In the fast-evolving world of maritime tech, a groundbreaking study has shed light on how to keep seafarers sharp in the age of autonomous ships. Jevon P. Chan, a researcher from the School of Engineering at Newcastle University, has been digging into how different training methods can boost seafarers’ ability to spot and fix faults in advanced ship systems. His findings, published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, could reshape how we prepare mariners for the future.
So, what’s the big deal? Well, as ships get smarter, the role of humans on board is changing. We’re talking about autonomous navigation, digital twins, and all sorts of fancy tech that’ll make ships safer and more efficient. But here’s the kicker: these technologies can also make things more complicated. As Chan puts it, “The relationship between human operators and technology has rapidly evolved into a significant part of daily life across various industries, including the maritime sector.”
The study looked at 60 navigational seafarers, both experienced officers and cadets, and put them through their paces in a full mission bridge simulator. Half of them got technical training, while the other half focused on behavioural skills like situational awareness. The results? Those who got the behavioural training were better at spotting and fixing faults, even when up against experienced seafarers who’d had technical training. As Chan notes, “Participants who received the behavioural training were more successful in both recognising and diagnosing the fault during the exercise.”
Now, why should the maritime industry care? For starters, this could be a game-changer for training programs. As ships become more autonomous, the skills needed on board will shift. Situational awareness, fault recognition, and diagnosis will be crucial. This study suggests that behavioural training could be the key to keeping seafarers effective in the autonomous era.
But it’s not just about training. This research also highlights the importance of clear communication and standards in the industry. With so many terms floating around—automated, fully autonomous, unmanned—the industry needs to get on the same page. As Chan points out, “It is critical for the maritime industry to take a forward-looking approach to alleviate confusion among its professionals by clearly defining what constitutes a MASS vessel and categorising the various subcategories of MASS vessels.”
For maritime professionals, this means staying ahead of the curve. As ships get smarter, so should the people running them. That means embracing new training methods, staying up-to-date with the latest tech, and being ready to adapt. It’s not just about keeping up with the times; it’s about setting the pace.
The commercial impacts are clear. Ships that run more smoothly, with fewer human errors, mean better efficiency, lower costs, and safer operations. For shipowners and operators, that’s a win-win. And for seafarers, it means a future where their skills are valued, even as the ships they sail get smarter.
So, what’s next? Chan suggests that future research should look at longer, more comprehensive training packages. And while this study focused on fault recognition and diagnosis, there’s plenty more to explore. How do we train seafarers to work with advanced decision-making aids? How do we ensure they stay sharp as technology advances?
One thing’s for sure: the future of shipping is autonomous, and the future of seafarers is behavioural. As the industry steers towards this new horizon, studies like Chan’s will be the compass guiding the way. So, buckle up, maritime professionals. The future is autonomous, and it’s coming fast.
