How do Bridge Officers Understand and Experience the Use of Social Media at Sea?

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.