The message is loud and clear: the current Internet options at sea need improvements.

What do seafarers really think about life at sea in 2025?

A new study by Inmarsat Maritime, supported by Seafarer Social, offers a glimpse into the digital heartbeat of shipboard life—and what’s still missing from the picture.

The survey, conducted with nearly 400 seafarers across merchant shipping, offshore support vessels, and high-end fishing fleets, confirms what many of us in the maritime industry have sensed for years: connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline.

Seafarers now spend an average of 8% of their annual salary on internet access. That’s a significant financial commitment for global mariners, split evenly between use at home and onboard. But the return on that investment? Deeply human.

When asked how they use the internet at sea, the overwhelming response was simple: to stay connected with the people they love. Video and voice calls, messaging friends and family—these weren’t just popular; they were essential. In fact, during long voyages, seafarers reported being 23 times more likely to feel positive effects from personal interactions than any downsides. That’s a powerful endorsement of the mental health impact of reliable connectivity.

But the story doesn’t end there.

Despite most seafarers actively managing their data usage, more than 80% still exceed their limits—many of them regularly. And while some say the cost is too high, over half would pay more for better connections. The message is loud and clear: the current options at sea aren’t good enough.

The study also paints a mixed picture of digital activity onboard. Besides calling and messaging, seafarers listed social media (51%), web browsing (34%), and video streaming (29%) as top online activities. A smaller group reported shopping and gaming as part of their digital routines.

Interestingly, internet use spikes in port—on average, 18% higher than at sea—yet 52% still prefer vessel connectivity over relying on port wifi or mobile data. This suggests that with the right improvements, shipboard connectivity could become the standard, not the fallback.

But here’s the most pressing takeaway: 83% of seafarers worry about internet security at sea, and 1 in 9 have experienced a serious data issue such as hacking or data loss.

For all our talk about digitization, the industry still hasn’t earned the trust that makes a vessel feel like a “floating home.” Until we fix the security risks, inconsistent speeds, and data caps, we’re asking seafarers to make do with a digital experience that doesn’t measure up to the reality of their work or personal needs.

At Seafarer Social, we were proud to support this important study—and we’ll continue pushing the conversation forward. Because listening to seafarers is the first step. Acting on their insight is the real challenge.