Crew members from the shipping, cruise, and superyacht industries are participating in a research project led by the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN). This study will use wearable and mobile technology to track the impact of crew social interaction and the impact on their overall wellbeing.

The project, launched on Aida Cruises and cruise ships represented by V.Ships Cruise Management & Operations—which provides crewing services to lines such as Windstar Cruises, Azamara, and Atlas Ocean Voyages—is part of ISWAN’s long-term initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of seafarers. The goal is to enhance the quality of social interactions and ensure sufficient rest time for crew members.

ISWAN, in collaboration with its partners, will assess the effectiveness of existing guidance and recommendations to improve onboard health. Each participating vessel in the SIM Project will have two Social Ambassadors—one onboard and one shoreside—who will organize social activities, encourage crew engagement, and liaise with ISWAN’s project team. Crew members will use mobile devices to answer daily wellbeing-related questions and wear Fitbit devices to monitor how social interactions and other factors influence their overall health.

The research on Aida Cruises involves 35 crew members from the cruise ships AIDAbella and AIDAluna participating in a three-month study. This project represents the first time that the cruise and superyacht industries have been included in ISWAN’s SIM Project, marking a significant step in developing inclusive health and wellbeing tools for all seafarers across the maritime sector.

As part of ISWAN’s commitment to leveraging technology to better serve seafarers, the organization has partnered with PsyFyi, utilizing their SeaQ data-collection technology to enhance the project’s methodology. Aida Cruises and V.Ships have expressed their support for this vital initiative, which aims to set new benchmarks for seafarer welfare and wellbeing.