The number of Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) distress calls registered on the Inmarsat Maritime network rose slightly from 788 in 2023 to 801 in 2024, according to a new report. This figure is consistent with the annual average of about 800 calls recorded between 2018 and 2023.
The Future of Maritime Safety Report 2025 identifies several factors contributing to risks faced by international shipping, including geopolitical instability, conflict, severe weather events, piracy, and cyber-attacks. In addition to these challenges, seafarers are experiencing welfare issues related to the rapid adoption of new technologies and increased reporting requirements. The report notes that while digitalisation and decarbonisation are important for the industry’s future, they have led to an “information overload challenge” for crews.
The report recommends that the maritime sector take a ‘human factors’ approach when handling data—streamlining information flows, reducing duplication, and eliminating conflicting outputs—to better support crew welfare and reduce preventable incidents at sea.
Peter Broadhurst, SVP Safety & Regulatory at Inmarsat Maritime, said: “Accurate data holds immense potential to transform shipping safety – from predictive maintenance to casualty and near-miss reporting and human-factor analysis. But data must empower crews, not overwhelm them. We need smarter systems to capture, evaluate, and utilise data more effectively without placing an extra burden on already overworked seafarers.”
Broadhurst also highlighted the importance of collaboration within the industry: “By sharing anonymised safety data, the industry can create a trusted ecosystem that strengthens standardisation and regulations, improves operations, and safeguards seafarer welfare. Together, we can create one of the most powerful maritime safety initiatives to navigate us through the pressures and changes impacting international shipping in the years to come.”
Maritime professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders are encouraged by Inmarsat to review the findings of the Future of Maritime Safety Report 2025 and support collective action aimed at protecting life at sea.
Viasat completed its acquisition of Inmarsat in May 2023. The combined entity now operates as a global communications provider with offices in 24 countries. Viasat aims to build a reliable global communications network serving consumers, businesses, governments, militaries—and supporting connections on land, in airspace, or at sea—while working toward sustainability goals. More information is available at www.viasat.com.
Inmarsat Maritime operates from Viasat’s global headquarters in London.
