Table of Contents
Introduction
Technology has revolutionized the way seafarers live and work at sea. From navigation to emergency response, mobile apps for seafarers are now essential companions—especially in a profession where connectivity, safety, and quick decision-making matter most. Whether it’s checking cargo conditions, monitoring piracy alerts, or finding seafarers’ welfare centers abroad, having the right digital tools can make a world of difference.
Here’s a comprehensive list of 21 must-have mobile apps for seafarers, many of which function even without an internet connection.
1. ITF Seafarers – Helpline App
Developed by the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF), this app connects seafarers to global assistance networks. It provides vessel information, ITF inspectors’ contacts, and access to helplines in multiple languages. Available on both Android and iOS, it’s an indispensable lifeline for anyone needing urgent help or legal advice at sea.
2. ITF Shore Leave
The ITF Shore Leave App offers vital information for seafarers exploring new ports—such as nearby welfare centers, transport options, and safety advisories. It’s particularly useful when visiting unfamiliar locations, helping crew members plan safe and relaxing shore leave without internet access.
3. Cargo Handbook
This app is a digital encyclopedia for cargo management, providing details about thousands of cargo types, including their ideal temperature, humidity, and risk factors. Created by BMT Surveys, Cargo Handbook ensures that every load—be it chemicals, grains, or electronics—is handled with care and accuracy.
4. Anti-Shipping Activity Message (ASAM)
Developed by the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), ASAM reports piracy and maritime crime incidents worldwide. It maps dangerous areas and logs real-time updates, which users can cache for offline access. A must-have for officers monitoring voyage safety and piracy-prone regions.
5. First Aid App (American & British Red Cross)
Emergencies at sea can happen anytime, and medical help is not always nearby. The First Aid App provides step-by-step guidance for handling burns, cuts, or CPR situations—even offline. It includes videos, quizzes, and simple instructions—an essential for seafarers on all vessels.
6. ReCAAP Anti-Piracy App
The ReCAAP (Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating Piracy and Armed Robbery) app keeps seafarers updated on latest piracy alerts and threat zones. It allows instant reporting to the nearest ReCAAP Focal Point, making it invaluable for voyage safety and situational awareness.
7. Port State Inspections Pocket Checklist
This app helps seafarers comply with international regulations and avoid detentions. It includes customizable checklists covering SOLAS, MARPOL, ISM, and ISPS requirements. Users can add notes, mark completed tasks, and share inspection results—making compliance easy and transparent.
8. Greenship – Environmental Calculator
Developed by DNV, the Greenship app calculates environmental parameters like CO₂, NOx, and SOx emissions. It also checks compliance with IMO and ballast water standards. Though currently available only for iOS, it’s a vital sustainability tool for eco-conscious seafarers and ship engineers.
9. Equasis
An excellent resource for ship officers and port officials, Equasis contains details on over 45,000 ships and their operators. It provides vessel specifications, ownership records, safety performance, and inspection history, ensuring transparency in maritime operations.
10. ILO MLC Pocket Checklist
Compliance with the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) is crucial. This app, created by Lloyd’s Register and ITF, helps ensure crew welfare standards are met—covering accommodation, food, medical care, and contracts. It’s widely used by both crew and inspectors to verify onboard compliance.
Also Read: Höegh Xiamen Fire Case Study: Causes, NTSB Findings & Safety Lessons
11. Hazcheck DGL Lite
For engineers handling dangerous cargo, this app is a lifesaver. Hazcheck DGL Lite offers instant information on dangerous goods, UN numbers, and IMDG Code classifications. It’s ideal for quick verification when loading or stowing hazardous materials.
12. ISM & ISPS Pocket Checklists
A reliable tool to prevent detention and promote safe ship management, this app covers both ISM (International Safety Management) and ISPS (International Ship and Port Facility Security) codes. It helps users track non-conformities and maintain proper documentation before port inspections.
13. Maritime World Ports
This app provides essential data for over 4,000 ports worldwide—including coordinates, weather updates, local time, and anchorage details. It helps navigators and officers plan port calls efficiently and avoid delays caused by lack of information.
14. Duolingo – Language Learning App
Communication onboard is often multilingual. Duolingo helps seafarers learn languages like Spanish, Mandarin, or Filipino through fun, bite-sized lessons. Whether talking to international crew or communicating ashore, it’s a practical way to improve language skills.
15. Currency Converter
When traveling across ports, exchange rates fluctuate daily. A simple Currency Converter App allows seafarers to instantly calculate conversions and manage expenses abroad. Most apps also store recent data offline for easy access without internet.
16. MARPOL Pocket Checklist
Created to assist with pollution prevention compliance, this app ensures adherence to MARPOL Annex I–VI standards. It includes checklists on oil discharge, waste segregation, ballast management, and emission control—critical for marine engineers and environmental officers.
17. Marine Fire Safety Pocket Checklist
This app serves as a digital fire safety guide, focusing on firefighting equipment, drills, and inspection routines. It helps engineers and officers ensure all firefighting appliances are operational and that crew training is up to date—vital for maintaining onboard safety.
18. Seafarers’ Rights App
Developed by the Seafarers’ Rights International (SRI) organization, this app outlines the legal rights of seafarers under international conventions. It includes guidance on contractual disputes, repatriation rights, unpaid wages, and personal injury claims, empowering seafarers to protect their interests.
19. CDC TravWell
Health and travel go hand in hand. The CDC TravWell App helps seafarers create customized travel health plans, track vaccinations, and store medical documents securely. It’s particularly helpful when sailing to regions requiring specific vaccinations or health certificates.
20. Ship Finder
A favorite among deck officers, Ship Finder displays real-time vessel movements using AIS data. Seafarers can track ships globally, identify nearby vessels, and get data on speed, heading, and cargo type—making it an excellent tool for navigation awareness.
21. My-Ankaa
More than just an app, My-Ankaa acts as a digital life manager for seafarers. It stores certificates, training records, and career history securely in one place. Users can receive document expiry reminders, manage CVs, and even share verified details with employers—simplifying professional documentation management.
Why These Apps Matter
For seafarers, time and connectivity are precious commodities. These seafarers mobile apps don’t just simplify work—they enhance safety, communication, and professional growth. Many of them function offline, making them reliable companions even when sailing through low-signal regions.
Using these tools effectively can:
- Improve safety awareness and compliance.
- Support better communication with shore offices.
- Streamline maintenance and inspections.
- Provide emotional and legal support when needed.
Tips for Using Apps at Sea
- Download before departure – Internet is limited onboard, so install and update apps while ashore.
- Save offline data – Cache important information like maps, manuals, and contacts.
- Limit background usage – Turn off app syncs to save bandwidth and battery.
- Use Wi-Fi efficiently – Schedule updates during off-peak hours.
- Stay cyber-secure – Avoid sharing personal or company data on unverified networks.
Final Thoughts
Modern seafarers navigate not just oceans, but also an ocean of information. Having the right apps for seafarers turns smartphones into powerful safety, navigation, and welfare tools.
From Cargo Handbook to ITF Helpline, these applications make daily life at sea more manageable and secure. As maritime technology continues to evolve, embracing digital tools isn’t optional—it’s essential for every sailor who wishes to stay safe, informed, and connected on every voyage.
