Information Transfer Systems in the Ocean Workplace: A Review and Case Study

With increasing competition for the world´s ocean resources, there is a corresponding rise in the need to establish adequate and appropriate information transfer systems for all ocean users as a measure towards reducing the potential for conflicts. This paper will focus on this need and will investigate, as a case study, the information transfer system for the petroleum and fishing industries offshore Nova Scotia. To support the discussion in this paper, general trends from a study on fishermen´s information needs about the petroleum industry will be used. In particular, the data will be used to highlight two points about information transfer: 1) information is only relevant and of potential use if supplied through appropriate channels, and 2) information should be in a style familiar to the recipient in order to be of value. The discussion will highlight how appropriate information distribution can aid in achieving a better working environment on the world´s oceans.