its reach across mainland Australia, with ports like Newcastle, Sydney, and Port Botany now equipped with these units. Project manager Robert Coombs highlighted the essential partnerships that have facilitated this growth, emphasizing the importance of digital connectivity for seafarer welfare, especially as the Seafarer Happiness Index has shown concerning trends. The foundation aims to ensure every port can provide Wi-Fi access, inviting collaboration from those yet to implement such programs.
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