• Journal of Navigation and Port Research
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.191-201
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• 2023

The provision of onboard Internet services is recognized as one of the measures to enhance the appeal of seafarers and improve seafarer welfare. This study aims to investigate the influence of seafarers' leisure activities using the Internet on shipboard culture. Shipboard culture was examined using Hofstede's cultural dimensions theory. An empirical analysis was conducted on crewmembers regarding their Internet-based leisure activities and the shipboard culture. As a result, it was observed that sociability activities through the Internet while onboard significantly influenced power distance, uncertainty avoidance, and long-term orientation. The investigation of shipboard culture revealed uncertainty avoidance, masculinity, and long-term orientation, along with low power distance and individualism cultures. In addition, an analysis of shipboard culture according to seafarers' characteristics showed significant differences in certain shipboard cultures based on seafarers' attributes.