SeaQ by PsyFyi – Enhancing Onboard Safety Through Human-Centred Data
The challenge
While the maritime industry excels at monitoring machinery, it often overlooks the human element - how seafarers live, work, and interact onboard. This gap limits the ability to identify behavioural and environmental risks that contribute to safety issues, retention problems, and operational inefficiencies. For example, one shipowner offering higher salaries still faced high turnover, revealing that deeper, human-centred insights were missing.
The innovation
SeaQ is an advanced data collection tool that enhances onboard safety by identifying behavioural and environmental risks through short, daily questions sent directly to seafarers. Delivered via familiar social media platforms, SeaQ:
- Requires no onboard installation or downloads
- Takes just nine seconds per day to complete
- Maintains full anonymity and GDPR compliance
- Achieves a 92.6% response rate across users
The platform provides real-time dashboards and tailored reports, enabling companies to act on trends and improve safety culture, communication, and crew wellbeing.
How it works
PsyFyi works with each client to develop bespoke questions focused on the seafarer experience. A unique QR code is displayed onboard, allowing crew to answer one to three questions daily using their personal devices. Data is collected anonymously and analysed to identify trends, satisfaction levels, and areas for improvement. Quarterly reports and live dashboards support ongoing dialogue and decision-making.
Case study
In one year-long deployment, SeaQ helped a shipowner uncover the root causes of crew dissatisfaction - beyond pay - and implement targeted changes. The platform enabled real-time monitoring of safety culture and communication gaps, leading to improved retention and onboard cohesion. The ease of use and high engagement rate made SeaQ a trusted tool for both crew and management.
Potential impact
SeaQ empowers maritime organisations to:
- Identify hidden risks before they escalate
- Improve crew retention by addressing real concerns
- Strengthen safety culture through continuous feedback
- Enhance communication between ship and shore
- Make data-driven decisions that support wellbeing and compliance
- Date
- 22/07/2025
