With so much going on in the maritime space, it is often difficult to keep track of trends and developments. Social media posts jostle for our attention as companies, organisations, individuals and influencers seek the perfect blend of hook and substance to attract our attention as they mine for our likes and reposts. It is difficult not to get lost wandering around in this noisy virtual arena – and it is even more difficult to take the time and focus on just one thing. In this first part of a series of articles discussing the State of the South African Maritime Nation, editor, Colleen Jacka, sifts through information from sources that include conferences, recent events and doom scrolling across social media.