The Ni is delighted to announce the launch of an exciting new research project, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation; the Seafarer Technology Engagement, Empowerment and Resilience (STEER) project.
As maritime technology continues to advance, the STEER Project will explore how innovations such as automation and artificial intelligence are impacting seafarers.
While individual technologies are tested thoroughly, much less is known about their combined impact on safety, skills, welfare and decision-making at sea. The STEER Project aims to close that gap by enabling global engagement, research and collaboration across the maritime industry, including seafarers, shipowners, equipment manufacturers, regulators and trainers.
The NI director of projects, Captain David Patraiko FNI explains, “Seafarers are at the heart of shipping, yet their lived experience is often overlooked due to commercial pressures and the rush to innovate. The STEER Project is about listening to those on the front line, their experiences, insights and collective knowledge. Only then we will be able to develop the right tools that the maritime industry can use to make technology work for people and enable better decision-making.”
How Branches Can Get Involved
This project’s success depends on the active participation of our branches, our members and the maritime professionals in your regions. Our project team will provide you with updates and information about the progress of the project and we would appreciate your support by:
-Raising awareness among your local members and the greater maritime community
-Encouraging participation in surveys, interviews and research activities
-Nominating speakers or subject-matter experts who can contribute their experience and insights
-Sharing the local perspective and any relevant case studies on the impact of technology on seafarers
-Hosting workshops, webinars or discussion events (with our support)
Your participation will help us capture a global and representative view of the seafarers’ experiences.
Why This Matters
By listening to real-world experiences from across the industry, the STEER Project will develop a practical toolbox to help seafarers and maritime professionals adopt new technologies safely, sustainably and with people at their centre. Together, we can ensure that technology and innovation strengthen human expertise and seamanship.
Next Steps
To register your interest as a branch please email: steer@nautinst.org letting us know what initiatives you would be interested in.
The Nautical Institute appoints project lead for the STEER Project
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Captain Ann Pletschke CMMar CMarTech FNI as Project Manager for the STEER Project (Seafarer Technology Engagement, Empowerment and Resilience), delivered in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation. We are also delighted to confirm that Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI, Senior Technical Manager, will provide specialist technical support as a member of the STEER Project team.
Captain Ann Pletschke brings more than 25 years of seagoing and shore-based experience to the project, including offshore operations and the design, management and operation of newbuild and existing autonomous vessels, marine assurance, vessel inspection and safety management. A Chartered Master Mariner (CMMar) and Chartered Marine Technologist (CMarTech), Captain Pletschke is also actively involved with the IMO MSC working groups for the MASS Code as part of The Nautical Institute delegation.
Reflecting on her new role, Captain Pletschke said: I have seen a great evolution in how technology is introduced and used at sea. I have witnessed first-hand, most recently as a Master of a newbuild DP 2 vessel, both the benefits and the challenges for seafarers. This is why I am so passionate about leading the STEER Project.
She added: #ListeningToSeafarers is at the heart of this project. My vision is to ensure that no demographic is left unheard, including those who have dealt with the technological shifts over the past 50 years and those who will work in a very different maritime environment in 50 years to come.
The importance of human-centred design
Supporting the project, Captain Aly Elsayed AFNI brings over 25 years of maritime industry experience spanning vessel operations, maritime training and applied research. A Master Mariner with 14 years at sea onboard oil and chemical tankers, he holds deep operational expertise and, as a former simulation instructor, brings specialist experience in simulation-based ship handling and technical training. Captain Elsayed also represents the Institute at the International Maritime Organization, contributing to the MASS regulatory and technical discussions.
Commenting on the project, Captain Elsayed said: The human element and human-centred design (HCD) are fundamental. Usability and ergonomics determine whether technology truly supports seafarers or overloads them.
He added: Technology strengthens safety when systems are well aligned with human capabilities, supporting situational awareness, enabling better decisions and helping seafarers perform tasks effectively while managing workload. When that alignment is missing, distraction and cognitive load can increase, which may in turn raise the risk of human error.
Join the STEER Project community
To learn more and register your interest, visit: https://www.nautinst.org/steer-project.html.
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