Engaging with Youtubers of Sailing La Vagabonde: A Discourse on Digital Sailing Forums and Applications
In the world of seafaring, traditional methods of communication have long been the norm. However, a new wave of social media apps is transforming the way sailors connect and share experiences, with SeaPeople and Sailors Connect leading the charge.
These apps, designed specifically for boaters and sailors, offer a platform for community interaction, trip logging, and social networking. Unlike traditional communication at sea that primarily focuses on navigation, safety, and operational communication, these modern apps rely on smartphones, GPS integration, and internet connectivity.
While traditional communication at sea has historically relied on radio communication (VHF, HF), automatic identification systems (AIS), satellite phones, and paper charts, these new apps offer a more engaging and interactive experience. For instance, SeaPeople allows users to create map-based "hail" messages, share boat trip animations, and connect with nearby boaters or crews, enhancing social connectivity on the water.
One key difference between these social media apps and traditional communication methods is the purpose they serve. While traditional communication is primarily used for navigation, safety, and operational communication, these apps are designed for community interaction, sharing experiences, social networking, and trip logging.
Another significant difference lies in the communication style. Traditional communication at sea is mainly voice-based, while social media apps for sailors use text messaging, group chats, social posts, GPS-based sharing, and more.
The connectivity of these apps also sets them apart. While traditional communication methods operate independently of the internet, using radio frequencies, these apps rely on cellular networks (including 5G near shore) or satellite internet.
The content type also varies. Traditional communication mainly consists of voice, numeric/symbolic AIS data, and chart plotting, while social media apps for sailors offer multimedia posts, including photos, videos, and location sharing.
However, it's important to note that traditional communication remains critical for safety and regulatory compliance. AIS and NOAA electronic charts are still essential for navigation and positioning, especially in areas without internet access.
As 5G internet transforms sea connectivity near coastlines, offering faster speeds and better range for internet-based social apps, these apps are becoming increasingly popular among sailors. Starlink satellite broadband is also playing a significant role in transforming the role of mobile phones for bluewater sailing.
In summary, modern social media apps for sailors add a rich layer of social interaction and real-time sharing supported by mobile internet, while traditional methods primarily serve navigation, safety, and operational communication under conditions that may lack internet access. These apps are revolutionizing the way sailors communicate, share experiences, and build communities at sea.
- Technology is revolutionizing the lifestyle of sailors, as new social media apps like SeaPeople and Sailors Connect are offering online-education, learning opportunities, and entertainment in addition to community interaction and trip logging.
- In contrast to traditional communication methods used at sea, which focus on navigation, safety, and operational communication, these modern apps cater to education-and-self-development, social-media engagement, and entertainment.
- As education-and-self-development resources become increasingly accessible online through online-education platforms, sailors can now improve their skills and knowledge, fueling their passion for the sea, all while connected via modern social media apps.
