In this paper, we discuss scenarios for the use of modern wireless telecommunication systems and related services in the maritime domain. The impressive development of the wireless telecommunications, along with areas like mobile/wireless computing, pervasive computing and context aware and location-based services has stimulated our interest in onboard application of such technologies to further facilitate crew communication and tasks to support different activities of the passengers on board. After presenting the relevant technical developments, we present our view of the maritime telecommunications infrastructure of the near future and we try to provide suggestions for achieving the vision of ubiquity and universality in maritime communication systems.