Digital hygiene can be understood in two ways. The first is the totality of behaviors and skills related to cybersecurity. The second is the use of digital technologies to fully maintain well-being and health. According to the WHO, about 60% of people using the Internet and IT devices may have very serious problems caused by excessive use of modern technologies (Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025). It is also worth mentioning that current maritime education basically completely ignores this problem. Although the IMO is aware of the need to digitize the maritime sector, there are no specific actions to promote digital hygiene at sea so far. The objectives of this project can therefore be defined as follows:
- Increased awareness of digital hygiene among maritime workers
- Improved social interaction among maritime workers
- Established routines related to the use of IT technologies
- Reduced levels of stress caused by work
- More effective use of IT technologies at sea
- Increased awareness of the risks associated with poor digital hygiene
We want to achieve the above objectives by designing and implementing an e-learning course “Digital Hygiene at Sea” aimed at supporting maritime workers in maintaining digital hygiene. Working at sea is associated with isolation. Currently, most seafarers, after finishing their watch, go to their cabins where they excessively use laptops, tablets, etc. A dozen or so years ago, all activities related to rest and relaxation after work on a ship were organized for entire groups of crew.