How AI-Powered CCTV Can Revolutionize Crew Welfare
By Osher Perry
In an era marked by mounting crew shortages and increasing pressures on maritime operations, the recent mandate to install CCTV on Indian-flagged vessels presents a significant opportunity to enhance both crew welfare and operational safety.
A renewed emphasis on operational visibility is also expanding beyond the shores of India. In markets including the U.S., Australia, and Panama, cameras are already being used to safeguard crew, vessels, and the environment, respectively. According to the U.S. Sexual Assault and Sexual Harassment compliance provisions under the Jones Act, ship operators are required to have CCTV monitoring in accommodation areas to deter misconduct and ensure safer working environments. Starting in January 2025, capesize vessels operating in some Australian ports must install CCTV systems at the steering gear, providing visibility to the bridge for safer navigation. And in April 2025, Panama introduced new rules mandating the use of CCTV, among other requirements, on Panama-flagged fishing vessels to combat illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.
But beyond the basic idea of monitoring, these systems, especially when enhanced by AI, have the potential to address some of the most pressing concerns in the industry. For example, as crews face more pressure, integrating advanced CCTV systems offers a unique opportunity to protect seafarers from unjust operational liability, especially in high-stakes and challenging situations.
One of the most significant advantages of AI-driven CCTV systems is their ability to act as an unbiased, independent witness to onboard activities. Data gathered across 2,100 vessels indicate that the root cause of 58 percent of accidents is influenced by human factors. Seafarers’ contributions to an incident are therefore frequently scrutinized. They commonly face the risk of being unfairly blamed for incidents or operational failures due to the lack of concrete evidence. When cargo contamination, alleged smuggling activities, or reports of unattended bridges occur, crews are often left defending their actions in the absence of a clear record.
Having access to reliable, accessible CCTV footage could help shield seafarers from false claims and operational liabilities by providing a transparent and verifiable record of onboard activities. The integration of AI also allows these systems to do more than just monitor; they actively analyze data, offering real-time insights into operations and alleviating the burden of resource-intensive investigations.
The potential of AI-driven CCTV extends far beyond protecting crew members from liability or issues such as bullying and harassment. These systems also have the capacity to act as powerful safety tools for preventing incidents. Smart systems can detect early warning signs and provide immediate alerts to potential safety risks, so that action can be taken to stop full-blown crises from developing. Such insights might be addressed in real time, or used as a forward-planning tool for training crew in areas where risks have been identified. This approach to proactive crew and vessel management can make a significant impact on safety, operational efficiency, and cost management.
For example, a recent evaluation of a fleet of 30 vessels, revealed that CCTV enhanced with AI technology reduced losses by 40 percent. Therefore, by identifying safety risks early and taking appropriate action, ship operators have the tools to protect crew, mitigate damage, reduce insurance claims, and prevent downtime. It ultimately contributes to a more secure and profitable operation.
Progressive nations are taking significant steps forward by mandating the installation of CCTV systems on vessels, setting a global precedent. However, it is important to remember that not all solutions can deliver the same level of operational impact. There is a danger that traditional systems can generate overwhelming amounts of footage, causing operators to use these as a reactive resource rather than something that can help to inform best practices. So, while the mandate is an encouraging signal for improving safety standards through technology, compliance at its most basic level doesn’t necessarily deliver improved performance. This is where AI-powered ship CCTV technology not only allows for regulatory compliance; with the right application, it can turn data into insights that build a safer, smarter and more efficient fleet.
Advanced visibility is widely used in other sectors. Regulatory compliance with CCTV requirements has become a reality for global industries, from aviation and manufacturing to logistics and construction, with governments and international bodies refining standards to ensure safety, security, and operational efficiency. CCTV-focused mandates signal the beginning of a greater shift in the maritime industry’s approach to using CCTV, and the timing couldn’t be better.
As the maritime industry continues to face increasing operational pressures and workforce challenges, the adoption of AI-powered CCTV systems represents a critical step toward a safer and more efficient future. These systems provide a dual benefit: Not only do they protect seafarers from unjust liability and harassment, they also offer real-time insights into safety risks to reduce the likelihood of accidents and mitigate their impact.
Shipping stands at the precipice of a new era: one where technology not only protects cargo and vessels but also ensures that the welfare of the men and women who make global trade possible is upheld and safeguarded.