Initial findings from the STEER Project, led by The Nautical Institute in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Foundation, show that maritime technology can improve safety, efficiency and life at sea, but its benefits depend on how systems are designed, introduced, supported and used. A review of 471 maritime casualty cases between 2005 and 2025 found that 43.1% involved at least one human-factor cause associated with equipment and workplace conditions, while the research suggests that technology frequently shifts risk rather than eliminating it. The report identifies inadequate training, poor procedures, inconsistent interfaces, excessive alarms and poorly supported systems among the issues affecting seafarers and shipboard operations. It also highlights how digitalisation and automation can change workloads, increase monitoring demands and place greater emphasis on professional judgement. The report calls for closer involvement of seafarers in technology design and implementation, improved vessel-specific familiarisation and greater consideration of workload, competence and human factors.