From 1st October, seafarers onboard vessels that are using the Inmarsat FleetBroadband service will be able to enjoy cheap phone calls home with the introduction of Enhanced Super Quiet Time (ESQT) low-cost calling only for FleetBroadband users. The Enhanced SQT offer from Inmarsat, will apply across all three FleetBroadband variants, FB 500, FB 250 and the latest low cost entry terminal, FB150 and will apply all year round, at any time of day or night.
The positive link between contact with family for seafarers and morale boost is well known and an established fact. Inmarsat in recognising this have been proactive in providing cheaper calls to seafarers so that they can keep in touch with their loved ones and help ease the stress of being at sea a little and raise crew morale. This service has evolved over the years, starting from being a few hours a day when initially launched to being extended to 12 hours on weekdays and 24 hours a day during weekends and special promotions.
The Super Quiet Time offering for users of Inmarsat – B, Mini-M, and Fleet (33, 55 and 77) will be 12 hours a day on weekdays and 24 hours a day on weekends and special promotions.
Commenting on this new initiative, Inmarsat Maritime Marketing Manager, Kartik Sinha said: “This is our way of giving something back to the industry especially in a time when the shipping industry is suffering from the effects of the economic downturn. We know that cheaper cost calls make a significant contribution in improving crew morale and we hope that this offering will help shipping companies in their crew retention strategy. With our Enhanced SQT, mariners will be able take advantage of low-cost calls to friends and family 24/7, 365 days a year using FleetBroadband. This evolution in our SQT offering is a big step and once again goes to emphasise Inmarsat’s commitment to crew welfare.”
The launch of Enhanced SQT is particularly significant, given the impending release of International Labour Organisation guidelines, due for publication in the coming months, which will have a strong focus on the importance of crew welfare.
