Introduction

During much of the MariMOOC we have spoken about data. We have seen it within the Basic IT module in terms of how computers operate with specific reference to processing speed and communication. Within the Cyber Security module we spoke about of security concerns for protecting the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our data. The digitisation of systems and processes across the last few decades has resulted in a data revolution. There are now vast amounts of data that is stored and communicated across vast distances. This section will explore data itself in a bit more depth, and will touch of a few hot topics for the future, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain.

This first video will introduce us to a few key definitions and concepts relating to data:

Data Storage: Databases

Data is useful. However, for us to use it we need to store it. Record keeping to give a historical perspective on events or trends is an old concept. Prior to computers there were many forms of data storage, file simple files, through to vast archives of books. However, within most modern contexts, when we discuss data storage, we are often discussing a form of a database. This next video will explain introduce us to the basics of what a database is and how they are utilised.

Data storage, however, is not just limited to databases. Vast file stores exist which are not themselves present within a database. The table below outlines several common forms of file storage.

Name	Description
Local Storage	Usually referring to storage on the device being used, such as on the hard drive.
Removable Storage	An extension of local storage, but on media that is not built into the machine. Examples include cds, dvds, usb drives.
Database	A database is a collection of information that is organized so that it can be easily accessed, managed and updated. Typically stored within tables enabling for relationships between different data items in tables to be established. This relationship is formed by matching "key" values that are present within both tables together, to enable them to be joined together. A table may have multiple "keys", The "primary" key is unique within the table, while a "foreign" key will be a primary key from another table.
Network Attached Storage (NAS)	Data is stored within folders on a server locally within the network enabling fast access to the files over the local network. Can often also be accessed remote to the local network, but it is stored within the network owned by the organisation.
Cloud Storage	Similar to network storage, but present external to the local network. Such systems enable easy access from anywhere around the world. Cloud storage typically leverages cheap mass storage provided as a service by cloud companies (Amazon, Microsoft, Dropbox etc). Such a service is highly commoditized, resulting in very low cost and high accessibly, but the data itself is stored by a different company than your own.
Git Repository	Git is a distributed version-control system for tracking changes in source code during software development. It is designed for coordinating work among programmers, but it can be used to track changes in any set of files. Its goals include speed, data integrity, and support for distributed, non-linear workflows.

The Internet of Things

As discussed within the Operational Technology section, many shipboard systems are now integrated with IT systems to enable data logging and indeed remote monitoring. However, these changes are not unique to the maritime industry, but are found in many industries and throughout the consumer market. This increased connectedness is referred to as the rise of the Internet of Things. Due to very low cost of computer chips, adding simple computer hardware and network connectivity to traditionally non-IT devices has become common. It has been estimated that by 2025 there will be over 20 billion IoT devices globally. This will further accelerate the number of networked devices present on a vessel being used by the crew. This next video will explore IoT and its growing adoption.

Data use in Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) was formerly a concept reserved for sci-fi books and movies. However, it is now a label for a broad range of techniques to enable process automation, or even knowledge discovery. AI has found its way into our phones and computers, and by extension, into our vessels. AI assisted technologies are quite common. However, the promise of more of them in the future is ever present, and indeed we discuss some of the direct usages of them within the maritime industry in the Automation and Autonomy section within this module. This following video however aims to demystify the concept a little, attempting to build on our knowledge about data from within this module and some of the other terms we have heard within the Basic IT module.

To check out more on this topic read this article:

Five ways shipping is leveraging AI for performance management

Data Storage: Blockchain

Much as IoT and AI have become buzz terms of the last decade, Blockchain has also been a term that has been thrown around as an IT tool that can solve all of our problems. However, what is it and how does it work? What is it really capable of? What is its relevance to the maritime industry. This next video aims to give us a brief introduction into the topic and to shed some light as to possible answers to these questions.

To check out more on this topic read this article:

7 Major Blockchain Technology Developments In Maritime Industry

Conclusion

The future of the maritime industry is one that will be increasingly reliant on data. More systems will be connected. These systems will store large amounts of data about the performance of vessel systems, and these in turn will be used as datasets to train AI to assist seafarers on board. Logistics systems will use more technologies like blockchain (or at least things that are inspired by it) moving forward, ensuring that goods are delivered correctly, and based on the AI systems as efficiently as possible.