The Lost Art of Communication: Reflecting on Modern vs. Traditional Methods
I found a pile of old letters at the weekend. The first one I picked out was to my parents from a very young Cadet Fortnum. I was writing from an old Shell tanker, M.S. Naticina which will be familiar to some of my connections, dated April 1987!
Handwritten, dated and worn; it was a small window into a time when communication was a more deliberate act. Writing, sending that letter, knowing it would take weeks or even months to reach home, and the anticipation of a reply. The excitement when the agent’s mailbox arrived onboard; the disappointment when that late change of orders meant it didn’t!
It now feels wholly foreign in today’s world of instant communication. But the distance and time involved gave those letters depth and a personal touch missing from today’s digital exchanges.
The Evolution of Communication at Sea
Back then, being at sea meant being truly disconnected. It allowed us to focus fully on our duties, without the constant pull of domestic concerns. The landscape has shifted dramatically!
The advent of satellite communications, being able to hear a familiar voice or read a comforting message after a long day can provide much-needed emotional support. It bridges the gap between the ocean and home, offering a sense of connection that was once unimaginable. However, with these advancements come new challenges: the once-clear boundaries between professional and personal life blur, leading to (in extremis) increased stress or burnout.
The Question of Quality vs. Quantity
This contrast between old and new communication methods raises an interesting question: is the quality of our interactions improving or are we just communicating more? Handwritten letters were often more thoughtful, composed, and meaningful. They required time and reflection, and as a result, they carried a certain weight and sincerity. In contrast, while modern communication is fast and frequent, it can sometimes feel superficial or hurried.
Finding Balance in a Connected World
The key lies in balance. For our seafarers, of course, it’s essential they’re connected with those back home; for most it is a ‘must’ when reviewing T & C’s. However, they also need to maintain focus and a sense of detachment when necessary. We need to integrate the best aspects of both worlds. Maybe it’s about setting boundaries for when and how we communicate while at sea, or perhaps it’s about finding ways to bring more mindfulness into our digital exchanges.
Poll: Handling connectivity at sea
In a perfect world, we’d have instant communications that were as deep and personal as the handwritten letter used to be, without the dangers of minute-to-minute distraction as the domestic world encroaches on the professional (so a sailor doesn’t stand in a bight because he/she is thinking about the car that’s just broken down at home!).
Clearly, it’s not all possible but I’d love to hear your thoughts. How can we better manage the changing world of instant communications at sea?
· No access to personal comms while on watch?
· Better, holistic pastoral care from leaders?
· A reminder in toolbox talks for people to focus on the here-and-now?
· Training, counselling services for seafarers: whole-life management?
Conclusion
Rediscovering that old letter was a powerful reminder of how much has changed in the way we connect with others. We can’t turn back time. Recapturing the care, thoughtfulness and value of a world of irregular, precious correspondence is clearly impossible. However, better managing the instant, distracting world of today is certainly within our gift!
Feel free to share your experiences or thoughts in the comments below. How do you navigate the challenges of communication between ship and shore?