Shipping invests considerable time and resources in protecting vessels, cargo and commercial interests, yet the impact of risk on the people working onboard does not always receive the same attention.

We have sophisticated systems for assessing financial exposure, operational threats and regulatory compliance, but how effectively are we identifying and managing the physical and psychological pressures facing seafarers? If we overlook the people responsible for keeping vessels operating, can we really claim to be managing risk effectively?

This is something I have been reflecting on for some time, and attending the inaugural Cyprus Shipping News London Maritime Forum last month, at the invitation of Adonis Violaris, Managing Director of Cyprus Shipping News, reinforced my view that we need to give greater attention to the human side of maritime risk. The event brought together industry professionals for discussions about the commercial realities facing shipping, particularly the impact of geopolitical developments on international trade and marine insurance.

Much of the discussion centred on protecting assets and managing financial exposure, particularly when vessels operate in or near conflict zones. These are important issues, but while listening to the different perspectives, I found myself thinking about the people onboard those vessels and how they experience these situations.

For seafarers working in high-risk areas, the concerns extend beyond insurance arrangements or the financial consequences of a disrupted voyage. There is the worry about personal safety, the strain of being far from family and the knowledge that circumstances can change quickly, often with little opportunity to influence what happens next.

Nor are these pressures limited to conflict zones as seafarers must also adapt to new technologies, increasingly complex regulations, cybersecurity requirements and the transition to alternative fuels. While these developments are necessary, they bring additional demands and can leave people wondering whether their existing skills and experience will be enough to keep pace.

We should not underestimate the effect this can have over time as someone may continue performing their duties without obvious difficulties while privately dealing with concerns that colleagues or employers know little about.

Having spent much of my career working with technologies that improve health and safety at sea, I recognise the important role digital solutions can play in supporting seafarer wellbeing. Tools that help identify emerging concerns, encourage feedback and provide access to support can make a real difference, particularly when people are working far from home. However, I believe their greatest value comes when they are used alongside meaningful human interaction, rather than as a substitute for it.

When someone is feeling isolated, anxious or overwhelmed, technology can help identify that they may need support, but it is often a conversation with another person that makes the difference. Ideally, that person will understand the realities of life at sea and the particular pressures seafarers face, providing reassurance, empathy and practical guidance that goes beyond what a digital tool alone can offer.

Providing access to experienced professionals may cost more than an automated service, but we should be careful about measuring healthcare’s value purely in financial terms. A conversation that helps someone feel understood and supported can make a meaningful difference.

For me, technology’s greatest potential lies in helping healthcare professionals provide better support. Access to relevant medical information, reliable communication tools and useful health data can help them understand a seafarer’s circumstances and make more informed decisions about their care.

This means recognising healthcare as part of everyday risk management rather than something that only becomes important when someone falls ill.