How Biometrics Can Benefit Seafarers

Health and security are the mission of every medical technology professional. Seafarers have a challenging role in directing a ship and delivering different commodities across the ocean. As they traverse the waters, it’s only natural to wonder how health specialists can keep tabs and assist them to ensure their well-being. Biometric technology is beneficial for people within this line of work.

What Biometrics Are Best Known For

Biometrics has a range of uses, but the medical technology sector primarily uses these devices for patient identification and matching. Knowing which individual has a certain health record can promote immediate attention when needed.

There’s also growing interest in biometrics as a medical tool. Because the devices collect data unique to an individual’s physical characteristics, they can be a good reference point for diagnosis and treatment. 

The Benefits of Biometrics for Seafarers

Seafarers already use various marine technologies and are quite well-versed in how devices work. Medical technologists can work with them to integrate biometrics, provide the best care possible and offer extra assistance for processes on the ship. 

Check Identification

Seafarers are responsible for bringing all sorts of goods across different waters. Multiple people enter uncharted seas, and it can be challenging to pinpoint who exactly is onboard when entering or exiting a port.

Install a touchless biometric system. This technology identifies people without the risk of contact, infection or other complications. Collected data can even be interconnected with ship operators’ devices.

Accurately Check Health Status

Seafarers are often in the middle of nowhere, but that doesn’t mean forgetting their health. Medical aid kits are onboard for each staff member’s use. Biometric wearables are also ideal for use on ships since they can check and track anyone’s health status.

Wearables are a great accuracy check when screening who gets to go on board or not. They are also suitable for checking people’s health after being on land. Get real-time information about the heart rate and exhaustion levels of those onboard.

Increase Security

A stowaway is concerning because their intentions are unclear. The worst-case scenario is they’re looking to harm others on the ship. Medical technologists must consider passengers’ and seafarers’ health and well-being first. 

Biometrics can provide a good level of access control when allowing people to board the boat. Seafarers should also install access control systems on more dangerous parts of the ship, like the fire and electric generator spaces. 

Provide Extra Information for Navigation

Seafarers are well-equipped to navigate the waters with their location systems. However, they may sometimes encounter certain obstacles. Whether it’s new territories or a malfunction on board, they will need help from third parties. 

Biometric technology can be a reference point for vessel traffic services that provide navigation assistance to ships in high-risk areas. Tracking and pinpointing boats can bring help to their location quicker. 

Detect Medical Emergencies at Sea

Every person wishes for a safe journey, but medical emergencies can happen when least expected. For instance, rougher waters can cause staff to feel more motion sickness. Biometric devices like electroencephalography can detect changes in brain activity when people suddenly feel ill.

It’s crucial to provide CPR and medication as soon as possible if a seafarer suddenly undergoes cardiac arrest at sea. Biometric technology like heart monitors can track the rate and pulse of someone’s heartbeat for immediate action.

Biometric data is also helpful in physical medical emergencies. People who fall overboard will experience a drastic change in their pulse and temperature. Having this information can mean providing aid as quickly as possible. 

Things to Address When Using Biometrics

Biometrics is a powerful tool, but many features should be addressed. For instance, data management and security can always be improved. This technology can collect information to safeguard seafarers and make medical decisions on the spot.

Those who hold others’ biometric data should ensure it is only utilized for medical and security purposes. Any other use of the information can be considered tampering and theft. 

The Marine Corps Systems Command recently employed a biometric data collection system for entry control point operations. As helpful as it is for verification, its storage for future reference raises questions on how long it will retain information. 

Utilize Biometrics for Seafarers

Biometric technology is a vital tool for the medical field to safeguard the lives and well-being of others. Seafarers face quite a bit of danger, so employ it to give them the help they need to stay healthy at sea.