A new report from OneOcean, in collaboration with the maritime innovation consultancy Thetius, reveals that 82% of maritime professionals believe current training is not adequately preparing them for modern operational challenges. While only 18% feel that the training is up to date, this reality indicates an increasing gap between the skills needed and what mariners are being trained for.
Digital Challenges in Maritime Operations
This research was conducted using survey data and interviews with professionals in various maritime roles, including captains, officers, engineers, and training personnel. The findings highlight two main challenges: first, mariners are working in increasingly complex digital environments, and second, these professionals feel they are not well-prepared to adapt to these changes.
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The first study titled "Are You Competent or Compliant?" shows that skills gaps become more pronounced when mariners are in critical situations. The second report titled "Optimal Decision-Making or Extra Burden?" indicates that the digital revolution has brought new risks, as technology can distribute work and instead of eliminating it, increase the workload.
Increased Workload and Fatigue
Modern ships, as connected digital ecosystems, have brought improvements in reporting, transparency, and efficiency, but they have also introduced new challenges. Mariners increasingly act as a link between systems that do not communicate with each other and must manually correct conflicting data. For example, after a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) interference, 75% of mariners reported a significant increase in workload.
Alex Mangan, Marketing and Communications Director at OneOcean, states: "The change in maritime transport will only be accelerated by the adoption of new digital systems to manage international regulations and enhance efficiency. This gap between mariner training and the real challenges they face at sea must be bridged."
The need for a shift in educational approaches to align with real operations at sea is a necessity. Nick Chab, founder of Thetius, emphasizes that the findings indicate a clear gap between the modern needs of maritime transport and skill development methods. The industry must move beyond compliance-based training and equip mariners with the necessary skills for safe and effective operations.
OneOcean's products, including the Ocean Learning Platform (OLP), are designed to provide an overview of crew readiness. This platform helps operators make better decisions by transforming certification records and assessments into a clear picture of skills and training gaps.
OneOcean is also participating in the Seatrade Maritime Crew Connect global conference this week, discussing the challenges arising from officer shortages and fatigue. These discussions highlight the importance of focusing on the training and preparedness of mariners in the digital age.
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