Giovanni Tuapin, President of Intership Crew Philippines, didn’t mince words at the 2025 SAFETY4SEA Manila Forum. He laid out a stark truth: the maritime industry is changing faster than a tide coming in, and seafarer training needs to keep up. While technical skills are still the bread and butter, soft skills are becoming the secret sauce for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
The maritime landscape is a hot mess of rapid digital adoption, sustainability pushes, geopolitical gymnastics, workforce shifts, and a regulatory framework more complex than a bowl of spaghetti. Tuapin argues that to navigate this storm, the industry needs to be proactive and adaptive. Luckily, maritime training has already started to evolve, embracing technology and a deeper understanding of human factors. But this is just the beginning.
The future is all about innovative, adaptive training solutions. Technology and AI are fantastic tools, offering flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and the ability to simulate scenarios from a storm in a teacup to a full-blown maritime disaster. But they can’t replace the value of hands-on training. Seafarers need that direct experience to develop the skills, judgment, and teamwork needed to keep operations safe and efficient. So, the sweet spot is a blended approach that combines the best of both worlds.
Now, let’s talk soft skills. With the industry’s rapid transformation, driven by tech and automation, soft skills are more critical than ever. We’re talking communication to prevent misunderstandings, critical thinking for sound decision-making under pressure, problem-solving for unexpected challenges, and leadership at all levels. Every crew member, regardless of rank, should be empowered to take initiative and uphold the values of the maritime profession.
But here’s the kicker: the industry needs to shift from reactive to proactive thinking. Reactive thinking is like putting a band-aid on a broken leg. It’s not enough. Proactive thinking means anticipating issues, questioning procedures, and suggesting improvements. It means creating a safe space for raising concerns and sharing new ideas. It’s about fostering a culture where safety, efficiency, and continuous improvement are paramount.
And that’s where adaptive leadership comes in. Adaptive leaders lead with empathy, are open to feedback, and foster a culture of learning and continuous improvement. They create win-win outcomes by responding to dynamic situations, empowering others, and encouraging collaboration and innovation. By harnessing the power of collaboration, maritime organizations can unlock the full potential of their seafarers and collective intelligence.
But to truly embed this culture of proactive seafarers, the industry needs to empower its teams, provide the right tools, and celebrate achievements. This means training programs that focus on soft skills, strong mentorship, open communication, and proactive behavior. It means having coaches, both onboard and ashore, who care about the team, align team members with their strengths, foster integrity, challenge the team to reach their potential, and help them achieve their goals.
So, what does this all mean for the future of the maritime industry? It’s clear that the status quo isn’t going to cut it. The industry needs to embrace change, foster a culture of proactive thinking, and empower its seafarers to lead from every position. It’s a tall order, but it’s the only way to ensure a safe, efficient, and sustainable future. So, let’s roll up our sleeves, challenge the norms, and spark some debate. The future of the maritime industry is at stake, and it’s time to set sail towards a new horizon.