(LONDON) — Videotel, part of KVH Industries Inc., has launched a new program, "Social Media at Sea," addressing the unique dangers of inappropriate use of social media by shipboard personnel and providing simple solutions to ensure that seafarers understand the dangers — and benefits — of this onboard revolution.
Since the use of the Internet has now become commonplace on many vessels, seafarers often have much more freedom to communicate with friends and family using social media tools. Consequently, the thoughtless snap of a picture or video capture can often make the difference between incidents that attract little or no attention and those that end up making the headlines.
Nigel Cleave, CEO of Videotel, explains the value of the new program in protecting a company’s reputation against serious damage. “It has been said that technology and social media have brought power back to the people. However, such powerful tools need to be handled responsibly and with care."
“This program has been designed to replicate a real-life scenario to which anyone on board could find themselves exposed,” he says. “We have worked hard to ensure that the video is realistic and meaningful to seafarers and demonstrates visually just how thoughtless posting can get out of hand. The objective is to make them aware of the pitfalls associated with the publishing of text, pictures and video clips and to provide the tools to ensure accurate, respectful and responsible posting, in line with any social media policy in place.”
"Social Media at Sea" is aimed at all seafarers who use social media sites on board and was produced in conjunction with MTI Network, the leading crisis communications network serving the shipping, energy, offshore and transportation industries.
It is available in Videotel On Demand (VOD), VOD Online, DVD and eLearning CBT — all with accompanying workbook. Videotel, a market-leading provider of training films, computer-based training, and e-Learning, is part of KVH Industries Inc., a leading manufacturer of solutions that provide global high-speed Internet, television and voice services via satellite to mobile users at sea, on land, and in the air. KVH is also a leading news, music, and entertainment content provider to many industries including maritime, retail and leisure.
