The shipping industry must rethink how it deploys health tracking tools at sea, with experts warning that wearables and diagnostic technologies, when issued without proper explanation, can negatively affect seafarer wellbeing.

“It’s about recognising seafarers as responsible individuals rather than as assets to be controlled,” says Dr Jens Tülsner, Founder of Marine Medical Solutions, part of wellbeing provider OneCare Group.

Dr Tülsner cautions that a growing reliance on health trackers is backfiring, causing confusion and anxiety among crew. “Health is vital, but we need to stop pushing diagnostic tools onto seafarers who have not asked for them,” he said. “We are seeing cases where crew are presented with health data they cannot interpret. Rather than feel empowered, they feel frightened, confused or even alienated.”

“These tools are often promoted as wellness solutions, from heart rate monitors to sleep trackers,” Dr Tülsner continued. “For sure, such tools are incredibly helpful for remote diagnostics when needed. But without context, they risk overwhelming people with data they do not understand. Information without insight is not just unhelpful, it can be harmful.”

Gisa Paredes, Psychologist and Managing Director of WellAtSea, which supports seafarer wellbeing through structured programmes and behavioural coaching and is also part of OneCare Group, agrees that how health tech is introduced matters just as much as the tool itself.

“WellAtSea’s programmes often sync with Apple Watches or other fitness trackers, but only with consent and after clear guidance,” Paredes explained. “When used correctly, wearables can help seafarers improve self-awareness, track goals like mobility or managing blood pressure, and support self-regulation. But they should never feel like they are being watched by someone else. It is about ownership, not oversight.”

Both experts stress the need to prioritise trust, transparency and personal choice in deploying health technology on board.

“Let seafarers come to us,” added Dr Tülsner. “If someone wants a tracker to help with their health goals, or in case of any risen health issues…that is fine, but it should not be handed out automatically. Right now, we are focusing too much on technology and not enough on what crew actually want or need. That can do more harm than good.”